The Translation Bureau's Commitment to Quality Interpretation Services
Public Services and Procurement Canada's Translation Bureau is dedicated to delivering exceptional interpretation services that embody Canada's linguistic diversity and meet the expectations of its citizens. This commitment is exemplified through a rigorous accreditation process, a cornerstone of the Bureau's quality assurance.
Accreditation: A Stringent Standard
For over three decades, the Translation Bureau has exclusively relied on accredited interpreters to fulfill Parliament's interpretation needs. Our internal accreditation exam is a rigorous test, setting a high bar for proficiency. Since 2022, only 22 external candidates out of 194 have passed, achieving an 11% passing rate. This stringent standard reflects the expertise required to meet Parliament's demands, and we are actively exploring ways to enhance the process without compromising our unwavering commitment to quality.
The November 2025 exam adhered to the same rigorous evaluation criteria as previous years, maintaining performance and quality expectations. A novel aspect was the inclusion of independent experts from the high-level conference interpretation community, offering an external perspective on the evaluations. This innovation provided valuable insights, increased transparency, and identified areas for improvement, all while ensuring the final pass-or-fail decision remained the Bureau's responsibility.
Performance and Capacity: Key Metrics for 2025
Our performance and capacity statistics underscore the significance of our work:
- A dedicated team of 60 parliamentary interpreters caters to approximately 60% of Parliament's interpretation needs, with the remaining 40% handled by private-sector suppliers as required.
- 12,000 hours of official language interpretation were delivered for parliamentary and committee meetings, as well as major events like the G7 Summit.
- Incidences related to sound exposure have decreased by 60% compared to 2020, thanks to enhanced protective measures for interpreter health and safety.
Strengthening Capacity: Addressing Interpretation Concerns
Recognizing the growing concern over interpretation capacity, the Translation Bureau has taken concrete steps to address the issue. We have:
- Established partnerships with universities for interpretation programs.
- Conducted university courses for interpretation students.
- Offered internships and learning opportunities.
- Provided scholarships.
- Organized workshops for external candidates preparing for the accreditation exam.
- Collaborated with industry stakeholders on initiatives to promote the interpreting profession.
In addition to external efforts, we provide in-house coaching and training for new interpreter employees through a structured, two-year program.
Looking Ahead: Collaborating for the Future
In collaboration with stakeholders in Canada and abroad, the Translation Bureau will continue its efforts to address the shortage and support the next generation of interpreters. We are committed to ensuring that Canada's linguistic duality is reflected in our interpretation services, meeting the expectations of Canadians.
