CAN-ASC 3.1 Plain Language: Public review draft – 1. Scope
Table of contents for section 1
1.1 Who will use this standard?
This standard was developed for all levels and bodies of the federal government of Canada and federally regulated industries. This standard refers to them collectively as "organizations" and talks to them directly.
1.1.1 Adoption is voluntary
This standard applies to organizations in addition to their other obligations or duties. Organizations using this standard should discover other relevant provincial and federal legislation, regulations, and standards that address accessibility issues related to different forms of communication.
1.1.2 Applies for the benefit of all people
The audiences for the communications under this standard include all people in Canada and others outside Canada who communicate with or receive communications from the organizations or federal government offices.
1.2 Plain language is variable
This standard recognizes that plain language is different from one audience to another and varies according to the form or platform of communication or language.
1.3 Applies to all natural languages
This standard applies to all natural languages and specifically refers to, but is not limited to, these languages:
- English;
- French;
- Sign languages: American Sign Language, Langue des signes québécoise, Indigenous sign languages.
1.4 Terms have consequences
In this standard, shall expresses a requirement that the user must satisfy.
Should expresses a recommendation or advice that is not a requirement.
May expresses a choice within the limits of this standard.
Can expresses permission, possibility, capability, or statement of fact.
Notes in text do not include requirements or alternative; a note separates explanations, definitions, or other information from the main text.
Notes to tables and figures that are part of the table or figure may be written as requirements.
Annexes shall be identified as normative, meaning required, or informative, so not required in use.
1.5 Use of headings to describe contents
In this standard, headings are meant to describe the content and aid in understanding the content.
1.6 Standard does not apply to all forms of communication
This standard does not apply to all possible forms or platforms of communication, or to informal conversations, works of art, or constructed languages, including mathematical languages or computer code. The organization shall track constantly evolving technologies that require adapting to meet the goal of this standard.