If your child is unconscious, is not breathing or is having a seizure, call 911 or emergency services right away. If you think your child has eaten, drunk or breathed something poisonous, call your provincial poison information centre. Poison information centres are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is free.
When and how to call 911
Use this video to teach your child how to call 911 from any type of phone and ask for help, as well as when they should and should not call 911.
Key tips
- Teach your child their home address in the event of an emergency
- Keep emergency contacts in plain sight, including 911 and poison control information
Canada-wide toll-free number
In 2023, Canada introduced one easy-to-remember toll-free number to contact Poison Control.
Toll-Free: 1-844-POISON-X or 1-844-764-7669
By calling this number, you will be re-routed to your local poison control centre regardless of where you are calling from in the country. The current provincial numbers remain in service, and you can continue using them. The services provided are available at no cost, 24/7.
If you are located in Quebec, continue to contact the Centre Antipoison du Québec (1-800-463-5060) directly.
If you are located in Nunavut, continue to contact your local public health unit directly.
| Province/Territory | Regional contact details |
|---|---|
| British Columbia & Yukon | Telephone: 604-682-5050 Toll free: 1-800-567-8911 www.dpic.org |
| Alberta & Northwest Territories | Telephone and VOIP: 403-944-1414 Toll free: 1-800-332-1414 www.albertahealthservices.ca |
| Saskatchewan | Toll free: 1-866-454-1212 |
| Manitoba | Toll free: 1-855-776-4766 |
| Ontario | Telephone: 416-813-5900 Toll free: 1-800-268-9017 www.ontariopoisoncentre.ca |
| Quebec | Toll free: 1-800-463-5060 www.ciusss-capitalenationale.gouv.qc.ca/antipoison/ |
| New Brunswick | Telephone: 911 |
| Atlantic Canada – Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Prince Edward Island | Telephone: 902-470-8161 Toll free: 1-800-565-8161 www.atlanticcanadapoisoncentre.ca/pub-contact.html |
| St. John’s Poison Control | Telephone: 709-722-1110 Toll free: 1-866-727-1110 |
| Nunavut | www.gov.nu.ca/en/health/community-health-centres |
| Qikiqtani General Hospital | Telephone: 867-975-4800 |
| Cambridge Bay (Ikaluktutiak) Health Centre | Telephone: 867-983-4500 |
| Rankin Inlet (Kangiqliniq) Health Centre | Telephone: 867-645-8300 |