There are various accessibility legislation, standards, and regulations across Canada. The ones listed below are in force at the federal or provincial level. Some jurisdictions that aren’t listed are expected to develop their own legislation.
Federal
Max Brault, leader of our Accessibility Consulting team, worked with the federal government to create the Accessible Canada Act. Accessibility Standards Canada aims to create accessibility standards for federally regulated institutions and organizations.
Helping to ensure compliance and progress towards achieving barrier-free federally regulated institutions and organizations are the Accessibility Commissioner and the Chief Accessibility Officer.
British Columbia
Accessibility legislation and regulations came into effect in B.C. recently.
Manitoba
There is an accessibility act in the province as well as multiple regulations.
The Accessibility for Manitobans Act (2013)
Accessible Customer Service Standard Regulation (2015)
Accessible Employment Standard Regulation (2019)
Accessible Information and Communication Standard Regulation (2022)
Newfoundland and Labrador
The province has an accessibility act.
Nova Scotia
There is an accessibility act as well as regulations in the province.
Ontario
The province has an accessibility act and regulations.
Quebec
It was the first province to enact accessibility legislation. The act protects the rights of public sector workers with disabilities.
Regulation of the Office des personnes handicapées du Quebec (1981)
Saskatchewan
The province’s accessibility act is the most recent among the provinces. It came into force in December 2023.
How we can help
Keeping up to date and complying with different federal or provincial accessibility legislation, regulations or standards can be complicated. Our Accessibility Consulting team has worked with many organizations to create solutions tailored to their needs. Contact us to learn how we can help your business.