The federal government will test its ability to issue emergency alerts today.

This means that Canadians in most provinces and territories will receive a test alert on their mobile phones, as well as through television and radio broadcasts.

The only exception is Ontario, where the test will be conducted on May 15.

Provincial and territorial emergency management organizations are already conducting regular tests of the system, but this is the first time the federal government is testing its ability to issue alerts.

Tests will be conducted in eight provinces and territories, while provincial and territorial authorities will conduct tests in four other provinces and territories.

The government says it recently signed an agreement to issue alerts about information of national interest that falls under federal jurisdiction.