Direction on Information Communication Technologies Accessibility; towards regulatory implementation
To: Deputy Heads and Departmental Chief Information Officers
Subject: Direction on Information Communication Technologies Accessibility; towards regulatory implementation
CC: Champion for Deputy Minister Accessibility Group, Comptroller General, Chief Human Resources Officer, Strategic Communications and Ministerial Affairs Assistant Secretary
Colleagues,
As you may already be aware, recent amendments to the Accessible Canada Regulations regarding digital technologies were published on December 17, 2025. These new regulatory requirements strengthen accessibility across Canada and throughout government to ensure that our internal and external digital systems, products and services are accessible and inclusive by design.
As such, I am today rescinding the Standard on Web Accessibility and making other consequential amendments, effective immediately.
The amended Regulations establish a comprehensive set of accessibility requirements for Government of Canada web pages (public- and employee-facing), as well as public-facing mobile applications and digital documents. Departments must also conduct conformance assessments and provide training on digital accessibility. The changes build on the recommendation I previously issued for departments to start adopting the European harmonized standard on information communication technologies (ICT) (CAN/ASC – EN 301 549:2021).
The steps I am taking today eliminate outdated, inconsistent and duplicative rules; however, it must be clear that the removal of these requirements does not diminish or suspend departmental obligations for accessibility with respect to ICT.
The requirements of the amended Regulations will come into force on December 5, 2027, and December 5, 2028. Pursuant to my responsibilities under the Policy on Service and Digital, section 4.4.11, I am directing that during this transition period, you ensure that your department:
- continues to maintain its public-facing websites and device-based mobile applications to meet the minimum standard of WCAG 2.0 established in 2011 and updated in 2013. You must ensure that the rescission of legacy instruments does not result in reduced accessibility, deferred maintenance or regression in compliance
- develops and implements clear plans to ensure that digital assets and systems are in alignment with the new regulatory standards within the established timelines of the Regulations
- ensures that all proposals brought to the Treasury Board meet the requirements of the new Regulations or provide a plan to achieve compliance within the established timelines of the Regulations
I encourage you to be familiar with the important regulatory requirements and timelines summarized in the Guidance Overview of Regulatory Amendments: Digital Technologies Phase 1. Although the timelines to achieve full compliance include a transition period, taking actions early can help improve outcomes for users and better position departments to meet all requirements when the regulations come into effect.
Additional guidance to help organizations meet the regulatory requirements will be made available and updated regularly on the Accessible Canada Regulations Guidance Hub provided by Employment and Social Development Canada. Shared Services Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the Canada School of Public Service are working to provide resources to support your organizations during this transition. A compilation of resources is provided in the appendix to this message (see below).
I look forward for your sustained leadership and attention regarding accessibility to ensure that these important obligations and requirements are met in full to the benefit of all Canadians.
Appendix: list of resources
Legislation and regulations
- Accessible Canada Act: Employment and Social Development Canada
- Accessible Canada Regulations: Employment and Social Development Canada
Regulatory guidance and tools
- Guidance on Digital Technologies Accessibility Regulations: Employment and Social Development Canada
- Accessibility tools: Canadian Human Rights Commission
Other key resources
Toolkits
- Digital Accessibility Toolkit: Shared Services Canada and Canada School of Public Service
Procurement guidance and annexes
- Annexes to Support the Guide for Including Accessibility in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Related Procurement (accessible only on the Government of Canada network): Shared Services Canada
- Guide for Including Accessibility in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Related Procurement: Shared Services Canada
- Procurement of accessible goods: Accessibility Standards Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Procurement of accessible services: Accessibility Standards Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada
- Procurement (Digital Accessibility Toolkit): Shared Services Canada
Technical standards, templates and support services
- Accessibility Remediation Roadmap Template: Shared Services Canada
- Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology (AAACT): Shared Services Canada
- How can AAACT help you?: Shared Services Canada
- Technical Summary of the EN 301 549 v3.2.1 (2021): Shared Services Canada
Training
- Accessibility learning: Canada School of Public Service
- GC Accessibility Training and Events (accessible only on the Government of Canada network): various organizations
- Upcoming: Digital Technology Accessibility Fundamentals on the Canada School of Public Service catalogue (fall 2026): Canada School of Public Service