What it does
GC Design System provides web components, page templates, design tokens and CSS utilities for Canadian federal services. Its Figma component library is available in English and French, and code supports static pages and JavaScript frameworks. The code is MIT-licensed, while service terms and official-symbol restrictions limit the intended government use.
GC Design System separates the page frame from individual controls. Templates supply a Canada.ca layout, while components cover language toggles, form fields, errors, navigation and other service interactions. English and French Figma libraries include components and quick-start page templates, with an optional token library for shared styles.
Developers can use @gcds-core/components through npm or load the stylesheet and component script from the CDN. The HTML guide recommends a pinned CDN version for predictable updates. CSS Shortcuts are optional utility classes that can sit alongside existing CSS. The system is independent of WET and GCWeb.
Government use and branding
The code repository uses MIT, but the service terms specify use by Canadian federal departments, agencies and other parts of the federal administration. Some components include official Government of Canada symbols, which require authorized use. Teams using the older @cdssnc/gcds-components package need to migrate to the current package to continue receiving updates.
Strengths
- Figma libraries are available in English and French
- Web components work in static pages and framework-based applications
- Optional CSS Shortcuts complement existing styles
Watch out for
- Service terms specify Canadian federal government use
- Official Government of Canada symbols require authorization
- Older @cdssnc packages need migration for continued updates
Best for
- Teams building Canadian federal digital services
Sources
- GC Design System home (Oct 27, 2026)
- Start to use GC Design System (Oct 27, 2026)
- Install GC Design System in HTML (Oct 27, 2026)
- GC Design System terms of use (Oct 27, 2026)
- GC Design System Components MIT licence (Oct 27, 2026)