Official Languages Committee on Sept. 27th, 2022

[Donald Barabé]

I can’t tell you more because the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec will be called to appear in this matter. So I would prefer not to comment on it.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Okay.

Does Bill C‑13 contain provisions that could address this issue?

[Donald Barabé]

As I said earlier, it would be a good idea to enshrine translation and its importance to the application of the Official Languages Act. Respect for the fundamental constitutional right not to speak the other official language and to obtain quality services and documentation in the official language of one’s choice must be enshrined in the act. Whether in the preamble or in the body of the text, it would be important to recognize the importance of translation and, at the same time, the importance of the institution that has the role of enforcing these provisions.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

Before 1995, translation was done by the Translation Bureau, wasn't it?

[Donald Barabé]

Since the creation of the Bureau in 1934, and until 1995, it was mandatory to go through the Translation Bureau. Departments did not have to pay for these services because parliamentary appropriations were allocated to the bureau.

The user‑pay concept has been in place for 27 years now, and this has led to major shifts.

[Mario Beaulieu, Bloc, La Pointe-de-l'Île, QC]

It's a shame because—

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

Your time is up, Mr. Beaulieu.

The next questions will be from Ms. Ashton, from Manitoba. She has six minutes.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

I'd like to thank our witnesses today.

Mr. Barabé, my questions are for you. First, I'd like to thank you for your testimony. You've given us a number of disturbing insights into the state of translation in Canada and the devastating impact of the privatization these services.

In the last five years, the Translation Bureau has reduced its services to federal departments to meet the needs of Parliament.

Since the Translation Bureau no longer provides these services outside Parliament, do you know if any agency is responsible for ensuring that the government actually meets its obligation to ensure the equality of official languages in the machinery of government?

[Donald Barabé]

That is the Translation Bureau's exclusive mandate. That's why I wanted to quote subsection 4(1) of the Translation Bureau Act. However, that mandate was taken away as a result of the 1995 decision. Basically, it's now up to agencies like Treasury Board to make things right.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

My next question is about translation, a topic that concerns us as parliamentarians right now.

The House of Commons is reportedly currently considering the possibility of using interpreters not accredited by the Translation Bureau to meet its interpretation needs. What do you think of this proposal?

[Donald Barabé]

As president of the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec, I have personally written to the Speaker of the House of Commons to express our concerns about the use of interpreters who have not been accredited beforehand.

I am about to write to him again to tell him that the ordre and other organizations working in translation and interpretation will be proposing concrete measures in the short and medium term to address this problem, including measures that should resolve it once and for all. I can give you a taste of that, if you like.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Yes, absolutely.

[Donald Barabé]

For example, a new scholarship program could be created for interpretation students. That has solved all the shortages for years, so it would be a huge help. That's one of the solutions.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

We share your concerns about this.

My next question on Bill C‑13 concerns the fact that it does not propose any amendments to emphasize the importance of translation, as you said, and does not ensure that the needs of the Translation Bureau are met to ensure the equality of the two official languages are addressed. Instead, the government seems to suggest that administrative changes will suffice.

Do you think it would be appropriate to include additional provisions in the bill to ensure that the Translation Bureau will serve the government as a whole and help ensure the equality of French and English?

[Donald Barabé]

I think this is the best way to guarantee that and to ensure that there will be no administrative changes that could be harmful, as has been the case since 1995. We must not forget that the Official Languages Act has a special status: it is a quasi‑constitutional act. So that would be very important.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

Furthermore, do you think that the Translation Bureau is proactive enough in encouraging potential interpreters to become accredited in order to offer their services across the government?

[Donald Barabé]

I think the Translation Bureau’s hands and feet are tied in many areas, including interpretation, because its budgets haven't changed since 1995. It doesn't really help things at all.

However, I can assure you that the private sector and all the associations, including the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec, are working closely with the bureau to help it address the issues.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

You've already given an example, but what more could the government do to encourage the next generation of interpreters and translators?

[Donald Barabé]

There are two things.

First, the university translation programs need to be built up. There are only two, or actually one and a half. These should be reinforced and at least a third added.

Next, a scholarship program should be created. Personally, I joined the Translation Bureau through a scholarship program, so I know how amazing that is. Scholarships in interpretation are needed this time.

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

You have 20 seconds left, Ms. Ashton.

[Niki Ashton, NDP, Churchill—Keewatinook Aski, MB]

I was going to add, not to assume your age, that the costs of education for young university students are much higher now. The financial crisis is pretty serious.

Thank you very much for your suggestions and for emphasizing the importance of supporting the translation system in our country.

[The Chair, Liberal, René Arseneault]

Thank you, Ms. Ashton.

I'll now give the floor to Richard Lehoux for five minutes.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

I'd like to thank the witnesses for being with us today.

My first question is for Mr. Barabé.

Do you support an amendment that would make the Treasury Board the central agency responsible for all aspects of the Official Languages Act?

[Donald Barabé]

I'm not opposed to that.

[Richard Lehoux, Conservative, Beauce, QC]

Would you support an amendment like that?