ARCHIVED - Implementation of new CLF 2.0 Standards - Qs and As

1.1 Does CLF 2.0 cover such technologies as blogs, wikis, and podcasts?

The CLF standards address the presentation and function of all Web-based content. They are not specific to the technology or the tool that is being used to deliver and/or present the Web content.

1.2 How does CLF 2.0 affect collaborative arrangements?

New collaborative arrangements must be negotiated with CLF 2.0 in mind. Existing collaborative arrangements must ensure that future updates of the site and/or revisions to any agreements negotiate the inclusion of CLF 2.0. 

1.3 Does CLF 2.0 have an impact on content?

The changes in CLF 2.0 are focussed on standards related to presentation and format. Institutions will need to determine the impact these changes have on their existing content. For example, the addition of a third column on main pages presents opportunities to feature new content such as recently published reports, newsworthy announcements, key initiatives, etc. As always with CLF, appropriate content remains the responsibility of the institution.

1.4 Does CLF 2.0 apply to COTS and pre-existing Web applications?

The CLF standards address the presentation and function of all Web-based content. They are not specific to the technology or the tool that is being used to deliver and/or present the Web content. Thus, institutions should apply CLF 2.0 to their Web content, irrespective of the delivery channel.

1.5 How frequently will the CLF standards be updated?

Changes to CLF must be made to respond to technical developments and government priorities. The separation of content and presentation, especially through the use of common templates and Cascading Style Sheets will minimize future impacts.

1.6 Will the new CLF 2.0 standards apply to Publiservice?

At the moment, CLF 2.0 applies only to Government of Canada public-facing Web sites (in other words those sites that are accessible to the public). Publiservice is not public facing and therefore falls under the definition of an intranet for the purposes of applying CLF (in other words a site that is available only to Government of Canada employees). While there is no plan to address CLF for Web sites that are not public facing at this point in time, institutions are encouraged to implement a single approach for all sites, including a site like Publiservice, where feasible and reasonable.

1.7 What is the definition of a Web site?

The following are the definitions of Web site and sub site for the purpose of defining what must comply upon launch with the CLF 2.0 standards once those standards have been approved:

Web site:

A group of Web pages that collectively represent an institution or initiative

Sub site:

A collection of Web pages with either a local structure or a distinct information space within a larger and more general site, where the collection of Web pages are intended for a particular audience and whose specific purpose is to feature a prominent program or service.

1.8 What is the definition of a collaborative Web site?

A collaborative Web site is one in which the parties involved have shared or compatible objectives, contribute resources (financial or in-kind), share in the benefits, and agree to a fair allocation of risk-taking. Such sites may be between Government of Canada institutions or may involve other levels of government, private sector, etc. and the exact nature of the arrangement will determine how CLF is applied.

1.9 Do the standards require accessibility?

Yes, Part 2, Standard on Accessibility, Interoperability and Usability requires institutions to make Web sites accessible for the widest possible audience. Among the requirements in part 2 are the requirement for Web sites to conform to the WCAG 1.0 Priority 1 and Priority 2 checkpoints.

2.1 What is the deadline for implementation of the CLF 2.0 standards?

Institutions have until December 31, 2008 to implement the CLF 2.0 standards across all Web sites, including sub sites (e.g. region, business unit, branch, etc.) and program-specific sites.

2.2 Is there a toolbox available to help implement the CLF 2.0 standards?

Yes, there is a toolbox along with supporting documentation.

2.3 Are the CLF 2.0 standards being implemented on a "day forward" basis (starting on the date they come into force)?

The standards apply to all future and existing content pages and applications on the Web sites of institutions listed in Schedules I, I.1 and II of the Financial Administration Act as of January 1st, 2007.

2.4 Will institutions have access to additional funding to implement these new standards?

No special funding will be made available to institutions to implement these standards. Institutions are expected to make provisions in their annual budgets for the ongoing management of their Web sites. Implementation of these standards should be part of the regular Web content publishing lifecycle and integrated into plans to keep the Web site evergreen.

2.5 What is the process for reporting on the new CLF 2.0 standards and their implementation?

Institutions are expected to report on their implementation plans in June 2007 and on their progress in December 2007 and January 2009. Additional feedback may be sought periodically.

2.6 Will we be expected to report on our compliance with CLF 2.0 following the deadline for implementation as we did with CLF 1.0 in 2003?

Institutions are expected to report on their implementation plans in June 2007 and on their progress in December 2007 and January 2009. Additional feedback may be sought periodically.

2.7 Will compliance be monitored? If so, is this a centralized function with TBS?

Institutions are expected to report on their implementation plans in June 2007 and on their progress in December 2007 and January 2009. Additional feedback may be sought periodically.

2.8 What are the consequences of non-compliance?

CLF 2.0 is a standard of the Government of Canada, which describes how to develop and implement Web sites that respect Government of Canada legislation and related policies (e.g. Official Languages Act, Privacy Act, Access to Information Act, Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, etc.). Failure to comply with CLF 2.0 may mean an institution is failing to meet its obligations under these acts. Further details on non-compliance measures are listed with the Standards themselves.

2.9 Does CLF 2.0 apply to extranets?

CLF 2.0 applies to all Government of Canada public-facing Web sites of institutions that are listed in Schedules I, I.1 and II of the Financial Administration Act.

For the purpose of CLF; TBS interprets public-facing Web sites as those sites that are accessible to the public; in other words any Government of Canada Web site that provides communications and/or services to clients (including individuals and entities) external to the Government of Canada, regardless of whether the access is provided through a secure or non-secure mechanism. CLF 2.0 applies to all extranets that fall within this interpretation.

3.1 Can we maintain our institutional colour scheme?

An institution can maintain its own colour scheme provided the institution ensures a high level of contrast between the background and foreground, when viewed by someone having colour deficits or when viewed on a black and white screen.

3.2 Can we use different background colours, font colours, or colour treatments in the left menu?

Institutions, through the use of style sheets, can specify the background and font colours used in the left menu to complement their design provided the colour combination achieves high contrast, when viewed by someone having colour deficits or when viewed on a black and white screen.

3.3 Can the colour of hyperlinks be complementary to the design or is there a mandatory colour scheme?

Institutions, through the use of style sheets, can specify the colour of hyperlinks to complement their colour scheme and to ensure contrast and readability on-screen.

3.4 Is it mandatory that all text in the left menu be black?

Institutions, through the use of style sheets, can specify the colour of text in the left menu to complement their colour scheme and to ensure contrast and readability on-screen.

3.5 Why should I provide printer-friendly versions of my Web pages?

Clients who print out Web pages do not require Web site navigation in the printed pages. Excluding these elements will improve the printed result on most printers and will allow clients to conserve both printer paper and ink.

3.6 Can the left menu change as you drill down, or does it have to be the same throughout the site?

Institutions can decide what navigation scheme will suit their needs, including whether or not to offer sub site navigation or contextual menus.