There is a difference, Mr. Gourde, between needing the services of an interpreter and needing those of a translator. If I am not sure about the meaning or the use of a word, I will turn to a colleague, naturally. There is a difference between that and being shadowed by an interpreter who translates everything, or being forced to listen to an interview in English with subtitles in French or through the voice of an interpreter who may not render certain nuances. In saying this I am absolutely not criticizing interpreters for whom I have the utmost respect, but they can't do justice to everything. You may have noticed that sometimes before this committee when I become very passionate, I answer in English, and that is why. I know that the role of the interpreter is not to translate my emotion, my passion or my anxiety.
To my way of thinking, we are not talking about the same thing at all. The words « without the aid of an interpreter » mean that the person can get along. If he says « uh » and can't find a word or uses an English word during his interview, that is acceptable. In fact, I do that myself. The words « without the aid of an interpreter » mean that there is no obligation to have an interpreter present all the time who translates everything that is being said.