A poison centre gives expert phone advice about a possible poisoning. Canada’s centres are staffed by registered nurses and pharmacists (CAPCCT). The Ontario Poison Centre is operated and supported by The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto and is available by phone 24 hours a day, every day of the year, at 1-800-268-9017 (Ontario Poison Centre, checked 26 October 2026).
Since March 2023 a national number, 1-844-POISON-X, routes callers to their local centre (Health Canada). The poison centres’ association lists it as 1-844-764-7669 for most provinces and territories, 1-800-463-5060 for Québec, and tells Nunavut residents to contact their local health centre (CAPCCT, checked 26 October 2026).
A poison centre is not an ambulance. The same association says to call 911 if the person is unconscious, not breathing or having a seizure (CAPCCT). For wild mushrooms, the Ontario Poison Centre says not to wait until the person feels sick before calling (Ontario Poison Centre).
General information, not medical advice. In an emergency in Canada, call 911. For a mental-health crisis, call or text 9-8-8.
Sources
- Ontario Poison Centre (home page)
- Canadian Association for Poison Centres and Clinical Toxicology
- Health Canada: Canada launches new toll-free 1-844 POISON-X number
- Ontario Poison Centre: Mushrooms
Last checked .