June 14, 2022 - OTTAWA – The working conditions of federal interpreters was the focus of a recent meeting between the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) and the leadership of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
On Friday, June 3, CAPE President Greg Phillips met with two members of the NDP leadership – whip Rachel Blaney and House Leader Peter Julian - to talk about interpreters’ health and safety concerns and review CAPE’s proposed solutions.
The meeting came at the request of the NDP at the same time as a slew of media reports on the ongoing challenges interpreters are facing thereby marking a turning point in the two-and-a-half years saga.
Federal interpreters’ auditory safety has been jeopardized since the parliament moved all its meetings online, without the proper equipment and protocol to protect its employees. CAPE had sounded the alarm as soon as May 2020
Mr Phillips shared its frustration at the slow response and inadequate corrective measures applied since CAPE’s first appeal in 2020. The lack of meaningful solutions is having a direct impact on the work of parliamentarians and affecting the proper functioning of Canada’s democratic institution, as foreseen. It has led to the cancellation of numerous House of Commons Standing Committees just as the House nears the end of the parliamentary session before the summer break
Mr. Phillips reiterated the recommendations CAPE made in its April 13th brief to the Board of Internal Economy (BOIE) as part of its study on the topic. The BOIE started investigating this issue on February 17th, meeting with the Translation Bureau to better assess the problem and respond adequately.
Both MPs committed to working collaboratively with CAPE to see a resolution to this issue.
CAPE continues to work with the Government and opposition parties towards building more political support to see that the recent recommendations made to the BOIE are adopted and enforced.
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In attendance
From the New Democratic Party (NDP)
Peter Julian Member of Parliament and House leader
Rachel Blaney Member of Parliament, Whip
Christian Brideau Whip’s Special Assistant
Participants from CAPE
Greg Phillips President
Jennifer George Senior Advisor to the President
Katia Theriault Director of Communications and Public Affairs
