Terms Of Service

Using files located on non-Government of Canada servers

To improve the functionality of Government of Canada websites, certain files (such as open source libraries, images and scripts) may be delivered automatically to your browser via a trusted third-party server or content delivery network. The delivery of these files is intended to provide a seamless user experience by speeding response times and avoiding the need for each visitor to download these files. Where applicable, specific privacy statements covering these files are included in our Privacy Notice.

Providing content in Canada’s official languages

The Official Languages Act, the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations and Treasury Board policy requirements establish when we use both English and French to provide services to or communicate with members of the public. When there is no obligation to provide information in both official languages, content may be available in one official language only. Information provided by organizations not subject to the Official Languages Act is in the language(s) provided. Information provided in a language other than English or French is only for the convenience of our visitors.

Linking to non-Government of Canada websites

Links to websites not under the control of the Government of Canada, including those to our social media accounts, are provided solely for the convenience of our website visitors. We are not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the content of such websites. The Government of Canada does not offer any guarantee in that regard and is not responsible for the information found through these links, and does not endorse the sites and their content.

Visitors should also be aware that information offered by non-Government of Canada sites to which this website links is not subject to the Privacy Act or the Official Languages Act and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. The information offered may be available only in the language(s) used by the sites in question. With respect to privacy, visitors should research the privacy policies of these non-government websites before providing personal information.

Ownership and usage of content provided on this site

Materials on this website were produced and/or compiled for the purpose of providing Canadians with access to information about the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada. You may use and reproduce the materials as follows:

Non-commercial reproduction

Unless otherwise specified you may reproduce the materials in whole or in part for non-commercial purposes, and in any format, without charge or further permission, provided you do the following:

• 1. exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced
• 2. indicate both the complete title of the materials reproduced, as well as the author (where available)
• 3. indicate that the reproduction is a copy of the version available where the original document is available

Commercial reproduction

The official symbols of the Government of Canada, including the Canada wordmark, the Arms of Canada, and the flag symbol may not be reproduced, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, without prior written authorization.

Our commitment to accessibility

The Government of Canada is committed to achieving a high standard of accessibility as defined in the Standard on Web Accessibility and the Standard on Optimizing Websites and Applications for Mobile Devices. In the event of difficulty using our web pages, applications or device-based mobile applications, contact us for assistance or to obtain alternative formats such as regular print, Braille or another appropriate format.

Interacting with us on social media

This notice has been written to explain how the Government of Canada interacts with the public on social media platforms.

Your engagement with the Government of Canada via social media is in part governed by the Terms of Service/Use of the relevant third-party social media platform providers, as well as the following Terms and Conditions. The Government of Canada has no control over the social media platform providers’ Terms of Service/Use, but you are strongly encouraged to read them in addition to those that follow.

Content and frequency

The Government of Canada uses social media accounts as an alternative method of interacting with Canadians and of sharing the content posted on its website, facilitating access to Government of Canada information and services, and providing stakeholders with an opportunity to interact in an informative and respectful environment.

Comments and interaction

The Government of Canada will read comments and participate in discussions when appropriate. Your comments and contributions must be relevant and respectful.

The Government of Canada will not engage in partisan or political issues or respond to questions that violate these Terms and Conditions.

The Government of Canada reserves the right to remove comments and contributions, and to block users based on the following criteria:

The comments or contributions:

• 1. include personal information
• 2. include protected or classified information of the Government of Canada
• 3. infringe upon intellectual property or proprietary rights
• 4. are contrary to the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Constitution Act, 1982
• 5. are racist, hateful, sexist, homophobic or defamatory, or contain or refer to any obscenity or pornography
• 6. are threatening, violent, intimidating or harassing
• 7. are contrary to any federal, provincial or territorial laws of Canada
• 8. constitute impersonation, advertising or spam
• 9. encourage or incite any criminal activity
• 10. are written in a language other than English or French
• 11. otherwise violate this notice