World Laws
Canada

Canadian Human Rights Act of 1977

The general purpose of the Canadian Human Rights Act, administered by the Canadian Human Rights Commission, is described in its s. 2 as follows.

"All individuals should have an equal opportunity with other individuals to make for themselves the lives that they are able and wish to have and to have their needs accommodated, consistent with their duties and obligations as members of society, without being hindered in or prevented from doing so by discriminatory practices based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability or conviction for an offence for which a pardon has been granted".

Full text of this Act: Canadian Human Rights Act - external link

The following article, provides valuable information regarding what the Act covers and how it is administered (PDF format): Canadian Human Rights Act: A Guide - external link

Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001

The province of Ontario adopted the Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2001 on December 14, 2001. Ontarians with Disabilities Act - external link

Article 5 of this act states:

In deciding to purchase goods or services through the procurement process for the use of itself, its employees or the public, the Government of Ontario shall have regard to the accessibility for persons with disabilities to the goods or services.

Article 6 states:

The Government of Ontario shall provide its internet sites in a format that is accessible to persons with disabilities, unless it is not technically feasible to do so.

The Ontario government is also currently proposing a new Act that would extend the obligation to provide accessible services and facilities to the private sector Bill 118 2004 - external link.

Government On-Line

The Government On-Line Initiative is the Government of Canada's project to provide Canadians with enhanced access to improved citizen-centered, integrated services, anytime, anywhere and in the official language of their choice by 2005. Government On-Line: The Web site for the Government On-Line Initiative - external link

Government of Canada Internet Guide

The Government of Canada Internet Guide supports the Government of Canada's Government On-line (GOL) initiative by providing resources to help put services and information on-line. Government of Canada Internet Guide - external link

• This guide is divided into four major sections:
  • Getting Started: - external link Provides a starting point for planning a web initiative.
  • Implementation: - external link Discusses ways to make effective use of on-line tools and technology in a web initiative.
  • Evaluation: - external link Presents information on the importance of evaluations in creating, launching and maintaining a successful site.
  • Maintenance: - external link Focuses on the importance of maintenance in a web initiative.

Common Look and Feel—The Federal Identity Program

Canada's Common Look and Feel - external link (CLF) guidelines are a resource for those who must adhere to a number of Canadian government-wide statutes, policies and standards when providing services and information on-line. These guidelines contain provisions for accessibility - external link as well as "branding" issues, such as placement of the Canadian government logo, etc.