Communications Policy of the Government of Canada

Introduction

The Communications Policy of the Government of Canada establishes the framework for how government departments manage their communications with citizens, businesses, stakeholders, and international audiences. This policy ensures that government communications are consistent, coordinated, effective, and reflect the bilingual character of the Canadian federation.

First established in 1988 and subsequently updated, the policy applies to all federal institutions and provides guidance on communicating through various channels, including digital platforms, media relations, public consultations, and more. The policy exists to ensure that Canadians receive clear, timely, accurate, and relevant information from their government.

The Communications Policy is managed by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat and is considered a core instrument for achieving government objectives. It aligns with broader government priorities including transparency, accountability, citizen engagement, and excellent public service delivery.

Principles and Objectives

The Communications Policy is guided by several key principles that serve as the foundation for all government communication activities:

• Public Interest: All government communications must serve the public interest by providing information that is relevant to citizens' rights and responsibilities.
• Clarity and Accessibility: Information must be presented clearly, concisely, and in language that is accessible to diverse audiences.
• Timeliness: Government information should be provided when it is most useful to the public.
• Accuracy: Information must be factual, precise, and consistently presented across channels.
• Consistency: Government communications must be coherent and coordinated across departments.
• Impartiality: Communication must be non-partisan and serve the public interest rather than political interests.
• Bilingualism: The policy upholds Canada's Official Languages Act, requiring communications in both English and French.

Key Components

The Communications Policy encompasses several key components that guide government communications:

Digital Presence

Government institutions must maintain effective digital communications that are accessible, user-centered, and compliant with web standards. This includes ensuring websites and digital content meet accessibility requirements, are mobile-friendly, and follow established design standards set by the Treasury Board Secretariat.

Media Relations

Departments must maintain professional relationships with media outlets, providing timely responses to inquiries, facilitating interviews with subject matter experts, and distributing news releases through official channels. The policy emphasizes transparency and accuracy in all media interactions.

Public Consultations

When developing policies or programs that affect the public, government institutions must engage in meaningful consultation processes. This includes clearly communicating the purpose of consultations, providing accessible information, and reporting on outcomes.

Proactive Disclosure

The policy supports proactive disclosure of government information, including travel and hospitality expenses, contracts, reclassification of positions, and grants and contributions. This transparency helps maintain public trust in government operations.

Integrated Communications

All communication activities must be coordinated across channels and departments to ensure consistency. This involves strategic planning, message development, and the use of appropriate communication vehicles.

Crisis Communications

Government institutions must have plans in place for crisis communication to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information during emergencies or unexpected events that affect public safety or trust.

Implementation and Compliance

Implementation of the Communications Policy is a shared responsibility across government:

Departmental Responsibilities

• Each federal institution must designate a senior official responsible for communications
• Departments must develop their own communication strategies aligned with the policy
• Regular reporting on communication activities is required
• Communications staff must have appropriate training and resources

Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat Role

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat provides guidance, oversight, and support for implementation of the policy. The Secretariat:

• Interprets policy requirements and provides tools for implementation
• Monitors compliance and reports on government-wide communication activities
• Conducts periodic reviews of the policy to ensure it remains relevant
• Provides training and professional development opportunities

Measurement and Evaluation

Departments must establish mechanisms to measure the effectiveness of their communication activities. This includes tracking performance metrics, evaluating public understanding, and assessing whether communications objectives have been met.

Recent Updates and Evolution

The Communications Policy has evolved over time to reflect changing technologies, public expectations, and government priorities:

Digital Transformation

Recent updates have emphasized digital communications as the primary means of engaging with Canadians. This includes requirements for social media use, mobile applications, and data-driven communication strategies.

Open Government

The policy now supports the Government of Canada's commitment to open government, encouraging proactive disclosure of data, information, and dialogue with citizens.

Plain Language Requirements

Emphasis has been placed on using plain language in all government communications to improve accessibility and public understanding.

Inclusive Communications

The policy has been updated to ensure communications are inclusive and respectful of Canada's diversity, considering factors such as gender, ethnicity, age, and ability.

Evidence-Based Communication

There is increased focus on ensuring communications are based on evidence and data, with robust evaluation of communication effectiveness.

Modernized Standards

Standards for format, style, and accessibility have been modernized to align with current best practices and technologies.

Conclusion

The Communications Policy of the Government of Canada serves as the foundation for effective, transparent, and accountable communication between the government and the public. By adhering to its principles and implementing its components, federal institutions ensure that Canadians receive the information they need to engage meaningfully with their government.

As communication technologies and public expectations continue to evolve, the policy will continue to adapt while maintaining its core principles of public service, accessibility, and integrity. The effective implementation of this policy supports democratic participation, strengthens public trust, and helps ensure that government programs and services meet the needs of all Canadians.

Through consistent application of this policy, the Government of Canada demonstrates its commitment to open, transparent, and responsive governance that serves the interests of all citizens in today's complex information environment.