Canadians founded the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN) in the 1990s. Canada also has a national organization, PLAIN Canada Clair, which supports plain language practitioners’ professional development in both official languages (English and French). Some of the key people in developing the ISO standard are Canadian editors and academics.
The Government of Canada directs federal departments and agencies to use plain language, and its style guide for web content includes a section on plain language. The information aligns with the ISO plain language standard.
Accessibility Standards Canada drafted a standard for plain language for federal organizations to be finalized in 2025.
Canada’s national associations for lawyers and bankers worked together in the 1990s to write plain language guidance for their members. Both organizations continue to implement plain language in their work and more broadly through Canadian society.
Editors Canada’s Professional Editorial Standards align with the ISO plain language standard. Editors Canada is the national association for professional editors in Canada.
Several Canadian provinces offer much information in plain language, especially on their websites.
