diff --git a/.vscode/settings.json b/.vscode/settings.json new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..b0bc3ed7ba --- /dev/null +++ b/.vscode/settings.json @@ -0,0 +1,9 @@ +{ + "editor.inlayHints.padding": true, + "editor.inlineCompletionsAccessibilityVerbose": true, + "editor.lightbulb.experimental.showAiIcon": "onCode", + "editor.linkedEditing": true, + "editor.renderLineHighlightOnlyWhenFocus": true, + "editor.formatOnPaste": true, + "editor.formatOnSave": true +} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/style-guide/index.md b/style-guide/index.md index e86ed3f27c..2bd25529a1 100644 --- a/style-guide/index.md +++ b/style-guide/index.md @@ -1,3102 +1,3211 @@ ---- -altLangPage: "https://conception.canada.ca/guide-redaction" +---altLangPage: "https://conception.canada.ca/guide-redaction" date: 2017-10-05 -dateModified: 2023-12-04 +dateModified: 2024-01-09 description: "The Canada.ca Content Style Guide provides the rules to create web content that can be easily found, understood and used." title: "Canada.ca Content Style Guide" ---- -
-

These are the rules to create web content that can be easily found, understood and used. They are based on writing principles and techniques that help make web content clear and adapted to the needs of all people. Use it with the Content and Information Architecture Specification when you're designing and organizing web content.

+---
+

These are the rules to create web content that can be easily found, understood and used. They are based on writing principles and techniques that help make web content clear and adapted to the needs of all people. Use it with the Content and Information Architecture Specification when you're designing and organizing web content.

-
-
-
-
-

Table of contents

- -
+
+
+
+
+

Table of contents

+ +
+
-
-
+
-

Summary of changes

-

We’ve made the following changes to this version of the guide:

- -

Refer to the listed section for details.

+

Summary of changes

+

We’ve made the following changes to this version of the guide:

+ +

Refer to the listed section for details.

-

Purpose

-

This guide establishes the rules you must use to develop and edit English web content that will be published on a Government of Canada website. The rules are different from practices adapted to print to support principles related to accessibility, readability and usability.

-

The purpose of these rules is to make web content easy to find, easy to understand and easy to use for everyone, including people who have physical or cognitive disabilities.

-

The techniques described in this guide complement the rules set out in The Canadian Style. If there are conflicts between this guide and The Canadian Style or any other resource, this guide takes priority for content published online.

-

As web and language trends evolve, we'll update this guide to meet the changing needs of our audiences.

+

Purpose

+

This guide establishes the rules you must use to develop and edit English web content that will be published on a Government of Canada website. The rules are different from practices adapted to print to support principles related to accessibility, readability and usability.

+

The purpose of these rules is to make web content easy to find, easy to understand and easy to use for everyone, including people who have physical or cognitive disabilities.

+

The techniques described in this guide complement the rules set out in The Canadian Style. If there are conflicts between this guide and The Canadian Style or any other resource, this guide takes priority for content published online.

+

As web and language trends evolve, we'll update this guide to meet the changing needs of our audiences.

-

Use of the style guide

-

All departments and other portions of the federal public administration subject to the Directive on the Management of Communications must use the Canada.ca Style Guide. These organizations must follow this style guide's requirements for all public-facing websites and digital services, regardless of the technology, domain name or publishing platform used. This requirement is referenced in Appendix D: Mandatory Procedures for Social Media and Web Communications in the Directive on the Management of Communications.

-

Out-of-scope situations

-

Institutions that fall outside of the Directive on the Management of Communications do not have to follow this style guide. However, all institutions are encouraged to use it for both their internal and external web products. Following this guide's rules and techniques will make it easier for everyone to find, understand and use the government's digital content.

+

Use of the style guide

+

All departments and other portions of the federal public administration subject to the Directive on the Management of Communications must use the Canada.ca Style Guide. These organizations must follow this style guide's requirements for all public-facing websites and digital services, regardless of the technology, domain name or publishing platform used. This requirement is referenced in Appendix D: Mandatory Procedures for Social Media and Web Communications in the Directive on the Management of Communications.

+

Out-of-scope situations

+

Institutions that fall outside of the Directive on the Management of Communications do not have to follow this style guide. However, all institutions are encouraged to use it for both their internal and external web products. Following this guide's rules and techniques will make it easier for everyone to find, understand and use the government's digital content.

-

Related policies, standards and procedures

-

Content must comply with:

- +

Related policies, standards and procedures

+

Content must comply with:

+
-

1.0 Writing principles for web content

-
-
-
-
-

In this section

- -
+

1.0 Writing principles for web content

+
+
+
+
+

In this section

+ +
+
-
-
-

The rules in this guide reflect how people read and use web content.

-
-

1.1 Help people complete tasks

-

Most people come to a government website to complete a task and expect us to provide information that will help them. Tasks can be:

-
    -
  • transactional (submit a form or download a report)
    • -
  • informational (find out how to collect a benefit or find a phone number)
    • -
-

People trying to complete a task online usually don't read word by word. They scan quickly for words and links related to what they want to do.

-

Government of Canada web content must be:

-
    -
  • intuitive: give people who have no previous knowledge of the topic or process just enough information to complete a task on their own
    • -
  • comprehensive: give the appropriate details to specialists who have more knowledge of a topic or process
    • -
  • targeted: present the most important information first, in a way that is tailored to the needs of the audience, instead of giving all the options and leaving people to figure out which ones apply to them
    • -
  • consistent: use a standardized approach so that people can scan content quickly and easily with a sense of confidence and trust
    • -
-
-
-

1.2 Consider the needs of the audience

-

When planning web content, consider people's needs. Make sure that the content is accessible, clear and adapted to the widest audience.

-
-

Writing for accessibility

-

Making content accessible means a wide range of people can use it, including people with physical and cognitive disabilities (for example, reading disorders, attention deficit disorders, memory disorders).

-

To make your content accessible, consider how assistive technologies work and how some writing practices may impact people's ability to read or understand text. Remember to also refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

-
-

Writing for inclusivity

-

Make gender-inclusive writing your standard practice.

-

For more guidance on inclusive writing, see the Language Portal of Canada’s guidelines and resources:

- -
-
-

Writing for readability

-

Readability is the ease with which a person can read and understand a text. Readable content means better task completion and higher client satisfaction.

-

To make your content readable, consider your audience's reading level and literacy needs. Not everyone reads at the same level or understands content in the same way. Even when content is presented clearly and simply, people who have low literacy levels and other difficulties can find it hard to understand text.

-

According to Statistics Canada (2012) and Canadian literacy organizations, almost 50% of Canadians have literacy challenges. Research shows that people with literacy challenges:

-
    -
  • spend a lot of time trying to understand words that contain more than two syllables
    • -
  • read word by word and slowly move their eyes across each line of text
    • -
  • skip over large amounts of information when it contains many multi-syllable words, uncommon terms and long sentences
    • -
-

Techniques for improving and measuring readability are in the section on plain language.

-
-
-

Writing for specialized audiences

-

Sometimes, your content targets people who have in-depth knowledge of a subject.

-

When writing for a specialized audience, you can use terms they're familiar with, even if those terms aren't familiar to a general audience.  Include a summary in plain language for:

-
    -
  • people who aren't familiar with the subject
    • -
  • specialists who might be scanning the content to decide whether it's relevant to their task
    • -
-
-
-

Consider all screen sizes

-

People will view your content on different sizes of screens. Phone and tablet screens display less content than desktop and laptop screens. Readers who use small screens:

- -
-
-
-
-

1.3 Provide equivalent content in both official languages

-
-

Official languages requirements

-

According to the Official Languages Act, you must publish communications and provide services to the public in both official languages.

-
-

Government content must:

-
    -
  • be professionally translated
    • -
  • reflect Canadian writing conventions in English and French
    • -
  • include fully bilingual images, multimedia files and transcripts, or contain equivalent information in both official languages
    • -
-

Persons responsible for official languages

-

The person responsible for official languages in your institution can help answer questions about your obligations and about exceptions.

-

Your communications team can help determine whether it's appropriate to communicate with audiences in other languages, in addition to Canada's official languages.

-
-
-
-

2.0 Plain language

-
-
-
-
-

In this section

- -
-
-
-
-
-

Plain language requirements

-

The use of plain language is a requirement of the Directive on the Management of Communications.

-
-

Writing in plain language doesn't mean over-simplifying or leaving out critical information. Using plain language actually makes critical information accessible and readable for everyone.

-

By writing plainly and simply, you:

- -
-

2.1 Start with the most important information

-

Start your content with the most important information, and be direct. When people scan web pages, they tend to start in the top left hand corner and scan to the right and down. As they move down the page, they scan less and less to the right.

-

Organize your content using an inverted pyramid structure to:

-
    -
  • guide your audience to the information they need to complete their task
    • -
  • place supporting and relevant details toward the end of the text
    • -
-
-
Figure 1
- Pyramid upside down showing how to start a web page with key information first. Text version below: -
- Figure 1 - Text version -

Inverted pyramid divided into four sections, from top to bottom. The image shows the order of information on a web page.

-
    -
  • First: + +

    The rules in this guide reflect how people read and use web content.

    +
    +

    1.1 Help people complete tasks

    +

    Most people come to a government website to complete a task and expect us to provide information that will help them. Tasks can be:

    +
      +
    • transactional (submit a form or download a report)
      • +
    • informational (find out how to collect a benefit or find a phone number)
      • +
    +

    People trying to complete a task online usually don't read word by word. They scan quickly for words and links related to what they want to do.

    +

    Government of Canada web content must be:

    +
      +
    • intuitive: give people who have no previous knowledge of the topic or process just enough information to complete a task on their own
      • +
    • comprehensive: give the appropriate details to specialists who have more knowledge of a topic or process
      • +
    • targeted: present the most important information first, in a way that is tailored to the needs of the audience, instead of giving all the options and leaving people to figure out which ones apply to them
      • +
    • consistent: use a standardized approach so that people can scan content quickly and easily with a sense of confidence and trust
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    1.2 Consider the needs of the audience

    +

    When planning web content, consider people's needs. Make sure that the content is accessible, clear and adapted to the widest audience.

    +
    +

    Writing for accessibility

    +

    Making content accessible means a wide range of people can use it, including people with physical and cognitive disabilities (for example, reading disorders, attention deficit disorders, memory disorders).

    +

    To make your content accessible, consider how assistive technologies work and how some writing practices may impact people's ability to read or understand text. Remember to also refer to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

    +
    +

    Writing for inclusivity

    +

    Make gender-inclusive writing your standard practice.

    +

    For more guidance on inclusive writing, see the Language Portal of Canada’s guidelines and resources:

    -
    • -
  • Second: +
+
+

Writing for readability

+

Readability is the ease with which a person can read and understand a text. Readable content means better task completion and higher client satisfaction.

+

To make your content readable, consider your audience's reading level and literacy needs. Not everyone reads at the same level or understands content in the same way. Even when content is presented clearly and simply, people who have low literacy levels and other difficulties can find it hard to understand text.

+

According to Statistics Canada (2012) and Canadian literacy organizations, almost 50% of Canadians have literacy challenges. Research shows that people with literacy challenges:

    -
  • add details and tasks in order of importance
    • -
  • keep all task related content in the centre of the page
    • -
  • use links to direct people to key information and tasks
    • +
  • spend a lot of time trying to understand words that contain more than two syllables
    • +
  • read word by word and slowly move their eyes across each line of text
    • +
  • skip over large amounts of information when it contains many multi-syllable words, uncommon terms and long sentences
- -
  • Third: +

    Techniques for improving and measuring readability are in the section on plain language.

    +
    • +
    +

    Writing for specialized audiences

    +

    Sometimes, your content targets people who have in-depth knowledge of a subject.

    +

    When writing for a specialized audience, you can use terms they're familiar with, even if those terms aren't familiar to a general audience.  Include a summary in plain language for:

      -
    • include information for audiences who want to learn more or have more knowledge of the topic or service, but only if it makes sense
      • +
    • people who aren't familiar with the subject
      • +
    • specialists who might be scanning the content to decide whether it's relevant to their task
    - -
  • Fourth: +
    • +
    +

    Consider all screen sizes

    +

    People will view your content on different sizes of screens. Phone and tablet screens display less content than desktop and laptop screens. Readers who use small screens:

      -
    • add links only if they relate to content that supports completion of the task on the web page (for example, laws or publications)
      • +
    • have to go through more steps to access the same amount of information
      • +
    • rely on their short-term memory to recall information that isn't visible on the screen
    - - - - -
    -

    Get to the point

    -

    Omit background information and messages that welcome people to your program or site. These kinds of messages get in people's way when they're trying to accomplish a task.

    -

    Write direct statements.

    -
    Example of direct statements
    -

    Write: Present your passport to the border officer.
    - Instead of: According to Canadian legislation, you're required to present your passport to the agent who will welcome you into the country.

    -

    See how the rule for the inverted pyramid structure applies in French

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    1.3 Provide equivalent content in both official languages

    +
    +

    Official languages requirements

    +

    According to the Official Languages Act, you must publish communications and provide services to the public in both official languages.

    +
    +

    Government content must:

    + +

    Persons responsible for official languages

    +

    The person responsible for official languages in your institution can help answer questions about your obligations and about exceptions.

    +

    Your communications team can help determine whether it's appropriate to communicate with audiences in other languages, in addition to Canada's official languages.

    +
    +
    +
    +

    2.0 Plain language

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    In this section

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    Plain language requirements

    +

    The use of plain language is a requirement of the Directive on the Management of Communications.

    +
    +

    Writing in plain language doesn't mean over-simplifying or leaving out critical information. Using plain language actually makes critical information accessible and readable for everyone.

    +

    By writing plainly and simply, you:

    + +
    +

    2.1 Start with the most important information

    +

    Start your content with the most important information, and be direct. When people scan web pages, they tend to start in the top left hand corner and scan to the right and down. As they move down the page, they scan less and less to the right.

    +

    Organize your content using an inverted pyramid structure to:

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    +
    +
    Figure 1
    + Pyramid upside down showing how to start a web page with key information first. Text version below: +
    + Figure 1 - Text version +

    Inverted pyramid divided into four sections, from top to bottom. The image shows the order of information on a web page.

    + +
    +
    +
    +

    Get to the point

    +

    Omit background information and messages that welcome people to your program or site. These kinds of messages get in people's way when they're trying to accomplish a task.

    +

    Write direct statements.

    +
    Example of direct statements
    +

    Write: Present your passport to the border officer.
    + Instead of: According to Canadian legislation, you're required to present your passport to the agent who will welcome you into the country. +

    +

    See how the rule for the inverted pyramid structure applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    -

    2.2 Use simple and common words

    -

    Replace long words with short, simple and everyday words that most people understand and use. Simple words have 2 syllables or less. They're easier to scan than long, complex words.

    -

    Example of simple and common words

    -

    Write: ask
    - Instead of: make a request

    -

    Write: you must
    - Instead of: you shall

    -

    Write: to
    - Instead of: in order to

    -

    Write: before
    - Instead of: prior to

    -

    Write: get
    - Instead of: obtain

    -

    See how the rule for using simple and common words applies to content in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.2 Use simple and common words

    +

    Replace long words with short, simple and everyday words that most people understand and use. Simple words have 2 syllables or less. They're easier to scan than long, complex words.

    +

    Example of simple and common words

    +

    Write: ask
    + Instead of: make a request +

    +

    Write: you must
    + Instead of: you shall +

    +

    Write: to
    + Instead of: in order to +

    +

    Write: before
    + Instead of: prior to +

    +

    Write: get
    + Instead of: obtain +

    +

    See how the rule for using simple and common words applies to content in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.3 Use active voice and positive form

    -

    Whenever possible use the:

    - -
    -

    Active or passive voice

    -

    In an active sentence, the subject does the action. The sentence is clear and direct.

    -

    In a passive sentence, it may not be clear who or what is doing the action.

    -
    Example of passive and active sentences
    -

    Active: We may ask you to provide proof of citizenship.
    - Passive: You may be asked to provide proof of citizenship.

    -
    -
    -

    Positive or negative form

    -

    Whenever possible, tell people what they may or must do instead of what they may not or must not do. Avoid negatives, double negatives and exceptions to exceptions.

    -
    Examples of positive and negative sentences
    -

    Positive: You're entitled to part of the deduction.
    - Negative: You're not entitled to the entire deduction.

    -

    Positive: The procedure will be effective.
    - Double negative: The procedure will not be ineffective.

    -

    Positive: You may claim a child born in 1972 or earlier as a dependent, if he or she has a mental or physical disability.
    - Double negative: You may not claim anything for a dependent child born in 1972 or earlier, unless the child has a mental or physical disability.

    -

    If something has serious consequences, you can use the negative form to explain that something isn't possible or should not be done.

    -
    Examples of using the negative form for something that has serious consequences
    -

    Write: Do not try to locate the source of carbon monoxide. Leave your home immediately and move to fresh air.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for active voice and positive form applies to content in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.3 Use active voice and positive form

    +

    Whenever possible use the:

    + +
    +

    Active or passive voice

    +

    In an active sentence, the subject does the action. The sentence is clear and direct.

    +

    In a passive sentence, it may not be clear who or what is doing the action.

    +
    Example of passive and active sentences
    +

    Active: We may ask you to provide proof of citizenship.
    + Passive: You may be asked to provide proof of citizenship. +

    +
    +
    +

    Positive or negative form

    +

    Whenever possible, tell people what they may or must do instead of what they may not or must not do. Avoid negatives, double negatives and exceptions to exceptions.

    +
    Examples of positive and negative sentences
    +

    Positive: You're entitled to part of the deduction.
    + Negative: You're not entitled to the entire deduction. +

    +

    Positive: The procedure will be effective.
    + Double negative: The procedure will not be ineffective. +

    +

    Positive: You may claim a child born in 1972 or earlier as a dependent, if he or she has a mental or physical disability.
    + Double negative: You may not claim anything for a dependent child born in 1972 or earlier, unless the child has a mental or physical disability. +

    +

    If something has serious consequences, you can use the negative form to explain that something isn't possible or should not be done.

    +
    Examples of using the negative form for something that has serious consequences
    +

    Write: Do not try to locate the source of carbon monoxide. Leave your home immediately and move to fresh air.

    +
    +

    See how the rule for active voice and positive form applies to content in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.4 Use verbs instead of nouns formed from verbs

    -

    Avoid using nouns that are formed from verbs. They can be vague. Verbs alone clearly express the action needed.

    -

    Examples of the use of verbs instead of nouns

    -

    Write: apply
    - Instead of: submit your application

    -

    Write: consider
    - Instead of: take into consideration

    -

    Write: modify
    - Instead of: make a modification

    -

    Write: needs
    - Instead of: is in need of

    -

    Always use the simplest form of a verb. When possible, use the present tense.

    -

    See how the rule for using verbs instead of nouns formed from verbs applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.4 Use verbs instead of nouns formed from verbs

    +

    Avoid using nouns that are formed from verbs. They can be vague. Verbs alone clearly express the action needed.

    +

    Examples of the use of verbs instead of nouns

    +

    Write: apply
    + Instead of: submit your application +

    +

    Write: consider
    + Instead of: take into consideration +

    +

    Write: modify
    + Instead of: make a modification +

    +

    Write: needs
    + Instead of: is in need of +

    +

    Always use the simplest form of a verb. When possible, use the present tense.

    +

    See how the rule for using verbs instead of nouns formed from verbs applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.5 Avoid jargon, idioms and expressions

    -

    Where possible, avoid using jargon, idioms and expressions. Use the clearest, most popular term for your audience.

    -

    Legal and technical terms and "government-speak" confuse most people.

    -

    People who don't speak English or French might use online tools to translate text. These tools don't always translate idioms and expressions accurately.

    -

    Examples of jargon, idioms and expressions

    -

    Jargon: bench warrant (an order by a judge to arrest someone who didn't show up in court or comply with certain conditions)

    -

    Idiom: to hire a helping hand (meaning to hire an employee)

    -

    Expression: attack your least favourite task first (meaning do your least favourite task first)

    -

    If you must include jargon familiar to your target audience, be sure to:

    - -

    Examples of statements that avoid the use of jargon

    -

    Write: You have to file your income tax return (T1) by April 30.
    - Instead of: You have to file your T1 return by April 30.

    -

    Write: Learn about savings plans that can help you save enough money to retire.
    - Instead of: Learn about different types of savings plans that will let you build up your retirement nest egg.

    -

    Identify keywords your audience is using to find your content

    -

    Tools you can use to see which search terms are most popular:

    - -

    Refer to your analytics to find out which search terms your audience uses to find related content.

    -

    See how the rule for jargon, idioms and expressions applies to content in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.5 Avoid jargon, idioms and expressions

    +

    Where possible, avoid using jargon, idioms and expressions. Use the clearest, most popular term for your audience.

    +

    Legal and technical terms and "government-speak" confuse most people.

    +

    People who don't speak English or French might use online tools to translate text. These tools don't always translate idioms and expressions accurately.

    +

    Examples of jargon, idioms and expressions

    +

    Jargon: bench warrant (an order by a judge to arrest someone who didn't show up in court or comply with certain conditions)

    +

    Idiom: to hire a helping hand (meaning to hire an employee)

    +

    Expression: attack your least favourite task first (meaning do your least favourite task first)

    +

    If you must include jargon familiar to your target audience, be sure to:

    + +

    Examples of statements that avoid the use of jargon

    +

    Write: You have to file your income tax return (T1) by April 30.
    + Instead of: You have to file your T1 return by April 30. +

    +

    Write: Learn about savings plans that can help you save enough money to retire.
    + Instead of: Learn about different types of savings plans that will let you build up your retirement nest egg. +

    +

    Identify keywords your audience is using to find your content

    +

    Tools you can use to see which search terms are most popular:

    + +

    Refer to your analytics to find out which search terms your audience uses to find related content.

    +

    See how the rule for jargon, idioms and expressions applies to content in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.6 Use simple sentences

    -

    Keep sentence structure simple by putting the subject and the verb at the beginning of the sentence and by using the subject + verb + object construction. This structure helps the reader understand what the subject of the sentence is doing by placing the subject first, followed by the verb.

    -

    Avoid complex and compound sentences. They generally contain too much information for people to understand when they're scanning.

    -

    Examples of simple sentences

    -

    Write: Learn about Canada's transportation system. Find information about using paved roads, bike trails, airports and ports across the country.
    - Instead of: Canada's vast transportation system enables millions of people each year to travel throughout the country, around the world, and to work and back. From this page you can access a wealth of transportation information related to travelling and commuting.

    -

    Replace complex sentence structures with direct statements.

    -

    Examples of direct statements

    -

    Write: You have until April 30 to file your tax return.
    - Instead of: The period of time that you have to file your tax return ends on April 30.

    -

    Replace noun strings (a series of 2 or more nouns used to name something) with direct statements.

    -

    Examples of statements that avoid chains of nouns

    -

    Write: The evaluation team will submit its final report on the training program in September.
    - Instead of: The training program evaluation team will submit its final report in September.

    -

    Surround a long sentence with shorter ones because it helps people understand the long sentence.

    -

    See how the rule for using simple sentences applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.6 Use simple sentences

    +

    Keep sentence structure simple by putting the subject and the verb at the beginning of the sentence and by using the subject + verb + object construction. This structure helps the reader understand what the subject of the sentence is doing by placing the subject first, followed by the verb.

    +

    Avoid complex and compound sentences. They generally contain too much information for people to understand when they're scanning.

    +

    Examples of simple sentences

    +

    Write: Learn about Canada's transportation system. Find information about using paved roads, bike trails, airports and ports across the country.
    + Instead of: Canada's vast transportation system enables millions of people each year to travel throughout the country, around the world, and to work and back. From this page you can access a wealth of transportation information related to travelling and commuting. +

    +

    Replace complex sentence structures with direct statements.

    +

    Examples of direct statements

    +

    Write: You have until April 30 to file your tax return.
    + Instead of: The period of time that you have to file your tax return ends on April 30. +

    +

    Replace noun strings (a series of 2 or more nouns used to name something) with direct statements.

    +

    Examples of statements that avoid chains of nouns

    +

    Write: The evaluation team will submit its final report on the training program in September.
    + Instead of: The training program evaluation team will submit its final report in September. +

    +

    Surround a long sentence with shorter ones because it helps people understand the long sentence.

    +

    See how the rule for using simple sentences applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.7 Use short sentences and paragraphs

    -

    Be concise. Use as few words as possible to express an idea. By being concise, you'll help everyone, even specialists, complete the task they set out to do.

    -

    Keep sentences and paragraphs short to make them easier to scan on any screen size. People who have learning disabilities may find it difficult to scan and understand long sentences and paragraphs.

    -

    Try to keep sentences under 20 words. You can do this by: 

    - -

    Examples of shortened sentences

    -

    Write: We received your request for funding and approved it.
    - Instead of: We received your request for funding, which we've thoroughly reviewed and approved in a timely manner.

    -

    Write: We'll consider any type of investment.
    - Instead of: Any type of investment will be taken into consideration.

    -

    Try to keep paragraphs to 3 sentences. You can do this by:

    - -

    See how the rule for using short sentences and paragraphs applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.7 Use short sentences and paragraphs

    +

    Be concise. Use as few words as possible to express an idea. By being concise, you'll help everyone, even specialists, complete the task they set out to do.

    +

    Keep sentences and paragraphs short to make them easier to scan on any screen size. People who have learning disabilities may find it difficult to scan and understand long sentences and paragraphs.

    +

    Try to keep sentences under 20 words. You can do this by: 

    + +

    Examples of shortened sentences

    +

    Write: We received your request for funding and approved it.
    + Instead of: We received your request for funding, which we've thoroughly reviewed and approved in a timely manner. +

    +

    Write: We'll consider any type of investment.
    + Instead of: Any type of investment will be taken into consideration. +

    +

    Try to keep paragraphs to 3 sentences. You can do this by:

    + +

    See how the rule for using short sentences and paragraphs applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.8 Explain references to legislation

    -

    When explaining a requirement that comes from an act or regulation, avoid mentioning the act or regulation by name. Include only the information people need to complete the task.

    -

    If you must include the name of the act or regulation, always give a plain-language description. First, explain what your audience needs to know and why they need to know more about the act or regulation. Then, you may add the reference to the act or regulation.

    -

    Examples of references to legislation

    -

    Write: You can apply for your child to become a Canadian citizen after they arrive in Canada as a permanent resident.

    -

    Related links

    - -

    Instead of: After your child arrives in Canada as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship on the child's behalf under section 5.1 of the Citizenship Act.

    -

    See how the rule for explaining references to legislation applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.8 Explain references to legislation

    +

    When explaining a requirement that comes from an act or regulation, avoid mentioning the act or regulation by name. Include only the information people need to complete the task.

    +

    If you must include the name of the act or regulation, always give a plain-language description. First, explain what your audience needs to know and why they need to know more about the act or regulation. Then, you may add the reference to the act or regulation.

    +

    Examples of references to legislation

    +

    Write: You can apply for your child to become a Canadian citizen after they arrive in Canada as a permanent resident.

    +

    Related links

    + +

    Instead of: After your child arrives in Canada as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship on the child's behalf under section 5.1 of the Citizenship Act.

    +

    See how the rule for explaining references to legislation applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    2.9 Check the reading level of the content

    -

    Check the reading level of your text. Make sure that it meets the reading level you're targeting based on the literacy needs of your audience. Do this every so often while you're writing content. You can use various tools to do this.

    -

    Readability tools help you check if content is too wordy or complex. Writing content at a reading level above grade 8 can make it difficult for many people to understand or complete their task.

    -
    -

    Use a readability tool

    -

    You can use a readability tool like Flesch-Kincaid to check the reading level of your English content. This tool is available as part of Microsoft Word. It generally reflects the years of education needed to understand the text.

    -

    To use Flesch-Kincaid:

    -
      -
    1. in Word 2010 and later, click the File tab, and then click Options
      2. -
    2. click Proofing
      3. -
    3. under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, make sure the Check grammar with spelling check box is selected
      4. -
    4. select Show readability statistics  
      5. -
    -

    You can check the reading level of a whole page or just part of a page. To check the reading level:

    -
      -
    1. accept any tracked changes
      2. -
    2. place periods at the end of any bulleted items and headings (remove the periods before publishing)
      3. -
    3. highlight the text in your Word document
      4. -
    4. click the Review tab
      5. -
    5. click Spelling & Grammar
      6. -
    6. when Word has finished checking the text, it will ask whether you want to check the rest of the content
      7. -
    7. click No
      8. -
    -

    If your text contains technical terms that consist of long, multi-syllable words that you need to use for your specialized audience, remove these terms before you test the content for readability to see whether the surrounding text can be simplified. Reinsert the technical terms once you've simplified the surrounding text.

    -

    The Readability Statistics dialog box will appear and show the Flesch-Kincaid grade level.

    -
    -
    Figure 2
    - Screen capture of a readability statistics dialog box in Microsoft Word. Text version below: -
    - Figure 2 - Text version -

    A screen capture of Microsoft Word's readability statistics dialog box shows that a sample of text got a Flesch-Kincaid reading level of 5.8.

    -
    -
    -

    In newer versions of Microsoft Word, search for "Flesch-Kincaid" using the help feature.

    -
    -
    -

    Follow the reading level requirements

    -

    Evaluate the reading level of content as follows for:

    - -
    -
    -

    Verify whether the content is easy to understand

    -

    Readability tools reveal the reading level of your content, but they can't tell you whether it makes sense.

    -

    To check whether your content is easy to read and understand, test it:

    - -

    If your content has a high reading level, or if usability testing shows low task completion, try to:

    - -
    -

    See how the rule for measuring content for readability applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    2.9 Check the reading level of the content

    +

    Check the reading level of your text. Make sure that it meets the reading level you're targeting based on the literacy needs of your audience. Do this every so often while you're writing content. You can use various tools to do this.

    +

    Readability tools help you check if content is too wordy or complex. Writing content at a reading level above grade 8 can make it difficult for many people to understand or complete their task.

    +
    +

    Use a readability tool

    +

    You can use a readability tool like Flesch-Kincaid to check the reading level of your English content. This tool is available as part of Microsoft Word. It generally reflects the years of education needed to understand the text.

    +

    To use Flesch-Kincaid:

    +
      +
    1. in Word 2010 and later, click the File tab, and then click Options
      2. +
    2. click Proofing
      3. +
    3. under When correcting spelling and grammar in Word, make sure the Check grammar with spelling check box is selected
      4. +
    4. select Show readability statistics  
      5. +
    +

    You can check the reading level of a whole page or just part of a page. To check the reading level:

    +
      +
    1. accept any tracked changes
      2. +
    2. place periods at the end of any bulleted items and headings (remove the periods before publishing)
      3. +
    3. highlight the text in your Word document
      4. +
    4. click the Review tab
      5. +
    5. click Spelling & Grammar
      6. +
    6. when Word has finished checking the text, it will ask whether you want to check the rest of the content
      7. +
    7. click No
      8. +
    +

    If your text contains technical terms that consist of long, multi-syllable words that you need to use for your specialized audience, remove these terms before you test the content for readability to see whether the surrounding text can be simplified. Reinsert the technical terms once you've simplified the surrounding text.

    +

    The Readability Statistics dialog box will appear and show the Flesch-Kincaid grade level.

    +
    +
    Figure 2
    + Screen capture of a readability statistics dialog box in Microsoft Word. Text version below: +
    + Figure 2 - Text version +

    A screen capture of Microsoft Word's readability statistics dialog box shows that a sample of text got a Flesch-Kincaid reading level of 5.8.

    +
    +
    +

    In newer versions of Microsoft Word, search for "Flesch-Kincaid" using the help feature.

    +
    +
    +

    Follow the reading level requirements

    +

    Evaluate the reading level of content as follows for:

    + +
    +
    +

    Verify whether the content is easy to understand

    +

    Readability tools reveal the reading level of your content, but they can't tell you whether it makes sense.

    +

    To check whether your content is easy to read and understand, test it:

    + +

    If your content has a high reading level, or if usability testing shows low task completion, try to:

    + +
    +

    See how the rule for measuring content for readability applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    3.0 Tone

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    In this section

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    The tone of the government's web content should be:

    - -

    Write as if you were talking to your audience in person, but with the authority of an institution that provides information as part of its mandate.

    -
    -

    3.1 Write directly to the person

    -

    Use an informal tone, and speak directly to people by using the second person ("you," "your").

    -

    Examples of statements that use the second person

    - -
    -
    -

    Address the person in page titles, links and navigation labels

    -

    For page titles, links and navigation labels, use the possessive adjective "your" when the audience might consider the item being referred to as belonging to them.

    -
    Examples of navigation labels that address the person
    - -

    If the subject of the title, link or label refers to general information, use the indefinite article ("a" or "an") or no article at all.

    -
    Examples of navigation labels that don't use a possessive adjective
    - -
    -
    -

    Don't use the first person

    -

    Don't switch from speaking to people to speaking on their behalf. Don't use "I" or "my" statements.

    -
    Example of statements that don't use "I" or "my"
    -

    Write:

    - -

    Instead of: How do I renew my passport?

    -
    Exception
    -

    You may use "my" in content, page titles and links for proper names (such as My Service Canada Account).

    -
    -

    See how the rule for writing directly to the audience applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    3.2 Use "we" to refer to the Government of Canada

    -

    We generally provide information to people from the perspective of the government as a whole rather than from a specific institution.

    -

    Use "we" and "our" when writing on behalf of the Government of Canada.

    -

    Examples of statements that use "we" or "our" to refer to the Government of Canada

    -

    Write: If you started a new claim within the last 52 weeks and there are still weeks payable on that claim, we will automatically renew your existing claim.
    - Instead of: If you started a new claim within the last 52 weeks and there are still weeks payable on that claim, Service Canada will automatically renew your existing claim.

    -

    Use "Government of Canada" when:

    - -

    Use the name of a specific institution in situations when the:

    - -

    Examples of statements that refer to specific institutions

    - -

    Don't include references to your website on your website.

    -

    Example of a statement that doesn't refer to Canada.ca on the Canada.ca site

    -

    Write: Determine whether you're eligible.
    -     Instead of: Get more information about eligibility on the Canada.ca website.

    -
    -

    Third parties

    -

    Don't provide information on behalf of another organization. Don't duplicate information provided on another organization's website. Instead, direct people to that website to get the information.

    -

    Name the other organization when your content refers to it.

    -
    Example of a reference to a third party
    -

    Write: If you plan to travel to or transit through the United States, find out about the rules you need to follow from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    - Instead of: If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., CBSA encourages you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information on the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements for entering or returning to the U.S.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for referring to the Government of Canada applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    3.3 Expressing an obligation or a recommendation

    -

    As a government organization, we often publish rules, information and instructions that are set out in law. We also provide advice on how to follow them.

    -
    -

    Express an obligation

    -

    When telling people about:

    - -
    Example of statements that express legal and administrative requirements
    -

    Legal: To be eligible for compassionate care benefits, you must be able to show that…
    - Administrative: After you apply online, you'll need to provide us with the following documents before we can finalize your claim.

    -
    -
    -

    Express a recommendation

    -

    When telling people that they're allowed to perform an action:

    - -
    -

    See how the rule for expressing an obligation or a recommendation applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    4.0 Style

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    In this section

    - -
    +

    3.0 Tone

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    In this section

    + +
    +
    -
    -
    -

    On the web, less is more. Keep style and punctuation simple. Formatting (such as bold, italics and underlining) and complex punctuation can be distracting and make reading difficult for many people.

    -
    -

    4.1 Capitalization and punctuation

    -

    Use these styles for capitalization and punctuation of content in text, links and applications.

    -

    Capitalize the main words of:

    -
      -
    • titles of official publications (such as reports, frameworks, strategies and plans)
      • -
    • institution names
      • -
    • program names
      • -
    • titles of policy instruments
      • -
    • titles of legislation (in other words, acts and regulations)
      • -
    • Government of Canada
      • -
    -

    Lowercase the short form of proper names.

    -

    Example of proper names and their short forms

    -

    Full names: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Pension Plan, the Public Service of Canada
    - Short form: the department, the plan, the public service

    -
    All caps
    -

    Don't capitalize all the letters in a word.

    -

    Exceptions

    -
      -
    • Abbreviations (although avoid them unless they're necessary)
      • -
    • Military exercise or operation names (for example, Operation PROVISION)
      • -
    -
    -

    Titles, headings and subheadings

    +
    +

    The tone of the government's web content should be:

    + +

    Write as if you were talking to your audience in person, but with the authority of an institution that provides information as part of its mandate.

    +
    +

    3.1 Write directly to the person

    +

    Use an informal tone, and speak directly to people by using the second person ("you," "your").

    +

    Examples of statements that use the second person

      -
    • Capitalize the first letter of the first word (sentence case) of all page titles, headings, subheadings, table captions and table headers
      • -
    • Capitalize proper nouns in page titles, headings and subheadings
      • -
    • Don't use punctuation at the end of page titles, headings and subheadings
      • +
    • Send your application to…
      • +
    • To get this benefit you must…
    -
    Exceptions
    +
    +
    +

    Address the person in page titles, links and navigation labels

    +

    For page titles, links and navigation labels, use the possessive adjective "your" when the audience might consider the item being referred to as belonging to them.

    +
    Examples of navigation labels that address the person
      -
    • You may use punctuation at the end of page titles, headings and subheadings for campaign slogans
      • -
    • Only use question marks when asking for information in a form, wizard, survey or quiz
      • +
    • Change your address
      • +
    • Replace your card
    -
    Example of question marks being used in forms, wizards, surveys or quizzes
    -
    -
    Figure 3
    - A web page containing a heading with a question mark. Text version below: -
    - Figure 3 - Text version -

    A web page containing a heading with a question mark.

    -
      -
    • Title of page -
        -
      • Find out if you need to charge GST/HST
        • -
      -
      • -
    • Plain language summary of page -
        -
      • Answer a few questions to find out if you need to charge or collect the tax and register to get a GST/HST account number. Businesses with lower revenue and those that deal in certain goods and services might not need to charge tax.
        • -
      -
      • -
    • Heading -
        -
      • Do you or your organization already have a GST/HST account?
        • -
      -
      • -
    • 2 clickable options -
        -
      • Yes
        • -
      • No
        • -
      -
      • -
    • Action button to continue process -
        -
      • Next
        • -
      -
      • -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    Lists

    +

    If the subject of the title, link or label refers to general information, use the indefinite article ("a" or "an") or no article at all.

    +
    Examples of navigation labels that don't use a possessive adjective
    +
      +
    • Start a new business
      • +
    • Pay application fees
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Don't use the first person

    +

    Don't switch from speaking to people to speaking on their behalf. Don't use "I" or "my" statements.

    +
    Example of statements that don't use "I" or "my"
    +

    Write:

    +
      +
    • How to renew your passport
      • +
    • Renew your passport
      • +
    +

    Instead of: How do I renew my passport?

    +
    Exception
    +

    You may use "my" in content, page titles and links for proper names (such as My Service Canada Account).

    +
    +

    See how the rule for writing directly to the audience applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    3.2 Use "we" to refer to the Government of Canada

    +

    We generally provide information to people from the perspective of the government as a whole rather than from a specific institution.

    +

    Use "we" and "our" when writing on behalf of the Government of Canada.

    +

    Examples of statements that use "we" or "our" to refer to the Government of Canada

    +

    Write: If you started a new claim within the last 52 weeks and there are still weeks payable on that claim, we will automatically renew your existing claim.
    + Instead of: If you started a new claim within the last 52 weeks and there are still weeks payable on that claim, Service Canada will automatically renew your existing claim. +

    +

    Use "Government of Canada" when:

    + +

    Use the name of a specific institution in situations when the:

    + +

    Examples of statements that refer to specific institutions

    + +

    Don't include references to your website on your website.

    +

    Example of a statement that doesn't refer to Canada.ca on the Canada.ca site

    +

    Write: Determine whether you're eligible.
    +     Instead of: Get more information about eligibility on the Canada.ca website. +

    +
    +

    Third parties

    +

    Don't provide information on behalf of another organization. Don't duplicate information provided on another organization's website. Instead, direct people to that website to get the information.

    +

    Name the other organization when your content refers to it.

    +
    Example of a reference to a third party
    +

    Write: If you plan to travel to or transit through the United States, find out about the rules you need to follow from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    + Instead of: If you plan to travel to or transit through the U.S., CBSA encourages you to visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for information on the U.S. Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and the requirements for entering or returning to the U.S. +

    +
    +

    See how the rule for referring to the Government of Canada applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    3.3 Expressing an obligation or a recommendation

    +

    As a government organization, we often publish rules, information and instructions that are set out in law. We also provide advice on how to follow them.

    +
    +

    Express an obligation

    +

    When telling people about:

    -

    When list items are grammatically independent of each other or follow a heading, capitalize the first letter of each list item.

    -
    Example of punctuation in independent list items
    -

    Most requested

    +
    Example of statements that express legal and administrative requirements
    +

    Legal: To be eligible for compassionate care benefits, you must be able to show that…
    + Administrative: After you apply online, you'll need to provide us with the following documents before we can finalize your claim. +

    +
    +
    +

    Express a recommendation

    +

    When telling people that they're allowed to perform an action:

    -

    When the meaning of list items depends on a lead-in phrase, don't capitalize the first letter of each unless it's a proper name.

    -
    Example of punctuation in interdependent list items preceded by a colon
    -

    Representatives can be:

    +
    +

    See how the rule for expressing an obligation or a recommendation applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    4.0 Style

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    In this section

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    On the web, less is more. Keep style and punctuation simple. Formatting (such as bold, italics and underlining) and complex punctuation can be distracting and make reading difficult for many people.

    +
    +

    4.1 Capitalization and punctuation

    +

    Use these styles for capitalization and punctuation of content in text, links and applications.

    +

    Capitalize the main words of:

    -
    -
    -

    Links

    -

    Use lower case for a link in a sentence, unless the link contains a proper name.

    -
    -
    -

    Commas

    -

    Remove unnecessary commas to make web content easier to read:

    +

    Lowercase the short form of proper names.

    +

    Example of proper names and their short forms

    +

    Full names: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Canada Pension Plan, the Public Service of Canada
    + Short form: the department, the plan, the public service +

    +
    All caps
    +

    Don't capitalize all the letters in a word.

    +

    Exceptions

    -
    -
    -

    Hyphen and dashes

    -

    Hyphens and dashes have different uses. They aren't interchangeable. Avoid using dashes:

    +
    +

    Titles, headings and subheadings

    +
      +
    • Capitalize the first letter of the first word (sentence case) of all page titles, headings, subheadings, table captions and table headers
      • +
    • Capitalize proper nouns in page titles, headings and subheadings
      • +
    • Don't use punctuation at the end of page titles, headings and subheadings
      • +
    +
    Exceptions
    +
      +
    • You may use punctuation at the end of page titles, headings and subheadings for campaign slogans
      • +
    • Only use question marks when asking for information in a form, wizard, survey or quiz
      • +
    +
    Example of question marks being used in forms, wizards, surveys or quizzes
    +
    +
    Figure 3
    + A web page containing a heading with a question mark. Text version below: +
    + Figure 3 - Text version +

    A web page containing a heading with a question mark.

    +
      +
    • + Title of page +
        +
      • Find out if you need to charge GST/HST
        • +
      +
      • +
    • + Plain language summary of page +
        +
      • Answer a few questions to find out if you need to charge or collect the tax and register to get a GST/HST account number. Businesses with lower revenue and those that deal in certain goods and services might not need to charge tax.
        • +
      +
      • +
    • + Heading +
        +
      • Do you or your organization already have a GST/HST account?
        • +
      +
      • +
    • + 2 clickable options +
        +
      • Yes
        • +
      • No
        • +
      +
      • +
    • + Action button to continue process +
        +
      • Next
        • +
      +
      • +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    Lists

    +
      +
    • Avoid having more than 1 sentence in a single list item
      • +
    • Don't end the list items with any punctuation
      • +
    +

    When list items are grammatically independent of each other or follow a heading, capitalize the first letter of each list item.

    +
    Example of punctuation in independent list items
    +

    Most requested

    + +

    When the meaning of list items depends on a lead-in phrase, don't capitalize the first letter of each unless it's a proper name.

    +
    Example of punctuation in interdependent list items preceded by a colon
    +

    Representatives can be:

    +
      +
    • citizenship or immigration consultants
      • +
    • lawyers
      • +
    • other representatives
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Links

    +

    Use lower case for a link in a sentence, unless the link contains a proper name.

    +
    +
    +

    Commas

    +

    Remove unnecessary commas to make web content easier to read:

    +
      +
    • avoid multiple commas in a sentence by breaking it up into a few shorter sentences
      • +
    • place a comma before "and" and "or" only if it will help people understand a list of items in a sentence
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Hyphen and dashes

    +

    Hyphens and dashes have different uses. They aren't interchangeable. Avoid using dashes:

    +
      +
    • use a hyphen (-) to join words together
      • +
    • use "to" instead of the en dash (–) in a span or range of numbers, dates or time
      • +
    • use a comma (,) to emphasize or frame an idea instead of an em dash (—)
      • +
    • simplify your sentence instead of using em dashes
      • +
    +
    +

    See how the rule for capitalization and punctuation applies in French

    -
    -

    See how the rule for capitalization and punctuation applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    +
    +
    +
    +
    -

    4.2 Underlining, bold and italics

    -

    Formatting must support the most important information on the page.

    -

    Don't combine styles, like underlining and bold formatting, unless it's part of the hyperlinked text found on a topic page.

    -

    Underlining

    -

    Use underlining for links only.

    -

    Bold

    -

    Use bold for emphasis, but use it sparingly: the more you use it, the less effective it is.

    -

    Italics

    -

    People with dyslexia or other reading disorders may find it difficult to read italicized text.

    -

    Don't use italics:

    - -

    Follow The Canadian Style's rules for applying italics for the following:

    - -

    See how the rule for bold, italics and underlining applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.2 Underlining, bold and italics

    +

    Formatting must support the most important information on the page.

    +

    Don't combine styles, like underlining and bold formatting, unless it's part of the hyperlinked text found on a topic page.

    +

    Underlining

    +

    Use underlining for links only.

    +

    Bold

    +

    Use bold for emphasis, but use it sparingly: the more you use it, the less effective it is.

    +

    Italics

    +

    People with dyslexia or other reading disorders may find it difficult to read italicized text.

    +

    Don't use italics:

    + +

    Follow The Canadian Style's rules for applying italics for the following:

    + +

    See how the rule for bold, italics and underlining applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.3 Symbols

    -

    Some symbols make web content more difficult to read while others improve readability. Research whether they're understood by a wide audience before using them.

    -

    Ampersand

    - -

    Percent

    - -

    Currency

    - -

    See how the rule for symbols applies to content in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.3 Symbols

    +

    Some symbols make web content more difficult to read while others improve readability. Research whether they're understood by a wide audience before using them.

    +

    Ampersand

    + +

    Percent

    + +

    Currency

    + +

    See how the rule for symbols applies to content in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.4 Abbreviations and acronyms

    -

    Don't use an abbreviation or acronym unless it's better known to the widest audience than its long-form equivalent. For example:

    - -

    Research common keywords

    -

    Check your analytics to find out what keywords your audiences are using to find your content.

    -

    If you have to use a multi-word term more than once on a web page, use the full term the first time you use it. For any further uses of the term:

    - -

    Always spell out an abbreviation the first time you use it on a page. 

    -

    Example of statements that avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms

    -

    Write: There are 15 client contact centres across Canada.
    - Instead of: There are 15 CCCs across Canada.

    -

    Write: The act strengthens the Government of Canada's commitment to…
    - Instead of: The EEA strengthens the Government of Canada's commitment to…

    -

    Include abbreviations that your audience uses in your metadata (for example, in the description field) to help search engines find your page more easily.

    -

    Avoid abbreviations and acronyms by rethinking the content

    -

    If your content contains a lot of abbreviations and acronyms, rethink its structure. Consider placing related content under distinct headings and sections.

    -

    For example, when introducing legal requirements, use the title of the act once, if necessary, and then talk about what people "must" do. The context will make it clear that the things they "must" do are requirements under the act. Don't use the abbreviation for the act, because it makes the text harder to follow.

    -

    Close the topic before referring to other obligations under different legislation.

    -
    -

    Latin abbreviations

    -

    Avoid using e.g. and i.e. Use clearer alternatives instead, for example:

    -

    Write: for example, such as, or like
    - Instead of: e.g.

    -

    Write: that is, in other words
    - Instead of: i.e.

    -

    You may use these abbreviations when space is limited, for example, in a table or a figure.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for abbreviations and acronyms applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.4 Abbreviations and acronyms

    +

    Don't use an abbreviation or acronym unless it's better known to the widest audience than its long-form equivalent. For example:

    + +

    Research common keywords

    +

    Check your analytics to find out what keywords your audiences are using to find your content.

    +

    If you have to use a multi-word term more than once on a web page, use the full term the first time you use it. For any further uses of the term:

    + +

    Always spell out an abbreviation the first time you use it on a page. 

    +

    Example of statements that avoid the use of abbreviations and acronyms

    +

    Write: There are 15 client contact centres across Canada.
    + Instead of: There are 15 CCCs across Canada. +

    +

    Write: The act strengthens the Government of Canada's commitment to…
    + Instead of: The EEA strengthens the Government of Canada's commitment to… +

    +

    Include abbreviations that your audience uses in your metadata (for example, in the description field) to help search engines find your page more easily.

    +

    Avoid abbreviations and acronyms by rethinking the content

    +

    If your content contains a lot of abbreviations and acronyms, rethink its structure. Consider placing related content under distinct headings and sections.

    +

    For example, when introducing legal requirements, use the title of the act once, if necessary, and then talk about what people "must" do. The context will make it clear that the things they "must" do are requirements under the act. Don't use the abbreviation for the act, because it makes the text harder to follow.

    +

    Close the topic before referring to other obligations under different legislation.

    +
    +

    Latin abbreviations

    +

    Avoid using e.g. and i.e. Use clearer alternatives instead, for example:

    +

    Write: for example, such as, or like
    + Instead of: e.g. +

    +

    Write: that is, in other words
    + Instead of: i.e. +

    +

    You may use these abbreviations when space is limited, for example, in a table or a figure.

    +
    +

    See how the rule for abbreviations and acronyms applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.5 Contractions

    -

    Use contractions that people use when they speak. They're easier to scan than the full form.

    -

    Use most positive contractions of auxiliary verbs. For example:

    - -

    Use some negative contractions of auxiliary verbs. For example:

    - -

    Use, but don't confuse:

    - -

    Uncommon or more complex contractions can be harder for people with low literacy skills to understand.

    -

    Don't use:

    - -

    Negative contractions: exceptions

    -

    Don't use contractions when there is a critical difference between two things, for example, between doing and not doing something.

    -
    Example of statements showing differences that are critical and not critical
    -

    Critical: Do not drive while taking this medicine.
    - Not critical: Most people don't have reactions to the flu vaccine.

    -

    See how the rule for contractions applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.5 Contractions

    +

    Use contractions that people use when they speak. They're easier to scan than the full form.

    +

    Use most positive contractions of auxiliary verbs. For example:

    + +

    Use some negative contractions of auxiliary verbs. For example:

    + +

    Use, but don't confuse:

    + +

    Uncommon or more complex contractions can be harder for people with low literacy skills to understand.

    +

    Don't use:

    + +

    Negative contractions: exceptions

    +

    Don't use contractions when there is a critical difference between two things, for example, between doing and not doing something.

    +
    Example of statements showing differences that are critical and not critical
    +

    Critical: Do not drive while taking this medicine.
    + Not critical: Most people don't have reactions to the flu vaccine. +

    +

    See how the rule for contractions applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.6 Numbers

    -

    General

    - -

    Ages

    - -

    See how the rule for numbers applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.6 Numbers

    +

    General

    + +

    Ages

    + +

    See how the rule for numbers applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.7 Dates

    - -

    Write: July 31, 2016, or just July 31 if the year is already clear
    - Instead of: July 31st, 2016, or July 31st

    - -

    Date ranges

    - -

    See how the rule for dates applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.7 Dates

    + +

    Write: July 31, 2016, or just July 31 if the year is already clear
    + Instead of: July 31st, 2016, or July 31st +

    + +

    Date ranges

    + +

    See how the rule for dates applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.8 Times

    - -

    See how the rule for times applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.8 Times

    + +

    See how the rule for times applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.9 Phone numbers

    -

    Use non-breaking hyphens (Ctrl+Shift+Hyphen) in phone numbers. For example:

    - -

    See how the rule for phone numbers applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.9 Phone numbers

    +

    Use non-breaking hyphens (Ctrl+Shift+Hyphen) in phone numbers. For example:

    + +

    See how the rule for phone numbers applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.10 Addresses

    -
    -

    Mailing addresses

    - -

    [Organization name or person name]
    - [Additional delivery information]
    - [Suite or office]-[Civic number] [Street name] [Abbreviated street type] [Abbreviated street direction]
    - [City] [Two-letter province or territory abbreviation] [Postal code]

    -

    Example of a mailing address.

    -

    Integrity Regime
    - Departmental Oversight Branch
    - Public Services and Procurement Canada
    - Portage III Tower A 10A1
    - 105-11 Laurier St
    - Gatineau QC  K1A 0S5

    -
    -
    -

    Email addresses

    -

    Spell out email addresses instead of embedding them within your text.

    -

    Write:

    - -

    Instead of: Email us to submit a request.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for addresses applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    +

    4.10 Addresses

    +
    +

    Mailing addresses

    + +

    [Organization name or person name]
    + [Additional delivery information]
    + [Suite or office]-[Civic number] [Street name] [Abbreviated street type] [Abbreviated street direction]
    + [City] [Two-letter province or territory abbreviation] [Postal code] +

    +

    Example of a mailing address.

    +

    Integrity Regime
    + Departmental Oversight Branch
    + Public Services and Procurement Canada
    + Portage III Tower A 10A1
    + 105-11 Laurier St
    + Gatineau QC  K1A 0S5 +

    +
    +
    +

    Email addresses

    +

    Spell out email addresses instead of embedding them within your text.

    +

    Write:

    + +

    Instead of: Email us to submit a request.

    +
    +

    See how the rule for addresses applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    -

    4.11 Words and expressions in transition

    -

    Words and expressions in transition are those written commonly in 2 or more different ways. Reduce confusion by using the following spellings:

    - -

    See how the rule for words and expressions in transition applies in French

    -

    This rule doesn't apply to content in French.

    -
    -
    -
    +

    4.11 Words and expressions in transition

    +

    Words and expressions in transition are those written commonly in 2 or more different ways. Reduce confusion by using the following spellings:

    + +

    See how the rule for words and expressions in transition applies in French

    +

    This rule doesn't apply to content in French.

    +
    +
    +
    -

    5.0 Content structure

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    In this section

    - -
    +

    5.0 Content structure

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    In this section

    + +
    +
    -
    -
    -

    The structure and layout of content components help people find what they need quickly. Content components include:

    -
      -
    • page title  
      • -
    • headings
      • -
    • lists
      • -
    • tables
      • -
    -

    On a web page

    -

    Make sure you:

    -
      -
    • divide the page into logical sections to give an overview of the information it contains
      • -
    • focus on the task and show only the information people need to complete the task
      • -
    -

    Structure the content components efficiently to make your page:

    -
      -
    • more visible to search engines and easier to find
      • -
    • easier to view on mobile devices
      • -
    -

    Across multiple web pages

    -

    Think about how a person will journey through the content. If:

    -
      -
    • your web page content covers too many topics, you might need to divide it into several pages
      • -
    • several web pages contain pieces of content that relate to the same subject, consider combining them into a single page
      • -
    -
    -

    5.1 Write useful page titles and headings

    -

    In your page title, accurately describe what's on the page. A descriptive page title is important because search engines often display the title without the context that the rest of the page provides.

    -

    Most people scan page titles and headings, looking for keywords that will confirm that they have found what they're looking for. People who use assistive technology may listen for keywords using software or may use keyboard shortcuts to access all the headings on a page.

    -

    When writing a page title, heading or subheading, make sure that it:

    -
      -
    • gives a clear idea of what follows
      • -
    • is short and contains no unnecessary words
      • -
    • contains the most relevant terms at the beginning
      • -
    • makes sense on its own
      • -
    • is followed by text and not by another heading, unless the heading introduces a table of contents on the same page
      • -
    • has no punctuation at the end
      • -
    • contains no abbreviation unless the audience knows it better than it knows its long-form equivalent
      • -
    • contains no promotional messaging (boastful, subjective claims) because it might confuse and stop people from navigating to the page
      • -
    -
    -

    Make the page title unique

    -

    Most search engines identify relevant search results based on:

    +
    +

    The structure and layout of content components help people find what they need quickly. Content components include:

    + +

    On a web page

    +

    Make sure you:

    + +

    Structure the content components efficiently to make your page:

    + +

    Across multiple web pages

    +

    Think about how a person will journey through the content. If:

    + +
    +

    5.1 Write useful page titles and headings

    +

    In your page title, accurately describe what's on the page. A descriptive page title is important because search engines often display the title without the context that the rest of the page provides.

    +

    Most people scan page titles and headings, looking for keywords that will confirm that they have found what they're looking for. People who use assistive technology may listen for keywords using software or may use keyboard shortcuts to access all the headings on a page.

    +

    When writing a page title, heading or subheading, make sure that it:

      -
    • page title
      • -
    • headings
      • -
    • subheadings
      • +
    • gives a clear idea of what follows
      • +
    • is short and contains no unnecessary words
      • +
    • contains the most relevant terms at the beginning
      • +
    • makes sense on its own
      • +
    • is followed by text and not by another heading, unless the heading introduces a table of contents on the same page
      • +
    • has no punctuation at the end
      • +
    • contains no abbreviation unless the audience knows it better than it knows its long-form equivalent
      • +
    • contains no promotional messaging (boastful, subjective claims) because it might confuse and stop people from navigating to the page
    -

    They display the page title as a link on the results page.

    -

    Unique page titles help search engines tell the difference between similar pages. They also help ensure that people don't need to look at many pages with the same name to find the information they need.

    -

    Check whether your page title is unique by using a search engine. Search for the title of the page followed by "site:" and the domain extension (for example, "food safety site:gc.ca" or "food safety site:canada.ca").

    -
    -
    -

    Use a page title, headings and subheadings to show structure

    -

    The page title, headings and subheadings help people find information on the screen easily. Use headings to divide text into logical sections approximately every 200 words.

    -

    Structuring headings clearly helps establish the authority of one heading over another.

    -

    For the page title:

    +
    +

    Make the page title unique

    +

    Most search engines identify relevant search results based on:

    +
      +
    • page title
      • +
    • headings
      • +
    • subheadings
      • +
    +

    They display the page title as a link on the results page.

    +

    Unique page titles help search engines tell the difference between similar pages. They also help ensure that people don't need to look at many pages with the same name to find the information they need.

    +

    Check whether your page title is unique by using a search engine. Search for the title of the page followed by "site:" and the domain extension (for example, "food safety site:gc.ca" or "food safety site:canada.ca").

    +
    +
    +

    Use a page title, headings and subheadings to show structure

    +

    The page title, headings and subheadings help people find information on the screen easily. Use headings to divide text into logical sections approximately every 200 words.

    +

    Structuring headings clearly helps establish the authority of one heading over another.

    +

    For the page title:

    +
      +
    • use this style: Heading 1
      • +
    • apply a Heading 1 only once per page
      • +
    +

    For the main sections:

    +
      +
    • use this style: Heading 2
      • +
    • can appear many times
      • +
    +

    For subsections:

    +
      +
    • use this style: Heading 3
      • +
    • can appear many times and in many main sections
      • +
    +

    For sub-subsections:

    +
      +
    • use this style: Heading 4 (and so on)
      • +
    • can appear many times in many subsections
      • +
    +
    + Structure your content with automated style features +

    Having clear and consistently formatted headings helps your web team produce the web pages more quickly and with fewer errors.

    +

    Use the automated styles feature of your word processing software to structure headings. The styles feature clearly differentiates headings from content and helps you format headings consistently.

    +
    Table of contents
    +

    Use the table of contents feature from your Word processing software to automatically generate a table of contents based on the heading levels in your document. Then, check the table of contents to make sure you've correctly structured the page title, headings and subheadings.

    +

    Delete the table of contents before you send the document for approval if it isn't required for the final online version.

    +
    Navigation pane
    +

    Use the navigation pane feature in Microsoft Word. When you select Find (or press Control + F), a small window will display all the headings in your document.

    +
    +
    Publication and program titles usually don't make good web page titles
    +

    Using the titles of reports, brochures, publications or programs as the web page title can make it difficult for people to find your content, even if it relates to their task.

    +

    The titles of publications are usually not written in plain language, short enough or descriptive enough.

    +

    To help make sure your page ranks high in search results, use page titles that:

    +
      +
    • are short
      • +
    • describe the page accurately
      • +
    • are relevant to what people type into search engines
      • +
    +

    When you post a publication online, you must adapt it for the web. Here are some things you can do to get better results:

    +

    Write a title that describes the contents of the page

    +

    The web page title (Heading1) is the title you see at the top of the page when you're looking at it. Make sure that it accurately describes, in plain language, what your publication is about.

    +

    Use the first paragraph to introduce your publication

    +

    The first paragraph of your web page should introduce your publication in plain language. It helps people who've landed on the page decide whether they've found what they are looking for. You can include the title of your publication here.

    +

    Include keywords in the page's metadata

    +

    Use the title tag and the description metadata field to improve where your publication ranks in search results. Here's what you can do:

    +

    Title tag: The page title tag is the blue hyperlinked text you see when a search engine generates a list of results. Write an effective page title (Heading1), and use it as your title tag.

    +

    Description metadata field: The description metatdata is the content you see under the blue hyperlinked text in search results. Avoid listing only keywords, because search engines might ignore these. Write 1 or 2 short sentences that summarize the page. Make sure they contain keywords that people use when searching for your content (for example, abbreviations familiar to your audience).

    +

    Refer to the section on plain language for tips on using simple and common words as keywords.

    +
    +

    See how the rule for writing useful page titles and headings applies in French

    -

    For the main sections:

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    5.2 Use lists to help people scan

    +

    A short vertical list is easier for people to scan and remember than a long paragraph. If possible, aim for maximum of 7 items in your list.

    +

    When writing lists:

      -
    • use this style: Heading 2
      • -
    • can appear many times
      • +
    • use positive statements as much as possible
      • +
    • place negatively phrased items together, if you must use them
      • +
    • + use consistent grammatical structure. For example, if you: +
        +
      • use the imperative mood (or command) for the first item of your list, use the same mood for each subsequent list item
        • +
      • start your first item with a noun, start the other list items with nouns
        • +
      +
      • +
    • if a list contains more than 7 items, consider breaking it up into categories
    -

    For subsections:

    +
    +

    Lead-in sentence

    +

    If you need to clarify the relationship between each element, start the list with a lead-in paragraph that:

    +
      +
    • introduces or applies to all the list items
      • +
    • emphasizes the common element between all the items
      • +
    +

    If necessary, specify "all" or "or" in the introductory paragraph to clarify whether the list is comprehensive or conditional. For example, you can write:

    +
      +
    • "You must meet all of the following requirements:"
      • +
    • "To be eligible, you must meet 1 or more of the following requirements:"
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Numbered lists

    +

    Use numbered lists to show:

    +
      +
    • ranking
      • +
    • order
      • +
    • priority
      • +
    • step-by-step instructions
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Bulleted lists

    +

    Place only one idea in each bulleted item. If you need to include more information to explain an idea, use sub-bullets, but use them sparingly.

    +
    Example of bulleted list items
    +

    Write:
    + To draft a high-quality source document: +

    +
      +
    • + organize your ideas +
        +
      • arrange your ideas from most to least important to the task
        • +
      • test your order with a representative audience
        • +
      +
      • +
    • use the active voice
      • +
    • use the right words
      • +
    • write short sentences and paragraphs
      • +
    • follow the guidelines in the Canada.ca Content Style Guide
      • +
    +

    Instead of:
    + To draft a high-quality source document: +

    +
      +
    • organize your ideas
      • +
    • arrange your ideas from most to least important to the task
      • +
    • test your order with a representative audience
      • +
    • do not use the passive voice
      • +
    • it is important to use the right words
      • +
    • use only short sentences and paragraphs
      • +
    • use the Canada.ca Content Style Guide to ensure you have followed the guidelines
      • +
    +

    Take a look at the section on capitalization and punctuation rules that apply to lists.

    +
    +
    +

    Alphabetical lists

    +

    Only present your web content in an alphabetical order if it's the most logical and intuitive approach for the audience.

    +

    For example, listing provinces and territories in alphabetical order could be appropriate.

    +

    If you present content in alphabetical order in English, also present it in alphabetical order in French to provide the same intuitive experience.

    +
    +

    See how the rule for using lists to support scanning applies in French

    -

    For sub-subsections:

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    5.3 Use tables to organize data

    +

    Use tables to organize and present data. Make sure that the:

      -
    • use this style: Heading 4 (and so on)
      • -
    • can appear many times in many subsections
      • +
    • value of each cell relates to the column and row headers
      • +
    • entries in a column don't contain information that could be considered a subhead
      • +
    • value of each cell aligns with the column header that appears directly above it
    -
    - Structure your content with automated style features -

    Having clear and consistently formatted headings helps your web team produce the web pages more quickly and with fewer errors.

    -

    Use the automated styles feature of your word processing software to structure headings. The styles feature clearly differentiates headings from content and helps you format headings consistently.

    -
    Table of contents
    -

    Use the table of contents feature from your Word processing software to automatically generate a table of contents based on the heading levels in your document. Then, check the table of contents to make sure you've correctly structured the page title, headings and subheadings.

    -

    Delete the table of contents before you send the document for approval if it isn't required for the final online version.

    -
    Navigation pane
    -

    Use the navigation pane feature in Microsoft Word. When you select Find (or press Control + F), a small window will display all the headings in your document.

    -
    -
    Publication and program titles usually don't make good web page titles
    -

    Using the titles of reports, brochures, publications or programs as the web page title can make it difficult for people to find your content, even if it relates to their task.

    -

    The titles of publications are usually not written in plain language, short enough or descriptive enough.

    -

    To help make sure your page ranks high in search results, use page titles that:

    +

    Give your table a clear title that describes the information in it.

    +

    Example of a table that organizes data

    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Comparison of net budgetary authorities and expenditures for Vote 1 as of December 31, for fiscal years 2011 to 2012 and 2012 to 2013 ($ millions) +
    Vote 12011 to 20122012 to 2013
    Net budgetary authorities287.4252.4
    Year-to-date expenditures ending December 31184.1154.6
    +
    +

    Use column and row headers

    +

    Each column and row of a table must have a header that describes the information in that column or row.

    +

    Column and row headers are different from headings and subheadings:

    +
      +
    • column and row headers appear in the cells at the top and on the far left of a table
      • +
    • headings and subheadings refer to the title of a table or a section of content that appears on a web page
      • +
    +

    Check that there is a consistent relationship between the columns and rows.

    +

    For example, to check the table above, ask yourself whether you can align the information that appears in:

    +
      +
    • the column, with the column header that appears directly above it ("Vote 1," "2011 to 2012" ($ millions) and "2012 to 2013" ($ millions))
      • +
    • a row, with the row header that defines it ("Net budgetary authorities" and "Year-to-date expenditures ending December 31")
      • +
    +

    Your web team will use the information in the headers to code the table. Afterwards, screen readers will be able to correctly interpret the data within the table.

    +

    In the following example, all the cells in the first:

    +
      +
    • row are column headers and appear bolded and in grey 
      • +
    • column are row headers (except the top-left cell) and appear bolded
      • +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Disclosure of contracts over $10,000 from January to March 2010table 2 note * +
    Date contract was awardedVendor nameDescription Value
    2010-02-01table 2 note **ABC Business SolutionsRental of machinery office furniture and fixtures$227,703.22
    2010-02-20IT Consultants R UsOther professional services not elsewhere specified$227,956.64
    2010-02-23Management Consulting Group LimitedManagement consulting$285,575.89
    2010-03-01XYZ ConsultantsOther professional services not elsewhere specified $56,294.42
    +
    +
    Table 2 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 2 Note *
    +
    +

    Fourth quarter of the April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010, fiscal year.

    +

    Return to table 2 note * referrer

    +
    +
    Table 2 Note **
    +
    +

    Dates in this table represent the year, month and day (yyyy-mm-dd).

    +

    Return to table 2 note ** referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    By looking at the column headers "Date contract was awarded," "Vendor name" and "Value," people can understand that on February 23, 2010, Management Consulting Group Limited was awarded a contract valued at $285,575.89.

    +
    +
    +

    Use the simplest structure possible

    +

    It can be difficult to make tables accessible and easy to read for people using screen readers or mobile devices.

    +

    To make information useful to the widest possible audience:

    +
      +
    • turn a complex table into one or more simple tables
      • +
    • convert a table to a list if the data is simple
      • +
    +
    Before: complex table
    +

    The following table is complex and poorly designed. It would be difficult for someone using a screen reader or a mobile device to access and understand the information.

    +
    Example of a complex table
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams +
    Eastern ConferenceWestern Conference
    TeamWinsTeamWinsTeamWinsTeamWinsTeamWins
    Montréal Canadiens22Toronto Maple Leafs11Ottawa Senators1Edmonton Oilers5Calgary Flames1
    +
    After: simple tables
    +

    The complex table easily converts into simple tables.

    +
    Example: one simple table
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams +
    TeamConference Wins
    Montreal CanadiensEastern 22
    Toronto Maple LeafsEastern 11
    Edmonton OilersWestern 5
    Calgary FlamesWestern 1
    Ottawa SenatorsEastern1
    +

    If it's important to highlight Stanley Cup championships by NHL conference (region), present the information using 2 simpler tables, and use table titles to clarify which conference the teams represent.

    +
    Example: multiple simple tables
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 1: Eastern conference: National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams +
    Team Wins
    Montreal Canadiens22
    Toronto Maple Leafs11
    Ottawa Senators1
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 2: Western conference: National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams +
    Team Wins
    Edmonton Oilers5
    Calgary Flames1
    +

    The complex table also easily converts into 2 lists.

    +
    Example: convert tables to text
    +

    Eastern conference National Hockey League:

    +

    The Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams

    +
      +
    • Montreal Canadiens: 22
      • +
    • Toronto Maple Leafs: 11
      • +
    • Ottawa Senators: 1
      • +
    +

    Western conference National Hockey League:

    +

    The Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams

    +
      +
    • Edmonton Oilers: 5
      • +
    • Calgary Flames: 1
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Limit the use of texture and colour

    +

    Avoid formatting cells with textures or colours, because it can make text difficult to read.

    +

    If you must use textures and colours in a table, explain what they mean (for example, in a table note or in a legend). Make sure you comply with the minimum colour contrast rules (1.4.3) from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

    +

    Never rely on colour or texture alone to convey important information.

    +
    +
    +

    Avoid having blank cells

    +

    Assistive technologies like a screen reader will notify the person if the cell is blank. If a cell has no value, explain why in your table's:

    +
      +
    • notes
      • +
    • legend
      • +
    • caption
      • +
    • surrounding content
      • +
    +

    You may also write one of the following in the cell, as long as it's clear and doesn't create visual noise that would distract your audience:

    +
      +
    • "no data"
      • +
    • "0" (zero)
      • +
    • "n/a" (not applicable)
      • +
    +
    +

    See how the rule for using tables to organize data applies in French

    -

    When you post a publication online, you must adapt it for the web. Here are some things you can do to get better results:

    -

    Write a title that describes the contents of the page

    -

    The web page title (Heading1) is the title you see at the top of the page when you're looking at it. Make sure that it accurately describes, in plain language, what your publication is about.

    -

    Use the first paragraph to introduce your publication

    -

    The first paragraph of your web page should introduce your publication in plain language. It helps people who've landed on the page decide whether they've found what they are looking for. You can include the title of your publication here.

    -

    Include keywords in the page's metadata

    -

    Use the title tag and the description metadata field to improve where your publication ranks in search results. Here's what you can do:

    -

    Title tag: The page title tag is the blue hyperlinked text you see when a search engine generates a list of results. Write an effective page title (Heading1), and use it as your title tag.

    -

    Description metadata field: The description metatdata is the content you see under the blue hyperlinked text in search results. Avoid listing only keywords, because search engines might ignore these. Write 1 or 2 short sentences that summarize the page. Make sure they contain keywords that people use when searching for your content (for example, abbreviations familiar to your audience).

    -

    Refer to the section on plain language for tips on using simple and common words as keywords.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for writing useful page titles and headings applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    5.2 Use lists to help people scan

    -

    A short vertical list is easier for people to scan and remember than a long paragraph. If possible, aim for maximum of 7 items in your list.

    -

    When writing lists:

    - -
    -

    Lead-in sentence

    -

    If you need to clarify the relationship between each element, start the list with a lead-in paragraph that:

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    6.0 Images and videos

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    In this section

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    You can use images and videos to:

    + +

    When planning your content, weigh the benefits of using videos with the impact on people who will try to view them using mobile devices. Data plans and reliable network access vary.

    +

    Obtain permission to publish

    +

    Make sure that you have the appropriate permissions to publish images, audio files and videos online. You'll need to have the written proof of those rights. Refer to the Procedures for Publishing or contact your institution's authoring team for more details.

    +

    Help with images, audio files or videos on Canada.ca

    +

    For specific information about consent forms or licensing requirements related to Canada.ca, contact the Principal Publisher: na-web_support-soutien_du_web-gd@servicecanada.gc.ca.

    +
    +
    +

    6.1 Understand the purpose of images online

    +

    Images can distract people. They can also make the page take longer to load. Make sure your images add value to your content.

    +

    There are 2 main types of images:

    + +
    +

    Functional images

    +

    Functional images:

    -

    If necessary, specify "all" or "or" in the introductory paragraph to clarify whether the list is comprehensive or conditional. For example, you can write:

    +

    Functional images add value to the content because they provide more information than can be provided through text alone. Examples of functional images:

    -
    -
    -

    Numbered lists

    -

    Use numbered lists to show:

    +

    Include the appropriate alternative text to describe the image for people who are unable to view it.

    +
    Example of functional images
    +
    +
    Figure 4
    + Map of Canada: current conditions +
    + Figure 4 - Text version + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    CityConditionTemperature
    CalgaryMainly sunny0°C
    CharlottetownDrifting snow-11°C
    Edmonton(no data)0°C
    FrederictonSunny-12°C
    HalifaxMainly sunny-7°C
    IqaluitDrifting snow-22°C
    MontréalSunny-16°C
    Ottawa (Kanata - Orléans)Mainly sunny-15°C
    Prince GeorgePartly cloudy2°C
    QuébecPartly cloudy-19°C
    ReginaCloudy-4°C
    SaskatoonMist-8°C
    St. John'sMist2°C
    Thunder BayPartly cloudy-14°C
    TorontoLight snow-6°C
    VancouverMostly cloudy9°C
    VictoriaLight rain8°C
    WhitehorsePartly cloudy-19°C
    WinnipegSunny-18°C
    YellowknifeMainly sunny-28°C
    +
    +
    +
    +
    Figure 5
    + This chart helps you choose the accessibility project that is right for you: description follows +
    + Figure 5 - Text version +

    The chart asks you yes or no questions. If you answer "no", it gives you recommendations of other accessibility projects.

    +
    +

    Question 1: Is the entrance to your building barrier-free?

    +
      +
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 2
      • +
    • + If your answer is “No”: +
        +
      • ramps, accessible doors, reserved parking, and leveling the ground can improve the accessibility of your building
        • +
      +
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Question 2: Are the hallways wide enough for persons with assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs, to get through?

    +
      +
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 3
      • +
    • + If your answer is “No”: +
        +
      • making halls and doorways wider, installing automatic door operators, elevators or lifts can all help reduce accessibility barriers in your building
        • +
      +
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Question 3: Are persons with disabilities able to access all necessary floors, levels and sections of your building?

    +
      +
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 4
      • +
    • + If your answer is “No”: +
        +
      • making halls and doorways wider,  installing automatic door operators, elevators or lifts can all help reduce accessibility barriers in your building
        • +
      +
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Question 4: Can persons with reduced mobility use the washroom in your building?

    +
      +
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 5
      • +
    • + If your answer is “No”: +
        +
      • accessible washrooms or barrier-free stalls should be available in all facilities.
        • +
      +
      • +
    +
    +
    +

    Question 5: Are there automatic door openers to the washrooms? Is the washroom entrance wide enough to accommodate assistive devices?

    +
      +
    • + If your answer is “Yes”: +
        +
      • congratulations! Here are some examples of other accessibility projects that EAF funds: safety and security items, such as visual fire alarms; multi-sensory rooms; hearing loops; and more!
        • +
      +
      • +
    • + If your answer is “No”: +
        +
      • making halls and doorways wider, installing automatic door operators, elevators or lifts can all help reduce accessibility barriers in your building
        • +
      +
      • +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    Decorative images

    +

    Use decorative images only to provide visual context for the following templates:

    -
    -
    -

    Bulleted lists

    -

    Place only one idea in each bulleted item. If you need to include more information to explain an idea, use sub-bullets, but use them sparingly.

    -
    Example of bulleted list items
    -

    Write:
    - To draft a high-quality source document:

    +

    Don't place meaningful text, such as campaign or program titles, in decorative images.

    +

    Get details about the templates above in the Canada.ca Content and Information Architecture Specification.

    +
    Example of a decorative image
    +

    Decorative image in context to create visual interest

    +
    Don’t describe decorative images
    +

    Decorative images don’t require a description. Their only purpose is to add visual appeal to content, not to add contextual information. The decorative image in our example just helps to create visual interest. Using a description for a decorative image gives users unnecessary information that can distract from the content on the page.

    +
    Alt text for decorative images
    +

    Use the null indicator as the alternative text (alt="") for decorative images. This tells screen readers to ignore the image.

    +
    +
    +

    Image sizing and placement

    +

    Learn where to place images and videos on Canada.ca and what size they should be:

    -

    Instead of:
    - To draft a high-quality source document:

    +
    +

    See how the rule for using images applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    6.2 Include alternative text for images

    +

    Alternative text (or alt text) is text that describes an image. It makes it possible for people using assistive technologies to access the information conveyed by an image. It also helps search engines better understand the purpose of the image.

    +

    When you're writing alternative text for a functional image:

    + +

    Decorative images don't require additional information to make them accessible or visible to search engines. Use the null indicator as the alternative text (alt="").

    +

    See how the rule for alternative text for images applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    6.3 Include long descriptions for complex images

    +

    Long descriptions explain information that is presented in complex infographics or images. You must provide a long description if you can't describe the content and function of the image in less than 140 characters. If you can describe the image in less than 140 characters, use alternative text instead.

    +

    If a detailed and equivalent explanation of the image appears in the text immediately before or after a complex image, you don't have to provide a long description.

    +

    If you provide a long description for an image, you must also provide alternative text for the long description.

    +

    Figure 1 illustrates a number of concepts. It requires a long description.

    +

    Example: Long description for the balanced scorecard

    +
    +
    Figure 1: using a balanced scorecard approach to monitor key performance indicators
    + A balanced scorecard showing how business activities align with an organization's vision and strategy to monitor key performance indicators. Text version below. +
    Alternative text
    +

    You could write the following alternative text for the image shown in Figure 1:

    +

    A balanced scorecard showing how business activities align with an organization's vision and strategy to monitor key performance indicators. Text version below.

    +
    Long description
    +

    You could write the following long description for the image shown in Figure 1:

    +

    A balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system used worldwide to align business activities with an organization's vision and strategy.

    +

    Business activities are grouped into 4 perspectives, all of which are interdependent and come from the vision and strategy. These are learning and growth, internal business processes, financial, and customer. Each has a question associated with it.

    -

    Take a look at the section on capitalization and punctuation rules that apply to lists.

    -
    -
    -

    Alphabetical lists

    -

    Only present your web content in an alphabetical order if it's the most logical and intuitive approach for the audience.

    -

    For example, listing provinces and territories in alphabetical order could be appropriate.

    -

    If you present content in alphabetical order in English, also present it in alphabetical order in French to provide the same intuitive experience.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for using lists to support scanning applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    - -
    -

    5.3 Use tables to organize data

    -

    Use tables to organize and present data. Make sure that the:

    - -

    Give your table a clear title that describes the information in it.

    -

    Example of a table that organizes data

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Comparison of net budgetary authorities and expenditures for Vote 1 as of December 31, for fiscal years 2011 to 2012 and 2012 to 2013 ($ millions) -
    Vote 12011 to 20122012 to 2013
    Net budgetary authorities287.4252.4
    Year-to-date expenditures ending December 31184.1154.6
    -
    -

    Use column and row headers

    -

    Each column and row of a table must have a header that describes the information in that column or row.

    -

    Column and row headers are different from headings and subheadings:

    +

    To achieve our vision, how will we sustain our ability to change and improve?

    -

    Check that there is a consistent relationship between the columns and rows.

    -

    For example, to check the table above, ask yourself whether you can align the information that appears in:

    +

    To satisfy our shareholders and customers, what business processes must we excel at?

    -

    Your web team will use the information in the headers to code the table. Afterwards, screen readers will be able to correctly interpret the data within the table.

    -

    In the following example, all the cells in the first:

    +

    To succeed financially, how should we appear to our shareholders?

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Disclosure of contracts over $10,000 from January to March 2010table 2 note * -
    Date contract was awardedVendor nameDescription Value
    2010-02-01table 2 note **ABC Business SolutionsRental of machinery office furniture and fixtures$227,703.22
    2010-02-20IT Consultants R UsOther professional services not elsewhere specified$227,956.64
    2010-02-23Management Consulting Group LimitedManagement consulting$285,575.89
    2010-03-01XYZ ConsultantsOther professional services not elsewhere specified $56,294.42
    -
    Table 2 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 2 Note *
    -
    -

    Fourth quarter of the April 1, 2009, to March 31, 2010, fiscal year.

    -

    Return to table 2 note * referrer

    -
    -
    Table 2 Note **
    -
    -

    Dates in this table represent the year, month and day (yyyy-mm-dd).

    -

    Return to table 2 note ** referrer

    -
    -
    -
    -

    By looking at the column headers "Date contract was awarded," "Vendor name" and "Value," people can understand that on February 23, 2010, Management Consulting Group Limited was awarded a contract valued at $285,575.89.

    -
    -
    -

    Use the simplest structure possible

    -

    It can be difficult to make tables accessible and easy to read for people using screen readers or mobile devices.

    -

    To make information useful to the widest possible audience:

    +

    To achieve our vision, how should we appear to our customers?

    +

    Each perspective can be monitored using the following 4 components:

    -
    Before: complex table
    -

    The following table is complex and poorly designed. It would be difficult for someone using a screen reader or a mobile device to access and understand the information.

    -
    Example of a complex table
    + +

    Figure 2 is a bar chart. The information in it came from a data table. You could therefore use the table as the long description for this image.

    +

    Example: Long description for the bar chart illustrating the proportion of men and women in the public service for selected years from 1983 to 2010

    +
    +
    Figure 2: proportion of men and women in the public service for selected years from 1983 to 2010
    + Comparison of the ratio of women and men in the civil service between 1983 and 2010. Text version below. +

    Source: Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
    + Note: Includes all tenures. Figures do not include employees on leave without pay. +

    +
    Alternative text
    +

    You could write the following alternative text:

    +

    Comparison of the ratio of women and men in the civil service between 1983 and 2010. Text version below.

    +
    Long description
    +

    You could write the following long description text:

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams -
    Eastern ConferenceWestern Conference
    TeamWinsTeamWinsTeamWinsTeamWinsTeamWins
    Montréal Canadiens22Toronto Maple Leafs11Ottawa Senators1Edmonton Oilers5Calgary Flames1
    -
    After: simple tables
    -

    The complex table easily converts into simple tables.

    -
    Example: one simple table
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams -
    TeamConference Wins
    Montreal CanadiensEastern 22
    Toronto Maple LeafsEastern 11
    Edmonton OilersWestern 5
    Calgary FlamesWestern 1
    Ottawa SenatorsEastern1
    -

    If it's important to highlight Stanley Cup championships by NHL conference (region), present the information using 2 simpler tables, and use table titles to clarify which conference the teams represent.

    -
    Example: multiple simple tables
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1: Eastern conference: National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams -
    Team Wins
    Montreal Canadiens22
    Toronto Maple Leafs11
    Ottawa Senators1
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    - Table 2: Western conference: National Hockey League Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams -
    Team Wins
    Edmonton Oilers5
    Calgary Flames1
     + Figure 2: proportion of men and women in the public service for selected years 1983 to 2010 +
    Gender (by percentage)1983198819931998200320082010
    Men58.255.752.949.646.745.144.8
    Women41.844.347.150.453.354.955.2
    +

    Source: Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
    + Note: Includes all tenures. Figures do not include employees on leave without pay. +

    +
    -

    The complex table also easily converts into 2 lists.

    -
    Example: convert tables to text
    -

    Eastern conference National Hockey League:

    -

    The Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams

    +
    +

    Work with your web team to determine the best way to include the long description information. They'll guide you on how to make sure the image is accessible to people using assistive technology. They'll also ensure that your image meets the Canada.ca Content and Information Architecture Specification.

    +

    See how the rule for long descriptions applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    6.4 Include transcripts to describe audio and video files

    +

    A transcript is the text equivalent of an audio or video file. They make it easier for people who need to access information in audio or visual media but can't hear or see the content because:

    + +

    Make sure the transcript describes all pre-recorded information and action, including:

    + +

    See how the rule for transcripts to describe audio and video files applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    7.0 Links

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    In this section

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    A link (or hyperlink) is a word, phrase or image on a web page that people click on to move to another part of the same content or to access an entirely different web resource (such as a web page, video or downloadable file).

    +

    People who use assistive technology can navigate web content using links. For example, screen readers list all links on a page without the contextual content.

    +

    Your links should be descriptive and able to stand alone so that it's clear what people can expect if they click on them.

    +
    +

    7.1 Use links strategically

    +

    Be strategic about how you place and create links on a web page and about how many links you provide:

      -
    • Montreal Canadiens: 22
      • -
    • Toronto Maple Leafs: 11
      • -
    • Ottawa Senators: 1
      • +
    • include links that directly support the topic or task on the current page
      • +
    • link to the original information posted by the authoritative source
      • +
    • don't include links to intranet sites unless the content targets government employees, in which case you should add "(accessible only on the Government of Canada network)"
      • +
    • don't bury links that are crucial to completing a task in the middle of a paragraph or at the bottom of the page
    -

    Western conference National Hockey League:

    -

    The Stanley Cup Canadian winning teams

    +

    Example of appropriate use of links

    +
    Write:
    +

    A Food Guide serving is how much food you should eat from each of the 4 food groups every day. In some cases, a serving is the amount of a given food group that you normally eat in one sitting, like an apple. In other cases, the daily amount is more than one serving, such as for rice or pasta.

    +

    Number of daily food servings for children, teens and adults

    +
    Instead of:
    +

    A Food Guide Serving is simply a reference amount. It helps you understand how much food is recommended every day from each of the four food groups. In some cases, a Food Guide Serving may be close to what you eat, such as an apple. In other cases, such as rice or pasta, you may serve yourself more than one Food Guide Serving.

    +
    +
    +

    Carefully select related content

    +

    Providing links to other relevant web pages can help people find related information quickly. Links to your pages from other pages may also help improve where your page ranks in search results.

    +

    Be sure to select related links carefully. Too many links on a page can cause people to leave the page without reading important information or can discourage them from completing a task.

    +
    +

    See how the rule for using links strategically applies in French

    + +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    7.2 Write descriptive links

    +

    A link must describe the content a person will find once they click on it. It's easier to complete a task when a link's destination matches a person's expectations. Make sure links are descriptive so that person will understand what they'll get when they click on them.

    +

    The text you hyperlink doesn't have to match the title of the destination page to be compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Text in a link gets some context from the web page's content. Make sure the main keywords of the link text correspond to the page title so that people know they're in the right place.

    +

    Tips for providing useful links:

    + +

    Don't use:

    + +
    +

    Focus on the task

    +

    When writing instructions for completing a task, sometimes you need to insert a link to guide the person to forms or other documents. Focus on the action they must perform when you create the link.

    +

    Don't repeat the name of a form or document in the steps to accomplish a task if the name isn't descriptive.

    +

    Example of the use of links that focus on the task

    +
    Write:
    +

    To get the highest Employment Insurance amount available to you:

    +
      +
    1. open the form you need to declare your income
      2. +
    2. + identify your highest weeks of insurable income in the shortest period below: +
        +
      • the last 52 weeks of employment
        • +
      • since the start of your last claim
        • +
      +
      3. +
    3. return the completed form in person to the Service Canada office closest to you
      4. +
    +
    Instead of:
    +

    To ensure that you are paid the maximum Employment Insurance (EI) benefit rate that you are entitled to, complete the Claimant Attestation - Highest Weeks of Insurable Earnings (Variable Best Weeks) form with the required information about your highest weeks of insurable earnings in the last 52 weeks of employment or since the start of your last claim, whichever is the shorter period of the two.

    +
    +
    +

    Use brackets for contextual information

    +

    Use brackets inside a link to add information that provides context about the linked content. Use brackets sparingly. Only provide necessary, contextual information to help users decide whether to proceed.

    +

    This guidance applies in the following situations:

    +
      +
    1. +

      Link is to a downloadable document. Make sure to include the file type and size in the brackets:

      + +
      2. +
      +
    2. +

      Link to external content is in a different language. Add brackets inside the link and specify the language of the linked content, formatted as (Language X only). Do not translate the title of the linked content and ensure its language is specified in the link's code

      +

      On an English page, write:

      + +

      Follow the same structure on French-language pages linking to English content:

      + +

      Remember to include the file type and size inside the brackets when the link leads to a download. For example:

      + +
      3. +
    3. + Link opens video or audio content. Specify the length of the content inside the brackets. Follow recommendations from #2 when the content is only available in a different language. + +
      4. +
    +

    See how the rule for writing descriptive links applies in French

    -
    -
    -

    Limit the use of texture and colour

    -

    Avoid formatting cells with textures or colours, because it can make text difficult to read.

    -

    If you must use textures and colours in a table, explain what they mean (for example, in a table note or in a legend). Make sure you comply with the minimum colour contrast rules (1.4.3) from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

    -

    Never rely on colour or texture alone to convey important information.

    -
    -
    -

    Avoid having blank cells

    -

    Assistive technologies like a screen reader will notify the person if the cell is blank. If a cell has no value, explain why in your table's:

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    7.3 Make sure that links work

    +

    Make sure that your links work. Check that they take people to the correct page, which contains up-to-date information, in the appropriate official language. Links that don't work frustrate people and hurt the credibility of your content.

    +

    See how the rule for verifying links applies in French

    -

    You may also write one of the following in the cell, as long as it's clear and doesn't create visual noise that would distract your audience:

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    7.4 Linking to internal-to-government content

    +

    In most cases, public-facing content should not link to content that is accessible only through internal government networks. Occasionally, the audience for content that is accessible to the public may be primarily internal.

    +

    When a link leads to content available only on internal government networks, write "(accessible only on the Government of Canada network)."

    +

    See how the rule for internal-to-government content applies in French

    -
    -

    See how the rule for using tables to organize data applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    6.0 Images and videos

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    In this section

    - -
    +
    +
    -
    -
    -

    You can use images and videos to:

    - -

    When planning your content, weigh the benefits of using videos with the impact on people who will try to view them using mobile devices. Data plans and reliable network access vary.

    -

    Obtain permission to publish

    -

    Make sure that you have the appropriate permissions to publish images, audio files and videos online. You'll need to have the written proof of those rights. Refer to the Procedures for Publishing or contact your institution's authoring team for more details.

    -

    Help with images, audio files or videos on Canada.ca

    -

    For specific information about consent forms or licensing requirements related to Canada.ca, contact the Principal Publisher: na-web_support-soutien_du_web-gd@servicecanada.gc.ca.

    +
    -
    -

    6.1 Understand the purpose of images online

    -

    Images can distract people. They can also make the page take longer to load. Make sure your images add value to your content.

    -

    There are 2 main types of images:

    - -
    -

    Functional images

    -

    Functional images:

    - -

    Functional images add value to the content because they provide more information than can be provided through text alone. Examples of functional images:

    - -

    Include the appropriate alternative text to describe the image for people who are unable to view it.

    -
    Example of functional images
    -
    -
    Figure 4
    - Map of Canada: current conditions -
    - Figure 4 - Text version - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    CityConditionTemperature
    CalgaryMainly sunny0°C
    CharlottetownDrifting snow-11°C
    Edmonton(no data)0°C
    FrederictonSunny-12°C
    HalifaxMainly sunny-7°C
    IqaluitDrifting snow-22°C
    MontréalSunny-16°C
    Ottawa (Kanata - Orléans)Mainly sunny-15°C
    Prince GeorgePartly cloudy2°C
    QuébecPartly cloudy-19°C
    ReginaCloudy-4°C
    SaskatoonMist-8°C
    St. John'sMist2°C
    Thunder BayPartly cloudy-14°C
    TorontoLight snow-6°C
    VancouverMostly cloudy9°C
    VictoriaLight rain8°C
    WhitehorsePartly cloudy-19°C
    WinnipegSunny-18°C
    YellowknifeMainly sunny-28°C
    -
    -
    -
    -
    Figure 5
    - This chart helps you choose the accessibility project that is right for you: description follows -
    - Figure 5 - Text version -

    The chart asks you yes or no questions. If you answer "no", it gives you recommendations of other accessibility projects.

    -
    -

    Question 1: Is the entrance to your building barrier-free?

    -
      -
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 2
      • -
    • If your answer is “No”: -
        -
      • ramps, accessible doors, reserved parking, and leveling the ground can improve the accessibility of your building
        • -
      -
      • -
    -
    -
    -

    Question 2: Are the hallways wide enough for persons with assistive devices, such as electric wheelchairs, to get through?

    -
      -
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 3
      • -
    • If your answer is “No”: -
        -
      • making halls and doorways wider, installing automatic door operators, elevators or lifts can all help reduce accessibility barriers in your building
        • -
      -
      • -
    -
    -
    -

    Question 3: Are persons with disabilities able to access all necessary floors, levels and sections of your building?

    -
      -
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 4
      • -
    • If your answer is “No”: -
        -
      • making halls and doorways wider,  installing automatic door operators, elevators or lifts can all help reduce accessibility barriers in your building
        • -
      -
      • -
    -
    -
    -

    Question 4: Can persons with reduced mobility use the washroom in your building?

    -
      -
    • If your answer is “Yes”, go to question 5
      • -
    • If your answer is “No”: -
        -
      • accessible washrooms or barrier-free stalls should be available in all facilities.
        • -
      -
      • -
    -
    -
    -

    Question 5: Are there automatic door openers to the washrooms? Is the washroom entrance wide enough to accommodate assistive devices?

    -
      -
    • If your answer is “Yes”: -
        -
      • congratulations! Here are some examples of other accessibility projects that EAF funds: safety and security items, such as visual fire alarms; multi-sensory rooms; hearing loops; and more!
        • -
      -
      • -
    • If your answer is “No”: -
        -
      • making halls and doorways wider, installing automatic door operators, elevators or lifts can all help reduce accessibility barriers in your building
        • -
      -
      • -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    Decorative images

    -

    Use decorative images only to provide visual context for the following templates:

    - -

    Don't place meaningful text, such as campaign or program titles, in decorative images.

    -

    Get details about the templates above in the Canada.ca Content and Information Architecture Specification.

    -
    Example of a decorative image
    -

    Decorative image in context to create visual interest

    -
    Don’t describe decorative images
    -

    Decorative images don’t require a description. Their only purpose is to add visual appeal to content, not to add contextual information. The decorative image in our example just helps to create visual interest. Using a description for a decorative image gives users unnecessary information that can distract from the content on the page.

    -
    Alt text for decorative images
    -

    Use the null indicator as the alternative text (alt="") for decorative images. This tells screen readers to ignore the image.

    -
    -
    -

    Image sizing and placement

    -

    Learn where to place images and videos on Canada.ca and what size they should be:

    - -
    -

    See how the rule for using images applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    6.2 Include alternative text for images

    -

    Alternative text (or alt text) is text that describes an image. It makes it possible for people using assistive technologies to access the information conveyed by an image. It also helps search engines better understand the purpose of the image.

    -

    When you're writing alternative text for a functional image:

    - -

    Decorative images don't require additional information to make them accessible or visible to search engines. Use the null indicator as the alternative text (alt="").

    -

    See how the rule for alternative text for images applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    6.3 Include long descriptions for complex images

    -

    Long descriptions explain information that is presented in complex infographics or images. You must provide a long description if you can't describe the content and function of the image in less than 140 characters. If you can describe the image in less than 140 characters, use alternative text instead.

    -

    If a detailed and equivalent explanation of the image appears in the text immediately before or after a complex image, you don't have to provide a long description.

    -

    If you provide a long description for an image, you must also provide alternative text for the long description.

    -

    Figure 1 illustrates a number of concepts. It requires a long description.

    -

    Example: Long description for the balanced scorecard

    -
    -
    Figure 1: using a balanced scorecard approach to monitor key performance indicators
    - A balanced scorecard showing how business activities align with an organization's vision and strategy to monitor key performance indicators. Text version below. -
    Alternative text
    -

    You could write the following alternative text for the image shown in Figure 1:

    -

    A balanced scorecard showing how business activities align with an organization's vision and strategy to monitor key performance indicators. Text version below.

    -
    Long description
    -

    You could write the following long description for the image shown in Figure 1:

    -

    A balanced scorecard is a strategic planning and management system used worldwide to align business activities with an organization's vision and strategy.

    -

    Business activities are grouped into 4 perspectives, all of which are interdependent and come from the vision and strategy. These are learning and growth, internal business processes, financial, and customer. Each has a question associated with it.

    - -

    To achieve our vision, how will we sustain our ability to change and improve?

    - -

    To satisfy our shareholders and customers, what business processes must we excel at?

    - -

    To succeed financially, how should we appear to our shareholders?

    - -

    To achieve our vision, how should we appear to our customers?

    -

    Each perspective can be monitored using the following 4 components:

    - -
    -

    Figure 2 is a bar chart. The information in it came from a data table. You could therefore use the table as the long description for this image.

    -

    Example: Long description for the bar chart illustrating the proportion of men and women in the public service for selected years from 1983 to 2010

    -
    -
    Figure 2: proportion of men and women in the public service for selected years from 1983 to 2010
    - Comparison of the ratio of women and men in the civil service between 1983 and 2010. Text version below. -

    Source: Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
    - Note: Includes all tenures. Figures do not include employees on leave without pay.

    -
    Alternative text
    -

    You could write the following alternative text:

    -

    Comparison of the ratio of women and men in the civil service between 1983 and 2010. Text version below.

    -
    Long description
    -

    You could write the following long description text:

    - -
    - Figure 2: proportion of men and women in the public service for selected years 1983 to 2010 +
    +

    Web content makeovers

    +

    Case study A: improve plain language and content structure

    +

    Before

    +

    The Employment Insurance (EI) program offers temporary financial assistance to Canadians and individuals who are legally entitled to work in Canada, have a valid Social Insurance Number and remain in Canada during their benefit period. One type of benefits that the EI program offers is regular benefits. EI regular benefits are offered to people who have lost their employment through no fault of their own (for example, because of a shortage of work or because they were employed in seasonal work) and who are ready, willing, and capable of working each day but unable to find work.

    +

    Flesch-Kincaid reading level: 17.2

    +

    After

    +

    The Employment Insurance (EI) program could give you temporary financial help if you lost your job.

    +

    To qualify for regular benefits, you must:

    +
      +
    • be Canadian or legally able to work in Canada
      • +
    • have a valid social insurance number
      • +
    • have lost your job through no fault of your own
      • +
    • be ready, willing and able to work each day but still can't find work
      • +
    • stay in Canada while you're getting EI help
      • +
    +

    Flesch-Kincaidreading level: 5.9

    +

    What we did

    +

    To improve this content, we:

    +
      +
    • created a list out of the items in the text 
      • +
    • replaced complex nouns with verbs and complex verbs with simpler forms
      • +
    +

    Case study B: improve and simplify tables

    +

    Before

    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table: supporting families and communities (in $ millions), Budget 2013 +
    Supporting Families and Communities (in $ millions)2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Support for Families   
    Expanding Tax Relief for Home Care Services5510
    Palliative and End-of-Life Care112
    Tariff Relief for Canadians Consumers7676152
    Subtotal—Support for Families8282164
        
    Investing in Communities   
    Housing for Canadians in Need   
    Homelessness Partnering Strategy 119119
    Investment in Affordable Housing 253253
    Investment in Nunavut Housing3070100
    Supporting and Honouring Veterans   
    Enhancing Veterans Affairs Canada's Funeral and Burial Program63265
    Road to 2017123
    Investments in Arts and Culture   
    Massey Hall Revitalization8 8
    Expanding Library Services for the   
    Blind and Partially Sighted3 3
    First-Time Donor's Super Credit252550
    Supporting the Economic Transition of Communities Economically Linked to the Chrysotile Asbestos Industry358
    Subtotal—Investing in Communities133476609
        
    Protecting Canada's Natural Environment   
    Nature Conservancy of Canada20 20
    Improving the Conservation of Fisheries   
    Through Community Partnerships5510
    Salmon Conservation Stamp112
    Enabling Responsible Marine Management4 4
    Protecting Against Invasive Species223
    Expanding Tax Support for Clean Energy Generation 11
    Subtotal—Protecting Canada's Natural Environment32941
        
    Building Strong Aboriginal Communities   
    Resolving Specific Claims272754
    First Nations Land Management Regime279
    First Nations Policing Program181836
    Aboriginal Justice Strategy11 11
    Renewal of the Family Violence Prevention Program121224
    Improving Health Services to First Nations Communities242448
    Enhancing Mental Health Services in First Nations Communities224
    Subtotal—Building Strong Aboriginal Communities9590185
        
    Total—Supporting Families and Communities342657999
    Less funds existing in the fiscal framework76422498
    Less funds sourced from internal reallocations11112
    Net fiscal cost265224489
    Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.
    +

    After

    + + - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + - - - + + + -
    + Table 1: supporting families and communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015, net fiscal costs (in $ millions)table 1 note 1
    Gender (by percentage)1983198819931998200320082010
    Cost breakdown 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Men58.255.752.949.646.745.144.8
    Women41.844.347.150.453.354.955.2
    Total: supporting families and communitiestable 1 note 2342657999
    Less funds existing in the fiscal framework(76)(422)(498)
    Less funds sourced from internal reallocations(1)(11)(12)
    Net fiscal costs265224489

    Source: Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer, Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
    - Note: Includes all tenures. Figures do not include employees on leave without pay.

    +
    +
    Table 1 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 1 Note 1
    +
    +

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    +

    Return to table 1 note 1 referrer

    +
    +
    Table 1 Note 2
    +
    +

    See Table 1B for detailed breakdown.

    +

    Return to table 1 note 2 referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    - -

    Work with your web team to determine the best way to include the long description information. They'll guide you on how to make sure the image is accessible to people using assistive technology. They'll also ensure that your image meets the Canada.ca Content and Information Architecture Specification.

    -

    See how the rule for long descriptions applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    6.4 Include transcripts to describe audio and video files

    -

    A transcript is the text equivalent of an audio or video file. They make it easier for people who need to access information in audio or visual media but can't hear or see the content because:

    -
      -
    • they have a disability
      • -
    • don't have equipment such as speakers or headphones
      • -
    • don't want to download a large file
      • -
    -

    Make sure the transcript describes all pre-recorded information and action, including:

    -
      -
    • on-screen text
      • -
    • dialogue and narration
      • -
    • important sounds (such as an explosion)
      • -
    • important action (for example, people running away from an explosion or characters wearing disguises)
      • -
    -

    See how the rule for transcripts to describe audio and video files applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    7.0 Links

    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    In this section

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    A link (or hyperlink) is a word, phrase or image on a web page that people click on to move to another part of the same content or to access an entirely different web resource (such as a web page, video or downloadable file).

    -

    People who use assistive technology can navigate web content using links. For example, screen readers list all links on a page without the contextual content.

    -

    Your links should be descriptive and able to stand alone so that it's clear what people can expect if they click on them.

    -
    -

    7.1 Use links strategically

    -

    Be strategic about how you place and create links on a web page and about how many links you provide:

    -
      -
    • include links that directly support the topic or task on the current page
      • -
    • link to the original information posted by the authoritative source
      • -
    • don't include links to intranet sites unless the content targets government employees, in which case you should add "(accessible only on the Government of Canada network)"
      • -
    • don't bury links that are crucial to completing a task in the middle of a paragraph or at the bottom of the page
      • -
    -

    Example of appropriate use of links

    -
    Write:
    -

    A Food Guide serving is how much food you should eat from each of the 4 food groups every day. In some cases, a serving is the amount of a given food group that you normally eat in one sitting, like an apple. In other cases, the daily amount is more than one serving, such as for rice or pasta.

    -

    Number of daily food servings for children, teens and adults

    -
    Instead of:
    -

    A Food Guide Serving is simply a reference amount. It helps you understand how much food is recommended every day from each of the four food groups. In some cases, a Food Guide Serving may be close to what you eat, such as an apple. In other cases, such as rice or pasta, you may serve yourself more than one Food Guide Serving.

    -
    -
    -

    Carefully select related content

    -

    Providing links to other relevant web pages can help people find related information quickly. Links to your pages from other pages may also help improve where your page ranks in search results.

    -

    Be sure to select related links carefully. Too many links on a page can cause people to leave the page without reading important information or can discourage them from completing a task.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for using links strategically applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    7.2 Write descriptive links

    -

    A link must describe the content a person will find once they click on it. It's easier to complete a task when a link's destination matches a person's expectations. Make sure links are descriptive so that person will understand what they'll get when they click on them.

    -

    The text you hyperlink doesn't have to match the title of the destination page to be compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Text in a link gets some context from the web page's content. Make sure the main keywords of the link text correspond to the page title so that people know they're in the right place.

    -

    Tips for providing useful links:

    -
      -
    • use the first words of the target page or its entire title if it's descriptive enough
      • -
    • start with keywords that accurately describe the target page if the page title isn't enough
      • -
    • make sure that all links on the same page use unique descriptive text if they link to different target pages
      • -
    • when more than one link on a web page links to the same destination page, use the same words for the hyperlink
      • -
    • describe any content that must be downloaded
      • -
    • write email addresses in full, in lower case and as active links (contact helpdesk@canada.ca)
      • -
    -

    Don't use:

    -
      -
    • the same link text to point to 2 different pages
      • -
    • vague statements such as "click here" or "read more"
      • -
    • promotional messaging that might confuse someone who is deciding whether to go to the page that is being linked to
      • -
    -
    -

    Focus on the task

    -

    When writing instructions for completing a task, sometimes you need to insert a link to guide the person to forms or other documents. Focus on the action they must perform when you create the link.

    -

    Don't repeat the name of a form or document in the steps to accomplish a task if the name isn't descriptive.

    -

    Example of the use of links that focus on the task

    -
    Write:
    -

    To get the highest Employment Insurance amount available to you:

    -
      -
    1. open the form you need to declare your income
      2. -
    2. identify your highest weeks of insurable income in the shortest period below: -
        -
      • the last 52 weeks of employment
        • -
      • since the start of your last claim
        • -
      -
      3. -
    3. return the completed form in person to the Service Canada office closest to you
      4. -
    -
    Instead of:
    -

    To ensure that you are paid the maximum Employment Insurance (EI) benefit rate that you are entitled to, complete the Claimant Attestation - Highest Weeks of Insurable Earnings (Variable Best Weeks) form with the required information about your highest weeks of insurable earnings in the last 52 weeks of employment or since the start of your last claim, whichever is the shorter period of the two.

    -
    -

    See how the rule for writing descriptive links applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    7.3 Make sure that links work

    -

    Make sure that your links work. Check that they take people to the correct page, which contains up-to-date information, in the appropriate official language. Links that don't work frustrate people and hurt the credibility of your content.

    -

    See how the rule for verifying links applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    7.4 Linking to non-government content

    -

    Some non-government web content isn't available in both official languages. If you're linking to external web content that isn't available in the language of the current page, say in which language(s) it is available after the link.

    -

    On English pages, write the following after a link that leads to content that isn't available in English: "(XXXX only)".

    -

    If the link leads to content only available in:

    -
      -
    • French, write "(French only)"
      • -
    • Inuktitut, write "(Inuktitut only)"
      • -
    • Spanish and Portuguese, write "(Spanish and Portuguese only)"
      • -
    -

    Example of a link that leads to content only available in French

    -

    Write: Find out how to renew your French passport while abroad in Canada (French only).

    -

    See how the rule for non-government content applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    7.5 Linking to internal-to-government content

    -

    In most cases, public-facing content should not link to content that is accessible only through internal government networks. Occasionally, the audience for content that is accessible to the public may be primarily internal.

    -

    When a link leads to content available only on internal government networks, write "(accessible only on the Government of Canada network)."

    -

    See how the rule for internal-to-government content applies in French

    - -
    -
    -
    -
    -
    -

    Web content makeovers

    -

    Case study A: improve plain language and content structure

    -

    Before

    -

    The Employment Insurance (EI) program offers temporary financial assistance to Canadians and individuals who are legally entitled to work in Canada, have a valid Social Insurance Number and remain in Canada during their benefit period. One type of benefits that the EI program offers is regular benefits. EI regular benefits are offered to people who have lost their employment through no fault of their own (for example, because of a shortage of work or because they were employed in seasonal work) and who are ready, willing, and capable of working each day but unable to find work.

    -

    Flesch-Kincaid reading level: 17.2

    -

    After

    -

    The Employment Insurance (EI) program could give you temporary financial help if you lost your job.

    -

    To qualify for regular benefits, you must:

    -
      -
    • be Canadian or legally able to work in Canada
      • -
    • have a valid social insurance number
      • -
    • have lost your job through no fault of your own
      • -
    • be ready, willing and able to work each day but still can't find work
      • -
    • stay in Canada while you're getting EI help
      • -
    -

    Flesch-Kincaidreading level: 5.9

    -

    What we did

    -

    To improve this content, we:

    -
      -
    • created a list out of the items in the text 
      • -
    • replaced complex nouns with verbs and complex verbs with simpler forms
      • -
    -

    Case study B: improve and simplify tables

    -

    Before

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table: supporting families and communities (in $ millions), Budget 2013 -
    Supporting Families and Communities (in $ millions)2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Support for Families   
    Expanding Tax Relief for Home Care Services5510
    Palliative and End-of-Life Care112
    Tariff Relief for Canadians Consumers7676152
    Subtotal—Support for Families8282164
        
    Investing in Communities   
    Housing for Canadians in Need   
    Homelessness Partnering Strategy 119119
    Investment in Affordable Housing 253253
    Investment in Nunavut Housing3070100
    Supporting and Honouring Veterans   
    Enhancing Veterans Affairs Canada's Funeral and Burial Program63265
    Road to 2017123
    Investments in Arts and Culture   
    Massey Hall Revitalization8 8
    Expanding Library Services for the   
    Blind and Partially Sighted3 3
    First-Time Donor's Super Credit252550
    Supporting the Economic Transition of Communities Economically Linked to the Chrysotile Asbestos Industry358
    Subtotal—Investing in Communities133476609
        
    Protecting Canada's Natural Environment   
    Nature Conservancy of Canada20 20
    Improving the Conservation of Fisheries   
    Through Community Partnerships5510
    Salmon Conservation Stamp112
    Enabling Responsible Marine Management4 4
    Protecting Against Invasive Species223
    Expanding Tax Support for Clean Energy Generation 11
    Subtotal—Protecting Canada's Natural Environment32941
        
    Building Strong Aboriginal Communities   
    Resolving Specific Claims272754
    First Nations Land Management Regime279
    First Nations Policing Program181836
    Aboriginal Justice Strategy11 11
    Renewal of the Family Violence Prevention Program121224
    Improving Health Services to First Nations Communities242448
    Enhancing Mental Health Services in First Nations Communities224
    Subtotal—Building Strong Aboriginal Communities9590185
        
    Total—Supporting Families and Communities342657999
    Less funds existing in the fiscal framework76422498
    Less funds sourced from internal reallocations11112
    Net fiscal cost265224489
    Note: Totals may not add due to rounding.
    -

    After

    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1: supporting families and communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015, net fiscal costs (in $ millions)table 1 note 1 -
    Cost breakdown 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Total: supporting families and communitiestable 1 note 2342657999
    Less funds existing in the fiscal framework(76)(422)(498)
    Less funds sourced from internal reallocations(1)(11)(12)
    Net fiscal costs265224489
    -
    Table 1 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 1 Note 1
    -
    -

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    -

    Return to table 1 note 1 referrer

    -
    -
    Table 1 Note 2
    -
    -

    See Table 1B for detailed breakdown.

    -

    Return to table 1 note 2 referrer

    -
    -
    -
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1A: supporting families and communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015, total costs (in $ millions)table 2 note 1 -
    Initiatives and programs2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Support for familiestable 2 note 28282164
    Investing in communitiestable 2 note 3133476609
    Protecting Canada's natural environmenttable 2 note 432941
    Building strong Aboriginal communitiestable 2 note 59590185
    Total: supporting families and communities 342657999
    -
    Table 2 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 2 Note 1
    -
    -

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    -

    Return to table 2 note 1 referrer

    -
    -
    Table 2 Note 2
    -
    -

    See Table 1B for detailed breakdown.

    -

    Return to table 2 note 2 referrer

    -
    -
    Table 2 Note 3
    -
    -

    See Table 1C for detailed breakdown.

    -

    Return to table 2 note 3 referrer

    -
    -
    Table 2 Note 4
    -
    -

    See Table 1D for detailed breakdown.

    -

    Return to table 2 note 4 referrer

    -
    -
    Table 2 Note 5
    -
    -

    See Table 1E for detailed breakdown.

    -

    Return to table 2 note 5 referrer

    -
    -
    -
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1B: support for families for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 3 note 1 -
    Initiatives and programs 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Expanding tax relief for home care services5510
    Palliative and end-of-life care112
    Tariff relief for Canadian consumers7676152
    Subtotal: support for families8282164
    -
    Table 3 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 3 Note 1
    -
    -

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    -

    Return to table 3 note 1 referrer

    -
    -
    -
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1C: investing in communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 4 note 1 -
    Initiatives and programs 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Housing for Canadians in need000
    Homelessness partnering strategy0119119
    Investment in affordable housing0253253
    Investment in Nunavut housing3070100
    Supporting and Honouring veterans000
    Enhancing Veterans Affairs Canada's Funeral and Burial Program63265
    Road to 2017123
    Investments in arts and culture000
    Massey Hall revitalization808
    Expanding library services for the blind and partially sighted303
    First-time Donor's Super Credit252550
    Supporting the economic transition of communities economically linked to the chrysotile asbestos industry358
    Subtotal: investing in communities133476609
    -
    Table 4 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 4 Note 1
    -
    -

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    -

    Return to table 4 note 1 referrer

    -
    -
    -
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1D: protecting Canada's natural environment for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 5 note 1 -
    Initiatives and programs 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Nature Conservancy of Canada20020
    Improving the conservation of fisheries through community partnerships5510
    Salmon conservation stamp112
    Enabling responsible marine management404
    Protecting against invasive species223
    Expanding tax support for clean energy generation011
    Subtotal: protecting Canada's natural environment32941
    -
    Table 5 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 5 Note 1
    -
    -

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    -

    Return to table 5 note 1 referrer

    -
    -
    -
    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
    - Table 1E: building strong Aboriginal communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 6 note 1 -
    Initiatives and programs2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Resolving specific claims272754
    First Nations Land Management Regime279
    First Nations Policing Program181836
    Aboriginal Justice Strategy11011
    Renewal of the Family Violence Prevention Program121224
    Improving health services to First Nations Communities242448
    Enhancing mental health services in First Nations communities224
    Subtotal: building strong Aboriginal communities9590185
    -
    Table 6 Notes
    -
    -
    Table 6 Note 1
    -
    -

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    -

    Return to table 6 note 1 referrer

    -
    -
    -
    -

    What we did

    -

    To create these tables, we:

    -
      -
    • divided a complex table into several simple tables that are more accessible and can be viewed easily on mobile devices
      • -
    • applied the inverted pyramid approach to provide the summary or conclusion first, followed by increasingly detailed information
      • -
    • created a clear title for each table
      • -
    • updated titles to reflect capitalization requirements
      • -
    • used existing subheadings embedded in the original example to create table headers
      • -
    • made sure that the last 3 column headers reflect the unit value of the information in each column
      • -
    • added zeros to provide relevant information in otherwise empty cells
      • -
    • removed empty cells, rows and irrelevant information (underlining) and subheadings (such as those that were not aligned with the column headers)
      • -
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 1A: supporting families and communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015, total costs (in $ millions)table 2 note 1 +
    Initiatives and programs2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Support for familiestable 2 note 28282164
    Investing in communitiestable 2 note 3133476609
    Protecting Canada's natural environmenttable 2 note 432941
    Building strong Aboriginal communitiestable 2 note 59590185
    Total: supporting families and communities 342657999
    +
    +
    Table 2 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 2 Note 1
    +
    +

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    +

    Return to table 2 note 1 referrer

    +
    +
    Table 2 Note 2
    +
    +

    See Table 1B for detailed breakdown.

    +

    Return to table 2 note 2 referrer

    +
    +
    Table 2 Note 3
    +
    +

    See Table 1C for detailed breakdown.

    +

    Return to table 2 note 3 referrer

    +
    +
    Table 2 Note 4
    +
    +

    See Table 1D for detailed breakdown.

    +

    Return to table 2 note 4 referrer

    +
    +
    Table 2 Note 5
    +
    +

    See Table 1E for detailed breakdown.

    +

    Return to table 2 note 5 referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 1B: support for families for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 3 note 1 +
    Initiatives and programs 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Expanding tax relief for home care services5510
    Palliative and end-of-life care112
    Tariff relief for Canadian consumers7676152
    Subtotal: support for families8282164
    +
    +
    Table 3 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 3 Note 1
    +
    +

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    +

    Return to table 3 note 1 referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 1C: investing in communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 4 note 1 +
    Initiatives and programs 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Housing for Canadians in need000
    Homelessness partnering strategy0119119
    Investment in affordable housing0253253
    Investment in Nunavut housing3070100
    Supporting and Honouring veterans000
    Enhancing Veterans Affairs Canada's Funeral and Burial Program63265
    Road to 2017123
    Investments in arts and culture000
    Massey Hall revitalization808
    Expanding library services for the blind and partially sighted303
    First-time Donor's Super Credit252550
    Supporting the economic transition of communities economically linked to the chrysotile asbestos industry358
    Subtotal: investing in communities133476609
    +
    +
    Table 4 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 4 Note 1
    +
    +

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    +

    Return to table 4 note 1 referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 1D: protecting Canada's natural environment for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 5 note 1 +
    Initiatives and programs 2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Nature Conservancy of Canada20020
    Improving the conservation of fisheries through community partnerships5510
    Salmon conservation stamp112
    Enabling responsible marine management404
    Protecting against invasive species223
    Expanding tax support for clean energy generation011
    Subtotal: protecting Canada's natural environment32941
    +
    +
    Table 5 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 5 Note 1
    +
    +

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    +

    Return to table 5 note 1 referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
    + Table 1E: building strong Aboriginal communities for fiscal years 2013 to 2014 and 2014 to 2015 (in $ millions)table 6 note 1 +
    Initiatives and programs2013 to 20142014 to 2015Total
    Resolving specific claims272754
    First Nations Land Management Regime279
    First Nations Policing Program181836
    Aboriginal Justice Strategy11011
    Renewal of the Family Violence Prevention Program121224
    Improving health services to First Nations Communities242448
    Enhancing mental health services in First Nations communities224
    Subtotal: building strong Aboriginal communities9590185
    +
    +
    Table 6 Notes
    +
    +
    Table 6 Note 1
    +
    +

    Totals may not add due to rounding.

    +

    Return to table 6 note 1 referrer

    +
    +
    +
    +
    +

    What we did

    +

    To create these tables, we:

    +
    -

    Resources

    - +

    Resources

    +