The Government of Canada is committed to supporting the use of official languages in Canada and to ensuring that Canadians have access to information in the language of their choice.
On October 25, the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, announced a new partnership agreement between the Translation Bureau and Laval University to create a graduate microprogram in interpretation. The goal of this partnership is to help bolster the number of accredited interpreters in Canada, many of whom provide services to Parliament and to Government of Canada departments and agencies.
The Translation Bureau is looking for ways to address the shortage of interpreters in Canada. The new program will be launched in September 2025 and consist of 12 credits in interpretation.
This partnership will allow the Translation Bureau and Laval University to collaborate closely on training students and recruiting interpreters, as well as carrying out research and activities focused on the future of the profession.
The Translation Bureau will support Laval University by:
- offering the services of at least 2 interpreters who will assist with 2 of the program courses
- offering students opportunities for learning in the workplace
- inviting students who complete the program to take part in the Translation Bureau's accreditation exam
- making graduating students aware of job openings with the Translation Bureau
Quotes
"This partnership between the Translation Bureau and Laval University is an important part of the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting the use of official languages and addressing the shortage of interpreters in Canada. This program will help grow the number of accredited interpreters across the country and allow the Translation Bureau to continue offering high-quality services to Parliament, the Government of Canada and all Canadians."
The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
"Canadians from coast to coast to coast deserve access to reliable information in the official language of their choice. That's why today we're partnering with the Translation Bureau and Laval University to create a new microprogram to train interpreters. This will create new well-paying jobs across Canada and ensure that our official languages are spoken, shared and translated for everyone to enjoy."
The Honourable Randy Boissonnault
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages
"The creation of this innovative microprogram responds to a societal need: the training of high-level interpreters, ready to evolve in a booming field. I am delighted with this promising partnership between Université Laval and the Government of Canada's Translation Bureau."
Caroline Senécal
Associate Vice-Rector, Academic and Student Affairs at Université Laval
"Interpretation in Canada is of prime importance, both for the proper functioning of institutions and for good understanding between communities. Students are always looking for more profound training to meet the challenges of the working world. I'm convinced that this graduate microprogram will meet contemporary needs as well as the aspirations of the student community."
Louis Jolicoeur
Full professor and director of graduate programs in translation, Faculté des lettres et des sciences humaines, Université Laval.
Quick facts
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The Translation Bureau is a federal institution within the Public Services and Procurement Canada portfolio. It supports the Government of Canada in serving and communicating with Canadians in both official languages, and in Indigenous, foreign and sign languages.
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There are 2 other universities in Canada that offer degree programs in interpretation: the University of Ottawa and Glendon College at York University.
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The Translation Bureau has 64 full-time equivalent employees providing official language interpretation services.
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The Translation Bureau also uses the services of freelance interpreters to provide interpretation services to Parliament and to federal government departments and agencies.
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Twice a year, the Translation Bureau holds an accreditation exam for interpreters, usually in the spring and fall.
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