Guidance for teams who think they might need an exception to any of the government's established standards and policies for public-facing digital services and websites. These standards and policies help teams build digital services and websites that meet the government's Digital Service Standards. This ensures they are consistent and accessible for anyone to access and use.
Brand exception
Most of the government’s services and websites follow the established brand standards.
When to apply for this exception
Apply for this exception if you meet 1 of the rules for exception listed on the Apply for a brand exemption page.
Who can grant a brand exception?
The Executive Council Office's Communications Branch manages brand exceptions for all public-facing websites. You can email [email protected] to contact them.
How to apply for a brand exception
- Visit the Apply for a brand exemption page.
- Email [email protected] to find out next steps.
French language exception
We've included a French language exception on this page because we get a lot of questions from project teams that do not think their service or website needs to be translated into French.
All public-facing digital services and websites should be available in English and French to meet the government's:
- General Administration Manual policy 1.7;
- guidelines on French language services and communications; and
- digital service standard number 7 to "Deliver a bilingual service".
Who manages French-language translation?
For questions about the government's requirements for French-language services and information, email the French Language Services Directorate at [email protected].
Their team will work with you to determine next steps if you cannot comply to digital service standard number 7.
MyYukon exception
All public-facing digital services must use MyYukon if people need to sign into an account. This provides them with a single sign in they can use to access all connected digital services.
When to apply for this exception
All new services with a public-facing piece must use MyYukon. Loop in eServices and we will provide you with wording to use for a procurement or other development and we can share documentation on how to link to MyYukon.
Who can grant a MyYukon exception?
eServices for Citizens manage exceptions for MyYukon.
How to apply for a MyYukon exception
- Email [email protected].
- Our team will review your email and get in touch with you to set up a call to talk about your project.
- We'll contact you once we make a decision and let you know what your next steps are.
Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) exception
This heading is a bit misleading as there are no exceptions for PIAs, although some agencies do not require PIAs. We've included the PIA on this page because we get a lot of questions about them. Project teams are not always sure if they have to complete a PIA and it's up to them to determine what their requirements are.
Who manages PIAs?
For questions about the requirements around PIAs, we recommend you contact:
- your department privacy lead; or
- email Corporate Information Management at [email protected].
Security Threat Risk Assessment (STRA) exception
We've included the STRA on this page because we get questions about the requirements for them. In general, all public-facing digital services and websites should complete a STRA.
Who manages STRAs?
For questions about the requirements of STRAs, we recommend you email the government's Security Office at [email protected].
Style guide and writing for the web exception
All public-facing services and websites must follow the goverment's style guide and writing for the web content standard. This established guidance helps teams produce clear, accessible and consistent guidance to meet the public's needs.
If you think your website or service has unique user needs that are not met by the current standards, contact [email protected].
Who can grant an exception?
The style guide and writing for the web guidance are managed by the Executive Council office Communications Branch.
Technical and platform exceptions
The government has established common platform components. We've tested and maintain these components to deliver consistent, secure services and websites. Talk to eServices if the website or digital service you want to build has unique user or business needs.
Who can grant an exception?
eServices for Citizens web architects manage these exceptions
How to apply for a technology and common platform component exception
- Email [email protected]. Describe your project and the user needs you are trying to meet. Include any additional details and links.
- We'll review your email and get in touch with you to set up a call to talk about your project.
How we make a decision
- We assess the user and business needs to determine if there is an existing solution.
- We advise you if there is a solution you should use.
- If there isn't an existing soluion, we work with you to determine next steps.
What does it mean to have this exception?
Refer to the technical and platform exceptions page for details.
Yukon.ca exception
ECO is the authority on the government's content strategy. There are processes to follow to get content added to Yukon.ca - the government's main site for information and services for citizens. They will help you determine where your content belongs and if they determine it should not be on Yukon.ca, they will grant you this exception.
Who grants this exception?
The Executive Council Office communications team grant this exception.
How to apply for a Yukon.ca exception
Email [email protected]
How we make a decision
We refer to the content strategy to determine where your content belongs.
What does it mean to have this exception?
Once you have this exception, ECO will guide you to your next step. For example, they may determine a campaign site or page is appropriate or they may refer you to eServices for a prediscovery.