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The steps I am taking today eliminate outdated, inconsistent and duplicative rules; however, it must be clear that the removal of these requirements does not diminish or suspend departmental obligations for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.

Dominic Rochon
Chief Information Officer of Canada