Website Accessibility Services
Accessibility for Quebec.
Quebec has one of Canada's longest-standing accessibility frameworks, with digital standards that have evolved to reference WCAG 2.1 and 2.2. Whether your organization falls under SGQRI 008 or you are building accessibility into your digital experience proactively, we can help you meet the standard and serve every user.
Quebec's Web Accessibility Framework
Quebec's approach to digital accessibility is rooted in the Act to secure handicapped persons in the exercise of their rights, originally enacted in 1978. This foundational legislation established Quebec as one of the earliest provinces to address accessibility, though it predates the web by more than a decade.
The province's digital accessibility requirements are defined by SGQRI 008, a standard published by Quebec's Ministere de la Cybersecurite et du Numerique. The current version, SGQRI 008 3.0, came into effect on April 29, 2024, and requires conformance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA along with select criteria from WCAG 2.2.
SGQRI 008 applies to public sector organizations, including government ministries, school service centres, colleges, universities, and public health and social services establishments. While the standard does not explicitly require private sector compliance, it sets the benchmark that most Quebec organizations use to guide their accessibility efforts.
Understanding SGQRI 008 3.0
SGQRI 008 3.0 is Quebec's current web accessibility standard. It replaced version 2.0 for all new content and site redesigns published on or after April 29, 2024. Content published before that date must continue to conform to version 2.0.
Key requirements of SGQRI 008 3.0 include:
- WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance: The standard requires full compliance with WCAG 2.1 at the AA level, covering perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust content.
- Select WCAG 2.2 criteria: In addition to WCAG 2.1, the standard mandates conformance with specific criteria from WCAG 2.2, including requirements from Level A, AA, and AAA.
- Scope of application: The standard applies to all web content published by covered public sector organizations, including websites, web applications, and digital documents.
- Bilingual considerations: Quebec organizations must ensure accessibility in both French and English versions of their web content where both are provided.
For organizations subject to SGQRI 008, conformance is not optional. For private sector organizations, it represents the standard of care that courts and tribunals may reference when evaluating accessibility complaints.
What Quebec Organizations Should Do
Whether your organization is directly subject to SGQRI 008 or you are building accessibility as a business practice, here is what we recommend.
- Assess your current state: Conduct a thorough accessibility audit of your website against WCAG 2.1 Level AA criteria. Understand where barriers exist and how they affect users with disabilities.
- Target WCAG 2.1 Level AA as a minimum: This is the conformance level required by SGQRI 008 3.0 and the Accessible Canada Act. It is also the standard referenced by most Canadian provinces.
- Address WCAG 2.2 criteria: SGQRI 008 3.0 includes select WCAG 2.2 requirements. Familiarize yourself with these additional criteria and incorporate them into your compliance plan.
- Integrate accessibility into your workflow: Accessibility is most effective when it is part of your design, development, and content creation processes from the beginning, rather than treated as a separate compliance exercise.
- Plan for both languages: If your organization publishes content in both French and English, ensure that accessibility standards are met consistently across both versions.
- Document your compliance: Maintain records of audits, remediation efforts, and accessibility policies. This is especially important for public sector organizations with reporting obligations.
How India Stone Creative Helps Quebec Organizations
We work with Quebec businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations to meet SGQRI 008 requirements and build websites that work for every user. Our team understands the specific requirements of Quebec's accessibility framework and how it interacts with federal legislation.
- SGQRI 008 compliance audits: We evaluate your website against both SGQRI 008 3.0 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA using automated scanning and manual expert testing. We identify gaps and provide clear, actionable findings.
- Remediation roadmaps: We deliver a prioritized plan of fixes organized by severity and impact, so your team can address the most critical barriers first.
- Design and development: Whether you are building a new site or improving an existing one, we integrate accessibility into every stage of the process so compliance is built in, not retrofitted.
- Content accessibility: We help your team create accessible content in both French and English, including descriptive alt text, proper heading structure, accessible documents, and clear link text.
- Ongoing support: Accessibility is not a one-time project. We provide training, documentation, and ongoing advisory services to help your team maintain compliance over time.
Learn more about our accessibility services or get in touch to discuss your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SGQRI 008 and how does it apply to my organization?
SGQRI 008 is Quebec's web accessibility standard, published by the Ministere de la Cybersecurite et du Numerique. The current version, SGQRI 008 3.0, came into effect on April 29, 2024. It requires conformance to WCAG 2.1 Level AA with additional criteria drawn from WCAG 2.2. It applies to Quebec government ministries, school service centres, colleges, universities, and public health and social services establishments.
Does SGQRI 008 apply to private sector organizations in Quebec?
SGQRI 008 3.0 currently applies to public sector organizations, including government bodies, educational institutions, and health care establishments. It does not explicitly require private sector organizations to meet specific web accessibility standards. However, private organizations that receive government funding or provide services on behalf of the government may be subject to accessibility requirements. The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms also provides a legal foundation for accessibility expectations more broadly.
What is the difference between SGQRI 008 2.0 and 3.0?
SGQRI 008 2.0 required conformance to WCAG 2.0 Level AA with certain exceptions and additions. SGQRI 008 3.0, effective April 29, 2024, updates the standard to require WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance along with select WCAG 2.2 criteria. Content published before April 29, 2024 must still conform to version 2.0. New content and redesigned sites must meet version 3.0.
What WCAG level should Quebec businesses target?
WCAG 2.1 Level AA is the conformance target set by SGQRI 008 3.0 and is the standard referenced by most Canadian provinces and the federal Accessible Canada Act. This level covers key requirements including screen reader compatibility, keyboard navigation, sufficient colour contrast, text alternatives for images, and clear content structure.
Are there penalties for non-compliance with Quebec accessibility standards?
Quebec's accessibility framework has historically been criticized for lacking strong enforcement mechanisms and penalties. However, organizations that fail to meet accessibility requirements may face complaints through the Quebec Human Rights Commission or the Quebec Ombudsman. The federal Accessible Canada Act, which applies to federally regulated organizations in Quebec, carries penalties up to $250,000.
How does Quebec accessibility law interact with the federal Accessible Canada Act?
Quebec's SGQRI 008 standard applies to provincial public sector organizations, while the federal Accessible Canada Act applies to federally regulated industries such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation. Organizations that fall under federal jurisdiction in Quebec must comply with the ACA regardless of provincial requirements. Many organizations find it practical to target WCAG 2.1 Level AA, which satisfies both frameworks.
Ready to meet Quebec's accessibility standards?
Whether you need to comply with SGQRI 008, meet federal requirements under the Accessible Canada Act, or build a more inclusive digital experience, we can help. Let us assess your site and build a clear path to full compliance.
Talk to our team- Meet SGQRI 008 3.0 and WCAG 2.1 Level AA requirements
- Serve more users with an inclusive digital experience
- Reduce legal risk with documented compliance efforts