On this page
1 Effective date
2 General
3 Mandatory areas under Section 5 of the Accessible Canada Act
4 Consultations
5 Feedback
6 Budget and resource allocation
1 Effective date
This Progress Report was published on 29 April 2025.
2 General
The Manager, Administration, is designated to receive feedback on barriers and implementation of the Accessibility Plan. To provide feedback or to obtain copies of the plan and its progress reports in alternative formats, contact us:
General enquiries
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Place du Centre, 4th floor
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau QC K1A 1K8
tsb.gc.ca
Local number: 819-994-3741
Toll-free in Canada: 1-800-387-3557
From outside Canada: +1 819-994-3741
TDD: 819-953-7287
Members of the media may contact Media Relations
819-360-4376
media@tsb.gc.ca
2.1 Summary
The TSB’s Accessibility Plan 2022 to 2025 seeks to build a culture of inclusiveness that promotes diversity and combats discrimination by identifying and removing existing barriers and preventing future barriers within the workplace.
The progress reports are used to identify, remove, and prevent barriers in the priority areas of the Accessible Canada Act; they are published by 31 December of any year that the Accessibility Plan 2022 to 2025 is not updated.
This second progress report provides detailed information on the comments received from employees, how these comments were taken into consideration, and how consultations were conducted since the publication of the first progress report in December 2023.
3 Mandatory areas under Section 5 of the Accessible Canada Act
The proposed solutions identified in this Plan result from consultations within the organization and have been submitted for review and additional input by an external partner. They represent a stepping stone upon which all employees, managers, executives and partners can collaborate and engage at every step of the Plan’s progression, leading to the cementing of an inclusive departmental culture. Barrier details are identified in the TSB’s Accessibility Plan 2022 to 2025.
The progress report reviews each of the proposed solutions and identifies the progress achieved during the Plan’s second year of application.
3.1 Employment
General: In the Employment area, six barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- Public Service Performance Management
- Managers’ awareness of accessibility issues
- Hybrid meetings
- Timeliness-focused environment
- Bias in hiring process
- VidCruiter
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.1.1 Public Service Performance Management
3.1.1.1 Proposed solution
Include resources to support managers with the call letter, so that they have the tools to take their employees’ needs into consideration in the process and to support managers’ own stress about the process.
3.1.1.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.1.2 Manager awareness of accessibility issues
3.1.2.1 Proposed solution
Increase awareness of accessibility issues via the Beacon, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Townhalls, and other internal communication tools such as lunchtime discussions, posters and advertising the point of contact for accessibility questions. Consider including more formal training on accessibility in the departmental training portal (internally referred to as LMS365).
3.1.2.2 Progress
Manager awareness of accessibility issues continued to be raised in various internal forums. Various accessibility-related courses are available for TSB personnel at the Canada School of Public Service.
3.1.3 Hybrid meetings
3.1.3.1 Proposed solution
Resolve the technical issues affecting the “zoom to speaker” feature of the recently purchased videoconferencing equipment. Pending this, educate and encourage personnel on good practices. Include such practices in standard meeting invitations and introductions.
3.1.3.2 Progress
The equipment replacement project started in the previous year has been completed. As a best-practice, the “spotlight” feature is actively used in some TSB-wide MS Teams-based meetings, and posters encouraging physical participants to turn on their own camera when speaking have been posted in conference rooms where hybrid meetings are held.
3.1.4 Timeliness-focused environment
3.1.4.1 Proposed solution
While participants could not provide an easy solution to this operational requirement, managers are to be encouraged to discuss adaptation with their employees, including conditions that may require the allocation of additional time to complete discrete tasks while balancing operational constraints.
3.1.4.2 Progress
A tool to guide discussions in this area has not yet been developed. Its development will be a priority in the next reporting period.
3.1.5 Bias in hiring processes
3.1.5.1 Proposed solution
To address accessibility-related issues where possible, continue to review merit criteria, staffing assessment tools, and related processes to ensure they are inclusive and do not create systemic barriers as integrated in the TSB Employment Equity Plan. Review and remove unnecessarily restrictive criteria prior to advertising staffing opportunities. In the case of positions requiring specific qualifications where the incumbent no longer meets those qualifications due to an accessibility-related issue, promote flexibility and accommodation measures to the extent possible. As the Public Service Commission brings forward updated policies to adhere to upcoming legislative measures in the Public Service Employment Act concerning bias in hiring processes, the TSB will continue to adjust its staffing-related policies, tools, and processes to support an accessible workplace.
3.1.5.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.1.6 VidCruiter
3.1.6.1 Proposed solution
Ask Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) to request the integration of closed captioning into VidCruiter either by the supplier or using a third-party add-in.
3.1.6.2 Progress
The TSB takes advantage of VidCruiter’s tools providing a higher level of accessibility for potential candidates (they have the flexibility to complete tasks from anywhere using their own devices and on their own timeline and speed), but closed captioning is not available for evaluators. The addition of this functionality has not yet been requested (it is on the Action Plan for the next 12 months).
3.2 The built environment
General: In the Built Environment area, four barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- Some locations do not meet the minimal accessibility standards.
- The accessibility standards may not meet all individual requirements.
- Floorplate size impacts proximity requirements, and
- Noise level/visual distraction impacts concentration.
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.2.1 Some locations do not meet the minimal accessibility standards
3.2.1.1 Proposed solution
Where critical accessibility standard requirements cannot be implemented, work with PSPC to identify new locations to be configured in accordance with the latest accessibility standards. For other locations, continue to work with PSPC, building custodians and owners to achieve as much compliance as feasible, to identify remaining gaps and explore alternatives to make reasonable accommodations in the existing location.
3.2.1.1 Progress
Progress on the relocation of the Dorval Regional office continued during the reporting period. A move is expected to take place in the next reporting period.
3.2.2 The accessibility standards may not meet all individual requirements.
3.2.2.1 Proposed solution
Proactively discuss individual accessibility-related requirements with new employees during onboarding and consider filling out a GC Workplace Accessibility Passport if one does not yet exist for the individual. Accommodations personnel should work hand-in-hand with individuals having accessibility issues, their managers and TSB partners to identify possible solutions, obtain funding, and bring changes to the TSB physical assets to resolve identified barriers.
3.2.2.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. Accommodations personnel continue to work with individuals, their managers and TSB partners to identify and implement solutions suited to individual circumstances.
3.2.3 Floorplate size
3.2.3.1 Proposed solution
Identify and reserve office spaces with the closest proximity to elevators and emergency exits for personnel or visitors who need to limit their walking. Ensure that Building Emergency Evacuation Team members survey identified office spaces when executing an evacuation so that the individuals receive the required assistance in an emergency.
3.2.3.2 Progress
The measures described in the previous progress report continue to be applied.
3.2.4 Noise level/visual distraction
3.2.4.1 Proposed solution
Include a minimum of self-isolation/concentration spaces in the implementation of hybrid workplaces within existing facilities. Where possible, provide a variety of accessible setups so that individuals can choose which one best fits their situation. Proactively design new facilities with a variety of accessible setups.
3.2.4.2 Progress
Barrier elimination continues to be a work in progress due to limited resources. Existing closed offices and other closed rooms are being used for self-isolation/concentration as much as possible, but it is not possible to fully construct new spaces within the limited resources of the TSB. Discussions are held with PSPC to leverage special initiatives’ financing when possible. Future office locations will be configured in accordance with GC Workplace Fit-up Standards in collaboration with various partners.
3.3 Information and communication technologies
General: In the Information and communication technologies (ICT) area, five barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- MS Teams auto transcription
- Lack of awareness about available accessibility hardware and software tools such as Microsoft Office Suite
- Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) accessibility standards for Government of Canada websites and accessibility features in commercial off-the-shelf software are not necessarily applied to internal documents/software
- ICT instruction manuals
- Hybrid meeting organization and preparatory documents
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.3.1 MS Teams auto transcription
3.3.1.1 Proposed solution
Work with Microsoft as part of the government contract to bring on new features to MS Teams via upgrades to the tools’ functionality.
3.3.1.2 Progress
Ongoing. MS Teams auto transcription is constantly being improved by Microsoft. Technological progress of MS Teams auto transcription has reached a level that allows reasonably precise transcription if conversations are in a single language. Fully bilingual conversations continue to a be a challenge for auto transcription.
3.3.2 Lack of awareness about available accessibility hardware and software tools such as Microsoft suite
3.3.2.1 Proposed solution
Promote the availability of services provided by the Accessibility, Accommodation and Adaptive Computer Technology program.
3.3.2.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.3.3 TBS accessibility standards for Government of Canada websites and accessibility features in commercial off-the-shelf software are not necessarily applied to internal documents/software.
3.3.3.1 Proposed solution
Develop short training/awareness sessions on accessibility functions of software, make them available through LMS365 and advertise their availability so that personnel learn how to format their general documents/correspondence to allow their use. Increase general awareness of the need to format documents for accessibility. Use development software that includes accessibility functions right in the package for in-house software development. Include accessibility requirements in future statements of work to formalize the obligation from a contracting perspective.
3.3.3.2 Progress
An awareness session presenting the accessibility functions of commercial off-the-shelf software used in the TSB will be presented during a COO Townhall no later than 31 August 2025.
3.3.4 Instruction manuals for information and communication technologies
3.3.4.1 Proposed solution
Leverage Public Services and Procurement Canada/Shared Services Canada procurement vehicles to purchase ICT, as they include accessibility requirements for accompanying user manuals. Where those vehicles are not available, include an assessment criterion related to the provision of user manuals in an accessible format. For in-house software development, specify in the SOW that user manuals must be provided in bilingual, accessible format.
3.3.4.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.3.5 Hybrid meetings organization and preparatory documents
3.3.5.1 Proposed solution
To reduce cognitive-load issues, meeting organizers should provide supporting documentation well in advance so that participants can prepare using accessibility tools as required. Familiarization sessions on best practices for hybrid meetings and accessibility functions are provided on an individual basis by the Admin Division.
3.3.5.2 Progress
Ongoing. Best practices are shared at every opportunity.
3.4 Communications other than ICT
General: In this area (Communications other than ICT), four barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- Non-official communication products
- Complexity of language
- Templates and structured content
- Active offer
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.4.1 Non-official communication products
3.4.1.1 Proposed solution
Have an expert from Communications who is familiar with making documents accessible provide all staff sessions to increase awareness of accessibility issues and find easy ways to make all communications more accessible, with the goal to imprint accessibility in employees’ mindsets.
3.4.1.2 Progress
An awareness session presenting the accessibility functions of commercial off-the-shelf software used in the TSB will be presented during a COO Townhall no later than 31 August 2025.
3.4.2 Complexity of language
3.4.2.1 Proposed solution
Remind authors that non-specialist readers will likely read their documents and that these documents must therefore contain the information those readers need to understand them. Involve editors as early as possible in the draft to provide advice on clear language. Encourage authors and reviewers to use correct technical terms rather than jargon and avoid making texts so concise that they become unclear. Instruct authors in how to use the TSB’s English and French style guides and the TSB Index of Abbreviations to make their documents accessible to internal as well as external readers.
3.4.2.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.4.3 Templates and unstructured content
3.4.3.1 Proposed solution
Provide templates that meet accessibility requirements and train authors how to make them. Provide guidance on the construction of accessible tables and methods to describe images in a clear, succinct, and complete manner, and constantly apply this process. Increase awareness of the issue through quick-tips and inclusion in training for new investigators. Implement an informal peer-review system to check document structure at the same time as the application of technical accessibility tools within the document.
3.4.3.2 Progress
Ongoing. Accessible models/templates are available for presentations (PowerPoint), investigation reports and official publications; accessible templates are being developed for other document types requiring periodic publishing. The informal peer-review system is not yet active.
3.4.4 Active offer
3.4.4.1 Proposed solution
Human Resources will add a standardized clause in the Letters of Offer about the GC Workplace Accessibility Passport and encourage discussion. Admin will add “discuss required accommodations measures” to the onboarding procedures. Add periodic reminders for Administration to reach out for review of measures.
3.4.4.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.5 The procurement of goods, services, and facilities
General: In the procurement of goods, services and facilities area, three barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- Strict TBS policies and PSPC products, processes, and services
- Lack of diversity promotion
- Process/organizational complexity and resistance to change
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.5.1 Strict TBS policies and PSPC products, processes, and services
3.5.1.1 Proposed solution
Procurement staff to take training and be aware of accessibility statements applied at PSPC, and to apply such. Continue to implement PSPC accessibility tools and clauses to TSB internally driven procurement products and processes as appropriate.
3.5.1.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.5.2 Lack of diversity promotion
3.5.2.1 Proposed solution
Include the attestation to accessibility consideration in its internal processes and examine/enhance the internal list of criteria related to diversity and accessibility criteria. Include the enhanced list of criteria in all applicable professional service solicitations to incite vendors to propose consultant issued from various groups/with various accessibility challenges. Identify available training related to accessibility with a focus on procurement/contracting, to be offered to procurement officers.
3.5.2.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.5.3 Process/organizational complexity and resistance to change
3.5.3.1 Proposed solution
Run a pilot project on a low-complexity goods procurement to further explore accessibility obstacles. Include accessibility and diversity best practices from Human Resources staffing processes into evaluation criteria for professional services. Provide advice to clients on available clauses promoting accessibility in contracts. Explore the availability of directories of businesses supporting accessibility.
3.5.3.2 Progress
Except for a separate directory for businesses supporting accessibility that still needs to be created, this barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report and solutions continue to be applied.
3.6 The design and delivery of programs and services
General: In the Design and delivery of programs and services area, three barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- Public-facing website,
- Media relations and press conferences, and
- Use of tools to enhance accessibility.
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.6.1 Public-facing website
3.6.1.1 Proposed solution
Perform an accessibility audit on the website. Add an accessibility statement describing the standards and tools applied to investigation reports and the website in general. Train and require authors to apply alt text or long descriptions to images in materials destined for the website. In the event that the website is converted to a content management system, ensure that its procurement has a mandatory accessibility requirement.
3.6.1.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report. The solution remains in place.
3.6.2 Media relations and press conferences
3.6.2.1 Proposed solution
Apply the Guidelines on Making Communications Products and Activities Accessible when planning press conferences: plan for and implement closed captioning on press conference video and other video materials posted to YouTube and to the TSB website, and continue to provide transcripts of audio-visual material on the website.
3.6.2.2 Progress
Technical solutions are being explored.
3.6.3 Use of tools to enhance accessibility
3.6.3.1 Proposed solution
Increase awareness of accessibility tools by including a short descriptor of their availability at the start of meetings. Identify/promote online training already available for the Microsoft suite of products in use within the TSB. It was noted that screen-sharing documents in MS Teams reduces video feed clarity: increase awareness of trying to circumvent this limitation.
3.6.3.2 Progress
Sharing of best practices is encouraged and takes place on an ad-hoc basis.
3.7 Transportation
General: In the Transportation area, three barriers were identified and proposed solutions were advanced for the following:
- Vehicle purchase analysis,
- Cognitive charge, and
- Accessible parking.
Progress in implementing proposed solutions is detailed below.
3.7.1 Vehicle purchase analysis
3.7.1.1 Proposed solution
Add accessibility as a factor to consider when making purchasing analysis, to be balanced with other operational requirements. Increase awareness of the availability of the option to rent adapted vehicles when accessibility is a requirement.
3.7.1.2 Progress
Pending - Planned for the next periodic review of the TSB vehicle policy.
3.7.2 Cognitive charge
3.7.2.1 Proposed solution
Ensure equipment alleviating cognitive charge is provided with the vehicle, either as embedded vehicle equipment (cruise control, line keep assist, etc.) or as add-ons to use one’s mobile phone as an aide (secure cell phone mount).
3.7.2.2 Progress
Except for the formalization of equipment check, to be included in the next periodic review of the TSB vehicle policy’s Purchasing part, this barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report.
3.7.3 Accessible parking
3.7.3.1 Proposed solution
Survey Head Office and each regional office to identify parking availability and location of nearest accessible parking options. Add this information to base office information package.
3.7.3.2 Progress
This barrier was resolved with the action reported in the previous progress report and the completion of parking surveys.
4 Consultations
The Manager, Administration consulted with TSB employees responsible for each proposed solution throughout the year in order to keep the subject at the top of their respective priorities. Employees receiving these services were also consulted regarding their experience with the obstacles identified in the Plan. As no external stakeholders have expressed an interest in providing feedback, only internal consultations were used to develop this progress report.
5 Feedback
External stakeholders and people with disabilities who encounter barriers at TSB workplaces are encouraged to contact the Manager, Administration, and provide their feedback for consideration.
Enquiries may be submitted using the TSB’s “Contact us” form on the General enquiries page at tsb.gc.ca, in writing, or by telephone:
Transportation Safety Board of Canada
Place du Centre, 4th floor
200 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau QC K1A 1K8
The Manager, Administration, will respond within ten working days to any feedback requests made by members of the public. As a minimum, responses will identify the relevant information from the TSB Accessibility Plan 2022 to 2025, refer to it when necessary, and provide guidance on the subsequent suitable steps.
6 Budget and resource allocation
For the first Plan, the focus was on assessing the feasibility of proposed solutions, prioritizing and establishing timelines for proposed actions, and identifying, documenting and seeking resources based on the priorities.