OTTAWA, ON, Nov. 27, 2025 (CNW Group via COMTEX) --
Earthquakes are among the world's most powerful and destructive natural disasters. When an earthquake hits, a few seconds of warning can allow people to take immediate actions to protect themselves, possibly making the difference between life and death.
Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources; the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Ontario's Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response; and Ian Lafrenière, Quebec's Minister of Public Security, announced that the Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) system is operational and supporting earthquake preparedness efforts in Quebec and eastern Ontario.
The EEW system detects earthquakes using a network of over 200 sensors established in Quebec and Ontario. If a potentially harmful earthquake is detected, an alert will automatically be issued through the National Public Alerting System for distribution by broadcasters and wireless carriers to people in the affected area, seconds to tens of seconds before strong shaking arrives. These critical seconds of warning will give people in Quebec and eastern Ontario the opportunity to protect themselves and "Drop, Cover and Hold On."
Natural Resources Canada is also working to deliver detailed EEW messages to critical infrastructure operators. These warnings allow operators in Ontario and Quebec to initiate protective measures automatically â?? such as stopping trains, restricting traffic on bridges and tunnels, opening doors and sounding alarms â?? before strong shaking occurs.
With the EEW system now operating in western British Columbia, eastern Ontario and Quebec, more than 10 million people in the most earthquake-prone regions of the country will be able to receive earthquake alerts.
Ensuring the safety and security of Canadians is a top priority, which is why the Government of Canada is working closely with provinces, territories and Indigenous partners to strengthen mitigation, preparedness and response efforts to natural disasters.
Quotes
"Supporting the safety of Canadians is a top priority for our government. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements, the EEW system is providing residents of Quebec and eastern Ontario with the critical seconds they need to take protective action during an earthquake. This system is a significant step forward in building a safer, more resilient Canada."
The Honourable Tim HodgsonMinister of Energy and Natural Resources
"Earthquakes strike without warning. This new system will give people in Quebec and Ontario the critical seconds needed to protect themselves. Through the EEW system and alerts delivered via the National Public Alerting System, we are providing timely, life-saving information when it matters most. This is an important step in strengthening Canada's readiness for emergencies. By working closely with provincial partners and harnessing innovative technology, we are helping communities stay safe and reducing the risks posed by natural disasters."
The Honourable Eleanor OlszewskiMinister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
"Ontario is committed to being ready for any emergency, including earthquakes. The EEW system uses advanced tools and proven science to help protect lives and build a more resilient province and country. We are harnessing the latest innovations to keep our communities safe, practised and prepared."
The Honourable Jill DunlopOntario Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Response
"Seismic risks are very real in Quebec, and the early earthquake warning system provides us with a valuable tool for enhancing public safety in the event of an earthquake. The Government of Quebec is pleased to have collaborated in the deployment of this system, which will help to better warn people of an imminent tremor so that they can protect themselves adequately."
Ian LafrenièreQuebec Minister of Public Security, Minister Responsible for Relations with First Nations and Inuit, and Minister Responsible for the Nord-du-Québec Region
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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada
SOURCE: Natural Resources Canada
SOURCE: Government of Canada
Contacts: Natural Resources Canada, Media Relations, 343-292-6096,
media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca; Greg Frame, Office of the Minister of Energy and Natural
Resources, Gregory.Frame@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca
COMTEX_470598446/2197/2025-11-27T09:28:00
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