Bill 96 - Canada Language Access Compliance

Learn about AODA, ACA, Quebec Bill 96, and other Official Languages Act rules. Stay compliant with accessibility laws impacting Canada businesses and public services.

Language Access Compliance

Accessibility is now a legal expectation in Canada. With acts like AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act), ACA (Accessible Canada Act), Quebec Bill 96, and other language requirements under the Official Languages Act, businesses need to prioritize accessibility across their platforms, services, and communication. But navigating these laws can be complex.

What’s New With Canada Language Accessibility Regulations?

This page will break down Canada’s language accessibility standards, with a special focus on how businesses can comply with AODA, ACA, Bill 96, and other official language requirements. Whether you’re a business owner, legal professional, or accessibility consultant, this guide will help you understand key requirements and best practices.

Accessible Canada Act (ACA): Making Accessibility a National Priority

Enacted in 2019, the Accessible Canada Act (ACA) is a law designed to promote accessibility for people with disabilities across Canada. It applies to federally regulated entities and aims to create a barrier-free Canada by January 1, 2040. 

Who Needs to Comply? 

The ACA applies to federal organizations such as government departments, banks, telecommunications companies, and interprovincial transportation providers. However, its principles serve as a strong benchmark for privately run businesses in other sectors. 

Key Elements of ACA Compliance:

  • Accessibility Plans: Develop and publish detailed plans that outline how your organization will identify, remove, and prevent barriers to accessibility.
  • Ongoing Feedback: Allow employees and customers to submit accessibility-related feedback, then use it to make continuous improvements.
  • Transparent Reporting: Regularly publish progress reports that detail how and when accessibility goals are being achieved.

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA): Beyond Ontario

If your business operates in Ontario or serves Ontarian customers, you need to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The AODA mandates accessibility for everything from physical spaces to digital platforms. 

Key Requirements:

  1. Accessible Websites and Content 
    Websites must meet WCAG 2.0 Level AA guidelines. This includes using alt text for images, ensuring high-contrast color schemes, and providing captioning for multimedia.
  2. Customer Service
    Businesses are required to make customer service accessible by training staff in creating inclusive experiences, such as assisting customers with service animals or hearing aids.
  3. Employment Standards   
    Employers must accommodate employees with disabilities through tailored onboarding and accessible work environments.
  4. Public Spaces   
    Physical locations must meet accessibility standards, including ramps, clear signage, and accessible washroom options.

Failing to comply with AODA regulations isn’t just detrimental to your customer base; it can result in significant fines. Make sure your organization is aware of the deadlines for compliance.

The Official Languages Act (OLA): Beyond Accessibility

Accessibility isn’t just about physical and digital barriers; language access plays a crucial role in inclusivity.

What Does the Official Languages Act Cover? 

The Official Languages Act (OLA) ensures that English and French are treated equally in federal institutions and public communications. It protects the rights of Canadians to communicate in their preferred official language and receive services accordingly. 

Key Areas of OLA Compliance:

  • Public Communications and Services: Federal organizations must ensure bilingual availability of all communications and services. This applies to high-demand areas or public-facing institutions like airport ticket counters.
  • Workplace Language Options: Canadian federal workplaces must provide bilingual work environments for employees in regions designated as bilingual (e.g., Ottawa, Montreal).
  • Representation and Equity: The workforce composition should reflect the bilingual nature of the nation, ensuring fair representation of French and English-speaking Canadians.

The Growing Importance of Language Translation and Captions 

Businesses serving a bilingual audience can leverage technology to comply with OLA requirements. 

Wordly Live Translation provides automatic translation, captions, and subtitles for events, videos, and meetings. This makes it easier to engage customers in their preferred language while meeting regulatory requirements.

What is Quebec Bill 96?

In June 2022, the Québec government passed a new law, Bill 96, an amendment to the Charter of the French Language, to promote the use of the French language in the province and also affirm that French is the common language of the Québec nation.

The law impacts all businesses operating and/or having employees in Québec, and many of Bill 96’s new requirements have already come into force since March 2023.

Captioning and Translation for Multilingual Accessibility

With Canada's multicultural and bilingual cities, integrating captioning and translation into your business approach isn’t optional. 

Benefits of Captions and Translation for Businesses:

  • Improve Outreach: Captions make video content accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing while benefiting non-native speakers.
  • Legal Compliance: AODA and ACA emphasize the need for digital communication inclusion. Subtitles and translations ensure your content is compliant.
  • Enhance Engagement: Research shows that captioned videos result in a higher engagement rate among viewers.

Wordly takes the heavy lifting out of caption creation and accurate translation. By syncing live transcription with automated translation, you’re not only saving time but also expanding the audience you can serve effectively. 

Why Choose Wordly AI Translation? 

Wordly offers a comprehensive language accessibility service tailored for Canadian businesses. With features like live translation, real-time subtitles, and accurate transcription in dozens of languages, including French and English.

Wordly can help you:

  • Increase engagement by speaking to clients in their preferred languages.
  • Stay ahead of the curve by meeting Canada's accessibility-related legal requirements.

Steps to Ensure Your Business Meets Canada Language Accessibility Standards

1. Conduct an Accessibility Audit 
Before taking concrete actions, assess where your business currently stands. This includes evaluating your website, physical spaces, and communication channels. 

2. Update Your Digital Infrastructure 
Prioritize WCAG 2.0 Level AA compliance for websites and apps. This means ensuring navigation is accessible for screen readers and providing text alternatives for all visual-based content. 

3. Train Your Employees 
Fostering a culture of accessibility begins with education. Offer regular training sessions to employees on assisting individuals with disabilities in a respectful and effective manner. 

4. Leverage Technology 
Integrate Wordly AI Translation to manage captions, subtitles, and bilingual communication effectively. 

5. Seek Expert Guidance 
If you’re new to accessibility initiatives, consulting an expert (or an accessibility-focused platform like Wordly) can make the compliance process smoother and stress-free.

How Wordly Can Help:

✅ Real-time French translation for multilingual meetings and digital services.

✅ Captions & transcripts in French, English, and dozens of languages to provide accessible public communications.

✅ Text-to-speech option for visually impaired individuals.

✅  Fully automated and no human interpreters needed, reducing costs and delays.

✅  Seamless integration works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other meeting platforms.

✅  Meets compliance standards to help agencies avoid legal risk.

Learn how translation software works.

Automatic Language Selection

One of many features included with Wordly.

Penalties for Non-Compliance:

❌ Fines up to $30,000 CAD per infraction for businesses and public entities.

❌ Loss of government contracts and operational restrictions.

Accessibility goes beyond compliance; it builds trust with customers and credibility in your industry. 

In addition to helping organizations comply with Canada Bill 96, Wordly can also help you comply with the U.S. ADA Title II and the European Accessibility Act (EEA).

If you’re ready to elevate your language accessibility efforts with smarter captioning and translation solutions, Get a Demo and see Wordly AI Translation in action.