Website Accessibility Law in Canada

Ensuring that your website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, is not just a moral obligation, it’s a legal requirement in Canada. With online services and information sharing on the rise, the significance of website accessibility has never been greater. Website accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about providing an inclusive experience for all users.

The Legal Framework

Canada’s website accessibility laws ensure that individuals, including those with disabilities, have equal access to online content and services. The key legislation includes:

• The Accessible Canada Act (ACA): Enacted in 2019, the ACA aims to create a barrier-free Canada by 2040. It applies to federally regulated organizations and mandates them to develop and implement accessibility plans, including website accessibility.
• The Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA): This act prohibits discrimination based on disability, requiring organizations to provide accessible services, which includes their online presence.
• Provincial Accessibility Legislation: Various provinces, such as Ontario with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), have their own accessibility laws that include specific website accessibility requirements.

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

To comply with Canadian accessibility laws, websites must adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). These guidelines, developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), are structured around four main principles:

• Perceivable: Information and user interface components must be presented in ways that all users can perceive, including text alternatives for non-text content like images and adaptable content for different devices and assistive technologies.

• Operable: User interface components and navigation must be operable by all users, ensuring that functionality is accessible via a keyboard and providing sufficient time for users to interact with the content.

• Understandable: Information and the operation of the user interface must be understandable. This involves making text readable, predictable, and providing necessary input assistance.

• Robust: Content must be robust enough to be interpreted by a wide variety of user agents, including assistive technologies, ensuring that content remains accessible as technologies evolve.

Fines for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the ACA can result in substantial fines:

• Federal Level (ACA): Under the ACA, organizations that fail to comply with accessibility requirements can face fines of up to $250,000 per violation. These fines are applied if an organization fails to meet the deadlines for accessibility plans or does not comply with accessibility standards, including website accessibility.
• Provincial Level (AODA in Ontario): In Ontario, under the AODA, non-compliant organizations can be fined up to $100,000 per day. These fines are applicable if an organization fails to meet the WCAG 2.0 Level AA standards, which have been mandated for all public websites in Ontario since January 1, 2021.
• Legal Actions and Lawsuits: Beyond fines, organizations can face lawsuits from individuals or groups claiming discrimination due to inaccessible websites. Legal costs, settlements, and reputational damage can add up significantly.

 It is crucial to note that the strict enforcement of these fines under the Accessible Canada Act will become applicable starting January 1, 2025. After this date, non-compliant organizations will be at significant risk of incurring these hefty penalties

Full Canadian Accessibility Compliance

NetraClouds’ consultants are here to guide you through everything you need to know about Canada’s accessibility laws, including the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) and other relevant standards. We’ll show you how to make your website accessible and user-friendly for people with disabilities.

Our team of web accessibility experts seamlessly brings your website up to the latest WCAG 2.1 compliance standards, keeping you ahead of the legislative curve, protecting your business from liability, and ensuring an inclusive online experience for all users.

Conclusion

Website accessibility is not just a legal requirement but a step towards inclusivity and equal access for all. The ACA and WCAG 2.1 guidelines provide a clear framework for making websites accessible. With the potential for significant fines, it is crucial for organizations to take these regulations seriously. NetraClouds offers the expertise and tools needed to ensure your website is compliant, helping you avoid penalties and create a better user experience for everyone.