By Canadian Press

Canada’s emergency alert system can’t measure how many phones get the notices

Jun 5, 2019 | 9:22 AM

OTTAWA — The federal government says it can’t measure how many people actually receive emergency-alert messages on their phones.

A spokesman for Public Safety Canada says the most recent test of the warning system in early May was determined to be a success.

Wireless providers reported a successful distribution of the test messages across their networks.

However Tim Warmington also says there is no mechanism for the providers to know how many phones actually received the message.

major trafficking operations

Over 130 arrested, 51 charged, drugs & weapons seized after months-long operation in Nanaimo

1h ago

B.C. championship

Nanaimo Minor Hockey U18 T1 Clippers primed for provincials

3h ago

Block Watch

Motivated neighbours launching Nanaimo's latest Block Watch

10h ago

It became mandatory for wireless providers to issue emergency alerts on mobile phones in April 2018.

Concerns about the limitations of the system arose this week when numerous Ottawa residents reported never getting warned about a tornado that hit an east-end neighbourhood on Sunday night.

The Canadian Press