Canada-ACA

Understanding Accessible Canada Act

Canada's digital accessibility legislation guarantees equitable online access to information, services, and resources for persons with disabilities. Maintaining accessible digital platforms represents both a statutory requirement and moral responsibility for Canadian organisations.

The country’s framework includes federal and provincial laws like the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (AMA), and Accessible British Columbia Act (ABCA), mandating barrier-free digital access for persons with disabilities.

These regulations establish compliance timelines across sectors like employment, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), procurement, and services, and guaranteeing equitable online experiences.

This article focuses on the Accessible Canada Act’s (ACA) digital accessibility requirements for federally regulated businesses, highlighting how organisations can align with Canada’s digitally inclusive vision.

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA)

Canada's 2010 Donna Jodhan v. Canada ruling established a landmark digital accessibility precedent, declaring inaccessible government websites a constitutional rights violation and mandating compliance.

This judicial decision directly informed the Accessible Canada Act (2019), codifying equal online access into federal law and requiring proactive barrier removal.

Canada's New Accessibility Standards

Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) has adopted EN 301 549:2021, the internationally recognized European standard for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility as Canada’s national standard (CAN/ASC-EN 301 549:2024).

This integrates Canada’s framework with global best practices, joining over thirty countries in advancing inclusive digital access.

Canada's free national accessibility standard mandates inclusive design for websites, apps, and biometric systems. While some jurisdictions already follow these European protocols, by adopting ASC nationwide to encourage voluntary compliance across all sectors.

Canada advances digital inclusion through these strategic initiatives that demonstrate universal ICT accessibility, ensuring equitable access for all citizens.

This commitment is embodied in the new National Standard of Canada, as emphasized by Philip Rizcallah, CEO of Accessibility Standards Canada-

“As a National Standard of Canada, the ICT standard reflects our commitment to accessibility. It also highlights our proactive approach in promoting inclusivity in this important field. This standard will facilitate the use and implementation of ICT best practices. It will ensure a more accessible and equitable digital environment for all Canadians. By recognizing the barriers faced by people with disabilities and acknowledging the importance of inclusive design, we aim to raise awareness and promote action. We also encourage collaboration among all levels of government. It’s just the right thing to do.”

– Philip Rizcallah, Chief Executive Officer, Accessibility Standards Canada 

Critical Insights about Accessibility Standard Canada (ASC)

Critical Insights about Accessibility Standard Canada (ASC)

Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC), created under the Accessible Canada Act, develops federal standards and research to achieve barrier-free access by 2040.

CSA (Canadian Standard Association) Group is a global leader in standards development, testing, and certification, advancing safety, sustainability, and social good worldwide.

The Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) accessibility standard is freely available in both English and French. This offers everyone the opportunity to incorporate best practices into their organisations.

The ICT standard's development involved 50% members with disabilities and 70% from equity-deserving groups, ensuring digitally inclusive accessibility standards.

ASC, accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, develops and promotes accessibility standards for federally regulated sectors, collaborating with stakeholders to achieve a barrier-free Canada for persons with disabilities.

WCAG Standards for ACA

The Accessible Canada Act mandates adherence to WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for digital accessibility compliance. This include implementing alternative text for visual elements, relatable captions for multimedia, and logically structured content.

The standards prescribe appropriate colour contrast ratios, scalable text functionality, intuitive navigation systems, full keyboard operability, elimination of flashing elements, and appropriately sized interactive targets to accommodate diverse user needs.

WCAG 2.1 AA mandates consistent content, clear errors, and semantic coding for assistive tech compatibility, achieving ACA’s barrier-free digital inclusion goals.

Who Does the ACA Apply to?

The Accessible Canada Act (ACA) applies to all federally regulated entities, including federal departments and agencies, Crown corporations like Canada Post, CBC, banking, financial institutions. Telecom providers like phone internet, broadcasters. Transportation sectors, airlines, railways, interprovincial bus, ferries, and private sector employers with 100+ employees.

It also covers Parliament, federal courts, and the Canadian Armed Forces & RCMP.

ACA mandates organisations to remove accessibility barriers in digital, physical, employment, service, and communication areas, fostering nationwide inclusion.

Responsibilities of organisation under the act ACA

To remove the barriers, the organisation must create 3-year accessibility plans with disability consultation, submit annual reports, and implement 30-day feedback systems to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.

To maintain compliance, entities must adhere to ACA accessibility standards including ICT requirements and provide regular staff training on inclusion practices.

Non-compliance risks penalties; entities must meet ACA standards and train staff for a barrier-free Canada by 2040.

These systemic changes align with Canada’s push for universal digital accessibility, a mission echoed by Mary Cianchetti-

“As we move towards establishing a barrier-free Canada, the need for standards has never been more important. We look forward to continuing our conversations with government, industry and accessibility advocates across Canada to help familiarize them with these standards, while also providing the resources and tools required to promote implementation and adoption.” 

– Mary Cianchetti, President, Standards, CSA Group

ACA Accessibility with Nexus Inclusion

Nexus Inclusion delivers comprehensive ACA compliance solutions through expert-led gap analyses, accessibility planning, and implementation support.

We audit digital platforms using technical tools and lived-experience testing. Our services include WCAG remediation, policy redesign, staff training, and compliance monitoring.

Beyond meeting standards, Nexus inclusion encourage digitally inclusive cultures through strategic guidance, helping organisations become digital accessibility leaders.