With roughly 1 in 5 Canadians (over 6 million people aged 15 and older) experiencing some form of disability, ensuring equal access to online information is not only a legal necessity but also a vital part of building an inclusive society.
Canada achieves this through a mix of federal and provincial legislation to remove digital barriers, with compliance generally measured against internationally accepted standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).
Federal legislation
Accessible Canada Act (ACA)
The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is the nation’s flagship legislation designed to eliminate barriers in the federal public sector, Crown corporations, and federally regulated organizations (e.g. railways, airlines, banking, and broadcasting). Key points include:
- Scope: Applies to various industries—from transportation to telecommunications.
- Standards: While the ACA broadly outlines the requirement to remove barriers, it directs organizations to meet at least WCAG 2.0 Level AA for digital content until more detailed standards are finalized.
- Goal: Envisions a barrier‐free Canada by 2040.
- Enforcement: Non-compliance can lead to administrative penalties, underscoring the importance of proactive accessibility planning.
For more details, you can read the full text of the ACA on the Justice Canada website and check its Wikipedia overview
Provincial legislation
Each province has adopted measures to complement federal efforts, despite differences in timelines and specific requirements.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
- Enacted: 2005
- Purpose: AODA aims to make Ontario fully accessible by 2025 across public, private, and non-profit sectors.
- Web requirements: Organizations must ensure that websites and digital content conform to WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards.
- Additional measures: The Act also requires staff training on accessibility, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
For the complete legislative text, please refer to the full text of the AODA and its Wikipedia page.
Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA)
- Effective date: December 2013
- Focus: The AMA mandates the removal of a range of barriers—physical, informational, technological, and attitudinal.
- Digital aspect: Although no formal web standard is yet specified, the expectation is that organizations will eventually align with WCAG guidelines.
- Examples of barriers: Can include anything from confusing navigation to poor color contrast on websites.
You can view the AMA’s official text on the Manitoba Laws website.
Nova Scotia Accessibility Act (Bill 59)
- Ratified: September 2017
- Objective: This legislation targets removing various accessibility barriers, with a long-term vision for a fully accessible Nova Scotia by 2030.
- Digital standards: Although formal web accessibility standards are still under development, the Act is expected to adopt WCAG 2.0 Level AA criteria.
For more detailed information, check out the Nova Scotia Legislature website where the full text of the Nova Scotia Accessibility Act is available.
Accessible British Columbia Act
- Passed: June 2021
- Key Points:
- Requires public sector organizations to form accessibility committees and develop plans to identify and remove barriers.
- Sets a timeframe (2022–2025) for improving government web content according to WCAG standards.
- Community Impact: Demonstrates BC’s proactive leadership in digital accessibility.
The full text of the Accessible British Columbia Act is available online for those interested in a closer look at BC’s approach.
Additional provincial initiatives
In provinces without standalone legislation, many organizations follow internal policies or federal guidelines to achieve web accessibility. For instance:
- Saskatchewan: The provincial government’s web accessibility policy mandates conformity with WCAG Level AA.
- Yukon: Digital Service Standards require adherence to WCAG 2.0 Level AA for government web content.
Why Canadian accessibility laws matter and how to stay compliant
Ensuring that your website meets Canada’s web accessibility laws isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about opening your digital doors to millions of Canadians who rely on accessible content. Compliance enhances your reputation, broadens your audience, and contributes to a more inclusive society.
Practical tips:
- Regular accessibility auditing: Use accessibility scanners (based on WCAG 2.0/2.1/2.2) to routinely assess your site.
- Training: Educate your team on accessibility best practices.
- Feedback channels: Implement accessible means for users to report issues.
- Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with changes from bodies like Accessibility Standards Canada and provincial regulators.
Creating an accessible website is a journey—not a destination. Each improvement brings you closer to legal compliance and reflects a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
In conclusion
Canada’s layered approach – spanning federal and provincial legislation – demonstrates a strong commitment to making the digital world accessible for everyone. Whether you operate under the ACA, AODA, AMA, or another provincial framework, understanding and implementing these guidelines is essential. With 22% of Canadians living with a disability, making your website accessible is both a legal obligation and the right thing to do.
By staying informed and proactive, you can turn compliance into an opportunity to innovate and create a digital environment that welcomes all.
This guide is intended to provide an accessible overview of web accessibility laws in Canada and includes links to the full texts of key bills for further reading. For specific legal advice or detailed compliance strategies, consult an accessibility law expert.
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