New area codes will be introduced gradually in the following regions:

Important Information About New Area Codes

• This change only affects new phone numbers
• Existing phone numbers are not affected by this change
• All local calls will require 10 digits (area code + local number)
• Special numbers such as 211, 311, 411, 611 and 911 will still be dialled using only three digits
• For more information, please visit newareacodes.ca

Important Information About 10-Digit Dialing 

The introduction of a new area code in a region will require 10-digit dialing for all local calls. For each phone number, you must dial the area code before the phone number for your call to be connected. This requirement is the result of a decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) and enables 9-8-8 dialing and texting for mental health crisis and suicide prevention which came into effect in Canada on November 30, 2023. 

Callers in New Brunswick adopted 10-digit dialing beginning January 20, 2023. After April 15, 2023, calls placed using 7-digit dialing are no longer being connected.

Callers in Newfoundland and Labrador (709 area code), northern Ontario (807 area code), and Yellowknife, (including Dettah), Behchokǫ̀ and Whatì (867 area code), adopted 10-digit dialing starting April 1, 2023. After May 31, 2023, calls placed using 7-digit dialing are no longer being connected.

On April 1, 2023, residents and businesses began reprogramming their telephone functions, wireless devices, lifeline equipment and other communications equipment by adding their area code to all programmed numbers in order to accommodate 10-digit local dialing. Reprogramming was to be completed by May 31, 2023. 

10-Digit Dialing FAQs

Who is responsible for the introduction of 10-digit dialing?

• In Telecom Decision https://crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2022/2022-234.htm dated, August 31, 2022, the  Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)  directs the transition to ten-digit local dialing must be complete by 31 May 2023. These measures are the result of that decision by the CRTC. Local telecommunications companies are responsible for implementing the changes.

What is 10-digit local dialing?

• 10-digit local dialing means that the caller must dial the area code (three digits) followed by the phone number (seven digits) for all local communications.

What regions are affected by 10-digit local dialing?

• The regions that transitioned to 10-digit dialing include:  
  • New Brunswick (506 area code)
  • Newfoundland & Labrador (709 area code) 
  • Northern Ontario (807 area code) 
  • Yellowknife Local Interconnection Region (NPA 867 but limited to the three Exchanges of Yellowknife (including Dettah), Behchokǫ̀, and Whatì  
• Local 10-digit dialing was already being used in all other regions in Canada

Why must 10-digit dialing be used for local calls?

• This dialing method paved the way for the introduction of the new 3-digit special number 9-8-8 for mental health and suicide prevention. 

When should residents and businesses start using the area code in local calls?

• Businesses and residential customers in New Brunswick needed to adopt 10-digit dialing starting January 20, 2023
• Businesses and residential customers in Newfoundland and Labrador, Northern Ontario, and Yellowknife (including Dettah), Behchokǫ̀, and Whatì, needed to adopt 10-digit dialing starting April 1, 2023.

How should businesses and the general public prepare for the change to 10-digit dialing?

• Businesses – and, to a lesser extent, the general public – needed to ensure their telecommunications systems and equipment comply with 10-digit local dialing, and reprogram telephone functions, wireless devices, lifeline equipment and other communications equipment by adding their area code to all programmed numbers. They also needed to change their advertising and stationery and update their employee, client, supplier and other databases. 
• In New Brunswick, businesses and residents began reprogramming their equipment starting January 20, 2023 and reprogramming was to be completed by April 15, 2023, in order to accommodate 10-digit local dialing.
• In Yellowknife (including Dettah), Behchokǫ̀, and Whatì), businesses and residents began reprogramming their equipment starting April 1, 2023, and reprogramming was to be completed by May 31, 2023, in order to accommodate 10-digit local dialing.

What will happen if residents and businesses dial a seven-digit number after January 20, 2023 in New Brunswick?

• Between January 20, 2023 and April 15, 2023, local calls originating within New Brunswick and dialed using only 7 digits received a recorded announcement reminding callers to dial local calls using 10 digits. Calls were then automatically completed. 
• Starting April 15, 2023, all local calls must be preceded by the area code, otherwise they will not be connected. 

What will happen if residents and businesses dial a seven-digit number after April 1, 2023 in Newfoundland & Labrador, northern Ontario, and Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, and Whatì?

• Between April 1, 2023 and May 31, 2023, local calls originating within NL & Labrador, northern Ontario and the three Exchanges of Yellowknife, Behchokǫ̀, and Whatì that were dialed using only 7 digits received a recorded announcement reminding callers to dial local calls using 10 digits. Calls were then automatically completed. 
• Starting May 31, 2023, all local calls must be preceded by the area code, otherwise they will not be connected.

How should a telephone number be written?

• When written or printed, the 10-digit telephone number should be visually separated by dashes, spaces, or periods in accordance with international standards (e.g., 709 123-4567 or 709-123-4567). The area code should not appear in parentheses since this may lead the caller to believe the area code is optional. 

Can people continue to dial 9-1-1 in case of emergency?

• Yes. The 9-1-1 emergency number, where available, will not change in any way and will still require only three digits. 

If someone accidentally dials “1” before the 10-digit phone number when making a local call, will long-distance charges apply?

• No. The call will be recognized as a local call, and the caller will hear a network announcement to that effect before the call is connected. 

Will long-distance calls be affected?

• Long-distance calls will continue to be made in the same manner. Simply enter “1” followed by the 10-digit number.