Professional interpreters are raising alarms about the Canadian federal government’s initiative to cut procurement costs as it could jeopardize access to critical official proceedings in both official languages. Jeremy Link from Public Services and Procurement Canada announced plans to replace existing freelance interpretation contracts, which involve substantial changes to how services are procured for Parliament and the Supreme Court. The Canadian branch of the International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC-Canada) criticized these changes, warning that the shift to a “lowest bid” model would likely push experienced interpreters out of the workforce and undermine the quality of services delivered. The organization emphasizes that this cost-cutting approach prioritizes finances over the essential competencies required for high-quality interpretation.
AIIC-Canada’s president, Alionka Skup, voiced her concerns in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, arguing that the proposed procurement rules risk reducing the overall quality of interpretation services. This development comes against the backdrop of a significant shortage of accredited freelancers, with approximately 100 interpreters currently managing around 60% of parliamentary assignments. Nicole Gagnon, a freelance interpreter and spokesperson for AIIC-Canada, noted that the shortage has worsened since the pandemic, as many interpreters experienced injuries or burnout during the shift to virtual parliamentary sessions.
Interpreters have already encountered various issues, including hearing damage due to inadequate sound quality in legislative settings. In response to these problems, the government made adjustments to the audio setup in the House of Commons. However, Gagnon fears that if the new procurement model is adopted, skilled interpreters may find it no longer worthwhile to continue their work due to unfavorable conditions. This new model includes a plan to pay interpreters by the hour instead of by the day, a shift Gagnon deems unacceptable, asserting that interpreting is not simply a gig job but a professional practice that requires commitment.
Critiquing the lowest-bid framework, Gagnon emphasized the necessity of considering interpreters’ credentials and experience. Many interpreters possess specialized knowledge in fields like law or engineering that enhances their capability to convey complex information appropriately. Her concern extends to how this change might adversely impact Members of Parliament who depend on high-quality interpretation services to accurately engage with legislative matters, particularly when translating complex legal or technical language.
Link communicated that Public Services and Procurement Canada has sought feedback from suppliers regarding the new procurement approach, reinforcing that this input will influence their strategy going forward. However, Gagnon highlighted that during recent consultations, the government showed reluctance to reconsider the lowest-bid approach. As the department extends current contracts with freelancers until the end of the year, interpreters are left contemplating whether to submit bids under the new terms.
For many interpreters like Gagnon, the proposed changes regarding hourly pay and the lowest-bid model are seen as deal-breakers, which could result in their withdrawal from providing services at Parliament Hill. The overall sentiment in the interpreting community reflects deep concern over the long-term implications of these changes, stressing the need for the government to prioritize quality and access in public proceedings over mere cost reduction.
