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Big news is coming out of Canada as the federal government has announced some major changes to how they handle interpretation services, and it’s causing quite a stir among professional interpreters. As the government looks to cut costs and simplify contracts, many are worried about how these shifts could affect the quality and accessibility of services that are crucial during parliamentary discussions and Supreme Court proceedings.
Let’s break down what these changes mean and hear from those who might feel the impact the most.
What’s Changing?
The government’s plan to replace existing freelance interpretation contracts has ignited a heated debate within the interpreting community.
Jeremy Link, a spokesperson for Public Services and Procurement Canada, confirmed that they’re seriously overhauling their procurement strategies. One of the most contentious proposals is the move to a “lowest bid” model, which puts cost savings ahead of the qualifications and experience of interpreters.
This has raised eyebrows, especially among members of the Canadian branch of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC-Canada), who argue that this approach could push seasoned professionals out of an already struggling workforce.
Alionka Skup, president of AIIC-Canada, made her concerns clear in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, emphasizing that these changes could seriously threaten the quality of interpretation services.
With only about 100 accredited interpreters currently managing around 60 percent of parliamentary assignments, any decline in service quality could significantly affect public access to government proceedings in both of Canada’s official languages. Isn’t it essential that everyone can understand what’s happening in their government?
The Challenges We Face
The interpretation sector is already facing a tough time, grappling with a serious shortage of qualified professionals—a situation made worse by the pandemic and the shift to virtual parliamentary sessions. Nicole Gagnon, a veteran freelance interpreter, pointed out that many in her field have even suffered hearing damage due to poor audio quality during these online sessions.
Although the government has made some adjustments in the House of Commons and committee rooms to improve sound, the proposed procurement changes could complicate things even further.
Gagnon also raised an interesting point about the shift to an hourly payment structure, which could undermine the norm of daily payment that interpreters typically receive. This change might devalue the profession and lead many interpreters to rethink their participation in government services. For Members of Parliament, relying on high-quality interpretation services to communicate effectively in both English and French is crucial. Imagine trying to debate important issues without clear communication!
What Lies Ahead?
While the government has extended current contracts with freelance interpreters until the end of the year, it’s clear that a thoughtful approach to the procurement overhaul is urgently needed. Feedback from industry stakeholders will play a key role in shaping the future of interpretation services. However, early discussions suggest the government is hesitant to move away from the lowest-bid model, which raises significant concerns among interpreters about the long-term viability of their profession.
The AIIC-Canada and its members are pushing for a procurement system that emphasizes experience and qualifications over mere cost-cutting. As interpreters continue to express their worries, it remains to be seen how the federal government will navigate this challenging landscape. Will they choose to prioritize quality and accessibility, or will budgetary constraints take the lead? One thing is for sure: the outcome will impact not just interpreters, but everyone who relies on effective communication in government. Stay tuned!
