Learn how Wireless Public Alerts (WPA) in Canada save lives, improve public safety, and evolve through testing, public feedback, and new technology.
Wireless Public Alerts (WPA) have been a vital part of Canada’s emergency communication system since their launch in April 2018. Mandated by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), all wireless service providers must distribute emergency alerts from Alert Ready, Canada’s national public alerting system. These alerts warn the public about life-threatening emergencies such as severe weather, fires, floods, and AMBER Alerts for abducted children. While WPAs have proven to be life-saving, their implementation has faced challenges, including public awareness gaps and technical limitations. Over time, improvements in alert delivery, network coverage, and public education have strengthened the system, ensuring more Canadians receive critical emergency notifications when they need them most.
The first major test of Wireless Public Alerts (WPA) in Canada took place in May 2018, starting in Ontario and Quebec. This initial test revealed technical issues, including delays in message delivery and compatibility problems with certain mobile devices. Many users were unaware that they needed an LTE connection and a compatible phone with updated software to receive alerts. However, adjustments were made, and subsequent tests in other provinces showed improved alert delivery and system reliability.
Later that year, on November 19, 2024, Canada conducted its nationwide WPA test through Alert Ready. The test also highlighted the importance of multiple alerting channels, including radio, television, social media, and emergency alert apps like Alertable, to ensure that messages reach as many people as possible. You can find out more about the 2024 WAP test from our recent survey: 2024 Alert Ready Test Survey Report.
In 2018, wireless service providers launched a public awareness campaign to educate Canadians about how WPA works and what to expect from emergency alerts. However, the campaign initially caused confusion; some people mistakenly believed that receiving a text message about WPA meant their device would automatically receive emergency alerts, which was not the case. This misunderstanding underscored the need for better communication and public education about how the WPA functions and the prerequisites for receiving alerts.
A campaign was launched involving multiple strategies to educate the public. Television, radio, and social media advertisements were used to reach a broad audience and explain the importance of the alerts. They were also used to encourage users to check their device compatibility. These efforts were complemented by detailed guides provided by wireless providers on their websites, outlining the steps users needed to take to ensure their devices were alert-ready. Individuals can check their device compatibility today on the Alert Ready website.
May 2018 test showed that many Canadians did not receive alerts due to incompatible devices or outdated software. At the time, wireless carriers were only required to sell devices with WPA compatibility on 50% of their new models, limiting the reach of alerts.
Beyond technical issues, the training of emergency officials in using the system also posed challenges. Emergency management agencies across Canada needed time to adapt to the new alerting process and ensure alerts were issued effectively.
The wireless public alert system broadcasted more than 100 real emergency alerts across Canada during the first year. These included alerts for life-threatening hazards, including fires, floods, and tornadoes. Wireless emergency alerts have been credited with saving numerous lives, including people who took shelter during tornado outbreaks and abducted children who were rescued because someone recognized them from an AMBER alert received on their phone.
These alerts highlighted further areas of improvement for the wireless alert system. Authorities who issue alerts have continued to refine what their messages should say and how often they send them out after public complaints were received for several AMBER alerts in Ontario. Uneven distribution of alerts has also been a concern, with some users in Manitoba unable to receive a tornado alert and other subscribers in Manitoba receiving an AMBER alert from Ontario.
Following the 2018 WPA tests, significant improvements were made to expand the system’s reach. The CRTC mandated that 100% of new mobile devices sold by wireless providers must be WPA-compatible, ensuring that more Canadians can receive emergency alerts. As older, non-compatible devices are phased out, the overall effectiveness of WPA continues to grow among Canada’s 31 million mobile subscribers.
Another key improvement has been the expansion of LTE network coverage, which is essential for receiving WPAs. While major urban centers benefit from strong LTE infrastructure, some remote and rural communities—particularly in parts of Manitoba and other underserved areas—still experience coverage gaps. These gaps remain a challenge, as individuals in these areas may miss critical emergency alerts.
Despite these ongoing challenges, the push for 100% device compatibility and improved LTE access has strengthened WPA, making it more reliable and widely accessible than ever before. Wireless providers and public education campaigns continue to ensure that Canadians understand the importance of having a WPA-compatible device and an active LTE connection.
Since WPA launched in April 2018, more than 1,500 real emergency alerts have been issued across Canada. These alerts have warned the public about fires, floods, evacuation orders, tornadoes, health emergencies, and more. In many cases, WPAs have been directly credited with saving lives by enabling people to take immediate action in life-threatening situations.
For example, timely WPA alerts during tornado warnings have allowed residents to seek shelter, reducing injuries and fatalities. Similarly, AMBER Alerts have led to the swift recovery of abducted children, thanks to the widespread and immediate dissemination of information. The real-world use of WPA has provided authorities with valuable data to refine the system and improve its effectiveness.
While WPAs have proven their value, public feedback has highlighted areas for further refinement. Some Canadians have reported not receiving alerts, while others have received alerts for regions outside their area. These distribution inconsistencies point to the need for ongoing system monitoring and improvements in geo-targeting.
Additionally, the frequency and urgency of alerts have been a concern for some recipients. For example, AMBER Alerts, while critical, have sometimes resulted in complaints about late-night disruptions. In response, authorities continue to adjust messaging strategies and improve public awareness, ensuring that alerts remain impactful without causing unnecessary alarm.
Public feedback has been instrumental in these refinements. Surveys have provided authorities with insights into how the alerts are received and perceived by the public. This ongoing dialogue has led to more effective communication strategies and improved message clarity.
Advancements in technology and mobile alerting systems have played a vital role in improving WPA. Geo-targeting technology now allows emergency officials to send alerts only to those in affected regions, reducing unnecessary notifications. Additionally, AI-powered algorithms are improving the accuracy and precision of message delivery.
Emergency alert apps like Alertable have also gained traction, offering real-time updates, customizable notifications, and additional context for emergency alerts. These apps provide another layer of accessibility, ensuring that people receive timely and detailed information about emergencies in their area.
Ongoing research and development continue to drive improvements in WPA. As Canada’s emergency alerting infrastructure evolves, WPA will become even more efficient, accurate, and widely adopted, ensuring that more Canadians receive life-saving information when they need it most. Check out our blog on WAP & Alert Ready testing to know more about this: Alert Ready Tests: Why Canada’s Emergency Alert System is Tested Regularly.
Wireless Public Alerts (WPAs) are tested twice a year, with scheduled alerts in May and November. These national tests evaluate the system’s reliability across multiple distribution channels, including TV, radio, social media, and mobile apps. By consistently testing the Alert Ready system, emergency management agencies can assess improvements in alert delivery and pinpoint areas that still need refinement.
Following each test, Public Emergency Alerting Services Inc. (PEASI) conducts a nationwide survey to analyze the system’s effectiveness. These surveys gather feedback from the public, helping authorities understand how well alerts are received and identify potential gaps in coverage and any technical challenges. The data collected from these tests is crucial in driving continuous WPA improvements, ensuring that emergency messages reach more Canadians with greater accuracy. Visit Alertable's resource page for more information about the survey report.
PEASI has been a key player in improving Wireless Public Alerts (WPA) across Canada. With extensive experience in public alerting, PEASI has led efforts to assess WPA performance through surveys and real-world analysis. A survey conducted after the May 2024 test showed that 95% of respondents successfully received the wireless alert, a significant improvement compared to the 70% reception rate in November 2018.
Beyond surveys, PEASI actively collaborates with emergency management agencies and technology providers to refine WPA best practices. By developing clear messaging guidelines, improving delivery mechanisms, and ensuring seamless coordination between stakeholders, PEASI has played a crucial role in making WPAs more effective and accessible to all Canadians.
Public engagement is critical to the continued success and improvement of WPAs. Feedback from Canadians has directly contributed to enhancements in message clarity, frequency, and system accessibility. Over the past six years, insights from surveys and public forums have guided adjustments to make alerts more relevant, actionable, and user-friendly.
However, public participation goes beyond feedback. Educational initiatives, such as community workshops, school programs, and online resources, play a vital role in increasing awareness. Ensuring that people understand how WPAs work, why they matter, and how to respond will lead to greater trust in the system and improved emergency preparedness across the country.
The ongoing development of WPA depends on strong collaboration between government agencies, wireless providers, technology companies, and the public. Each of these stakeholders plays a crucial role in enhancing alert delivery, refining message content, and ensuring equitable access to emergency alerts.
Such partnerships have led to innovative solutions, including advanced geo-targeting for more precise alert distribution and the development of user-friendly emergency apps like Alertable. These efforts ensure that WPA continues to evolve alongside technological advancements and remains an essential tool for emergency communication
Despite the significant progress in WPA expansion, challenges remain in remote and rural areas where LTE coverage is limited. Ensuring that all Canadians have access to emergency alerts requires expanding network infrastructure and exploring alternative technologies like satellite-based alerting systems.
For individuals in areas with poor LTE connectivity or non-compatible devices, downloading the Alertable app provides a reliable solution. Because Alertable integrates with Alert Ready, users with an internet connection can still receive the same emergency notifications as WPA recipients. This ensures that critical alerts reach more people, regardless of their network limitations.
The commitment to continuous improvement is evident in the ongoing adjustments and refinements made by national and local authorities. From enhancing message clarity to addressing network coverage gaps, the focus remains on ensuring that a WPA reaches as many Canadians as possible in a timely and effective manner.
The impact of Wireless Public Alerts (WPA) in Canada is undeniable. Since its launch, the system has undergone continuous improvements, ensuring that critical, time-sensitive alerts reach more people when it matters most. The examples of tornado warnings prompting people to seek shelter and AMBER Alerts leading to the safe recovery of abducted children highlight just how effective WPA has been in protecting lives and communities.
These success stories are not isolated incidents—they are part of a broader trend of enhanced public safety and preparedness. The ability to disseminate emergency alerts instantly, reaching millions of Canadians, has proven essential in mitigating disasters, reducing casualties, and increasing public trust in the alerting system. As WPA continues to evolve through technological advancements, stakeholder collaboration, and public participation, it will remain a critical tool in safeguarding Canadians from life-threatening emergencies.
To learn more about the Canadian landscape of the emergency alert system, check out our latest blog: Canada Alert: An Overview of Emergency Alert Systems Across the Country
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