OTTAWA-GATINEAU – Canadians will begin to receive timely warnings of emergency situations over their radios and through their televisions starting next year.
On Friday, the CRTC made it mandatory for the broadcasting industry to participate in the National Public Alerting System to relay emergency alert messages. Emergency alert messages are issued by emergency management officials such as fire marshals, police officers and public health personnel to warn the public of dangers to life and property, like severe weather, water contamination and industrial disasters, as well as Amber Alerts.
Messages issued under the system must follow specific guidelines to ensure they are easily recognized by members of the public, the Commission detailed. Cable and satellite companies, radio stations, over-the-air television stations and video-on-demand services must begin issuing such messages by March 31, 2015, while campus, community-based and Native broadcasters have until March 31, 2016 to comply with this new requirement.
“During an emergency situation, important information can be relayed quickly to Canadians over the radio and through their televisions”, said CRTC chairman Jean-Pierre Blais, in a statement. “We are making sure that broadcasters and television service providers play their part in improving the security and safety of Canadians. Today’s decision ensures that Canadians will have access to important local safety messages when these notifications are issued by authorities.”
