Broadcasting industry must dispatch emergency alert messages to Canadians by 2015

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...