Canada is testing its emergency alert system on Wednesday. Here’s when it’s happening in Ontario

Emergency alerts will ring from cellphones across Toronto on Wednesday afternoon as Canada’s national alert system conducts tests.Alert Ready, emergency alert system, will conduct tests in all provinces and territories except Prince Edward Island on Wednesday. Ontario residents can expect one test message on their television, cellphones and wireless devices at 12:55 p.m. Alert Ready is run as a collaboration between federal, provincial and municipal governments, the broadcasting industry, wireless service providers and Pelmorex Corporation, the media organization that runs the Weather Network. Pelmorex Corporation said in a press release the test is meant to increase awareness of the Alert Ready system and prepare Canadians for actual emergencies. Tests are also meant to measure the reliability and effectiveness of the system, and ensure it works as intended.The test alert will sound the emergency alert tone. The test message will indicate the alert is a test and does not require action.Canadians cannot opt out of receiving the test alert.Pelmorex Corporation said Alert Ready sent Canadians more than 800 alerts so far this year.The alert system conducts tests twice a year in some provinces, once in May and once in November. In May, emergency alert systems in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba and Nova Scotia emergency alert system were not tested.Isaac Phan Nay is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Reach him via email: iphannay@thestar.ca