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Accessible Canada Act

Also called
ACA
Last reviewed

Due , ACA, specified federal public sector web-page duties and digital accessibility training duties; check the organization category

Key facts

Jurisdiction
Canada
Sector
Public and private sectors
Applies to
Organizations under federal jurisdiction in Canada: federal departments and agencies, Crown corporations, and federally regulated private businesses such as banks, telecommunications and broadcasting companies, airlines, and interprovincial transport.
Standard
The Act sets the framework; digital technology regulations reference CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024, with scope and alternatives defined in the regulations
Dates
  • : Specified federal public sector web-page duties and digital accessibility training duties; check the organization category
  • : Specified private sector web-page duties and other digital technology duties; check the organization category

What it requires

The Act aims for a Canada without barriers by January 1, 2040. Regulated organizations must publish accessibility plans and progress reports and provide a feedback process.

Digital technology regulations now incorporate requirements from CAN/ASC - EN 301 549:2024. They cover specified web pages, documents, mobile apps, training, accessibility statements, and procurement assessments. Duties differ by organization type, size, and content.

For federal public sector organizations outside the separate transport and broadcasting or telecommunications categories, new and updated web pages must meet the specified requirements from December 5, 2027. Large federally regulated private organizations generally reach that web-page date on December 5, 2028. Training requirements begin earlier. Use the official guidance to identify your category and all applicable dates.

How it is enforced

The Accessibility Commissioner is responsible for compliance and enforcement under the Act. The Act provides for inspections, compliance orders, and administrative monetary penalties.

Sources

  1. About an Accessible CanadaGovernment of Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada, 2026. Checked .
  2. Accessible Canada Act (S.C. 2019, c. 10)Government of Canada, Justice Laws Website, 2019. Checked .
  3. Guidance overview of regulatory amendments: Digital Technologies Phase 1Employment and Social Development Canada. Checked .

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