The Evolution of Interpreting in Canada in Recent Years
Interpreting services in Canada have undergone significant changes and advancements in recent years. With Canada's diverse and growing immigrant population, the need for qualified interpreters in a variety of languages has increased substantially. At the same time, new technologies and delivery methods have shaped the interpreting profession.
One major development has been the growth of video remote interpreting (VRI) services. Previously, most interpreting was done in-person between an interpreter, provider, and client. But now video technology allows interpreters to provide services remotely through video conference connections. This has increased access to interpreters for public services, courts, hospitals, and other organizations, especially in rural areas or smaller communities without local interpreters for a needed language. Canadian companies like Voiance and Kirkland Interpreting have been pioneers in offering VRI services nationwide.
The interpreted languages in demand have also shifted along with changing immigration patterns. For example, Syrian refugees arriving since 2015 created a sudden need for more Arabic interpreters. The 2021 census showed Tagalog, Arabic, and Punjabi as the fastest growing languages other than English and French. This has required recruiting more interpreters skilled in these languages.
Professional development for interpreters has also advanced. In the past, there were no accredited interpreter training programs in Canada. But now several colleges offer diploma and certificate programs to formally train interpreters for different specialties like medical, legal, and conference interpreting. Examples include the Translation and Interpretation programs at Conestoga College, Georgian College, and Vancouver Community College.
Legislative and policy changes have also recognized interpreting as a professional service essential for equity and access. For instance, Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and British Columbia have enacted French Language Services Acts to guarantee the right to French interpretation services. And Canada's Accessible Canada Act has mandated availability of sign language interpretation.
While demand continues to grow, the interpreting field still faces challenges around fair compensation, standards consistency, and availability of less common language interpreters. But the landscape has certainly progressed to provide more professional, accredited services across the country. Technology, training programs, and supportive policies have all contributed to the evolution of interpreting in Canada the past few years.
Beyond VRI services and interpreter training programs, technology has impacted the interpreting profession in other ways as well. Many interpreters now use tools like video conferencing, remote interpretation equipment, and interpretation apps to deliver services more efficiently. For example, remote interpretation devices allow multiple languages to be interpreted simultaneously for large conferences or events.
Apps like Interpreter Tap offer audio and video interpreting on demand by connecting users to a growing database of certified interpreters quickly for over 170 languages. This on-demand approach through technology has improved access and flexibility.
The internet has also allowed for more remote work opportunities for freelance interpreters. Online platforms like KUDO, Kahua, and Interprefy connect interpreters to clients for remote video and phone interpreting gigs. This provides more job options for interpreters and availability of interpreters for hire.
Machine interpreting through artificial intelligence is an emerging development. While human interpreters are still superior, AI applications are improving and could be viable options for basic interpreting needs in the future. Some Canadian universities like Concordia are researching and developing these technologies.
Finally, Canada has seen growth in Indigenous language interpreting. Efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages have increased demand for skilled Indigenous language interpreters. BC and Ontario have led the way with Indigenous Language Interpreter diploma programs. The goal is to make Indigenous language services more available in healthcare, justice and legal settings.
In summary, technology, training, language diversity, and Indigenous language revitalization have all shaped the direction of interpreting services in Canada the past few years. The profession continues to evolve to facilitate communication for our multicultural population in various public and private sector contexts.