RSS Feeds Information

What is an RSS feed?

A Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feed is an XML-based format for content distribution online in real time. The Canada Gazette RSS feeds will allow you to receive an instant update as soon as certain content is published in the Canada Gazette, Part Ⅰ and Part Ⅲ. Each RSS feed includes the publication date, the title, a short description and a link to the full document  in HyperText Mark-up Language (HTML) for Part Ⅰ and a link to the Portable Document Format (PDF) for Part Ⅲ.

Why use RSS feeds?

There are a number of benefits to using RSS feeds, such as the following:

• Select the documents you want. RSS feeds allow you to select the category of documents for which you will receive updates.
• Receive instant updates. Once you subscribe to a feed, you will be notified as soon as a new document is published in the Canada Gazette. Please note, however, that Part Ⅰ is published every Saturday but is available online as of 2:00 p.m. Friday and that Part Ⅲ will be published as soon as possible after the legislative documents have received Royal Assent.
• Cut down on spam. Since RSS feeds only require a feed reader or Web browser instead of subscription to an email list, your risk of receiving spam (unsolicited emails) is reduced.

How do I subscribe to an RSS feed?

To subscribe to an RSS feed, you need two tools: an RSS feed reader and the URL (Web address) of the RSS feed to which you would like to subscribe. However, all versions of Mozilla Firefox and the latest version of Internet Explorer (7.0) have built-in RSS feed readers so that you don’t have to download a separate RSS feed reader program. If you’re using either of these Web browsers, please follow the appropriate instructions below. Otherwise, you may skip to the second set of instructions listed below for use with a separate feed reader program.

Subscribing to a feed using Internet Explorer 7.0 or Mozilla Firefox

• Select the URL of any of the above-listed RSS feeds.
• Select “Subscribe” (Internet Explorer 7.0) or “Subscribe Now” (Mozilla Firefox).
• Save the feed to the bookmark of your choice and you have successfully subscribed to the feed.

Subscribing to a feed using separate RSS feed reader software

To subscribe to an RSS feed using a separate feed reader software program (which is required when using older versions of Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera and other Web browsers), follow the instructions below:

• Ensure that you have downloaded a feed reader (some options for feed readers are listed below).
• Select the URL of any of the above-listed RSS feeds.
• Select “Copy Shortcut” if using an older version of Internet Explorer; select “Copy Link Location” in Netscape, Opera and other Web browsers.
• Launch your separate RSS feed reader program, paste the copied URL into an Add New Feed window and you have successfully subscribed to the feed.

Where are RSS feed readers available?

Various RSS feed readers are available for free or for purchase on the Internet. Some options are listed below. Please note that all links to non-Government of Canada Web sites are provided for user-convenience only. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of content on external Web sites.

• RSS readers for Windows
• RSS readers for Macintosh
• RSS readers for Linux
• RSS readers for handhelds
• Browser-based RSS readers

More on RSS feeds

Terms and conditions for the use of Canada Gazette RSS feeds.

For further information on RSS feeds, please contact our communications team by email at info.gazette@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca.