Interpretation services

 

The Official Languages Act

English and French are the official languages of the Federal Court.  

The Official Languages Act requires that the Court make simultaneous interpretation services, from one official language into the other, available upon the request of any party to the proceedings. It also provides that in cases where Her Majesty the Queen or a federal institution is a party in the proceedings, the official language to be used is to be chosen by the other parties (unless reasonable notice of the choice of language was not given).

Two types of interpretation services

Simultaneous

The interpreter translates at the same time as the individual is talking. This requires technical equipment.

Consecutive

The interpreter stands next to the person and translates after the person speaks.  This does not require any equipment.

Requests for Interpretation Services

A party requiring interpretation services in one of the official languages must make a request in writing to the registry as early as possible before a hearing.

The request must contain the following information:

  • type of hearing or event
  • date, time, place and duration
  • language requested (i.e. French to English, English to French or both)
  • name and telephone number of a contact person

The registry will be charged for late cancellation fees if interpretation services are cancelled within less than 16 working days of the scheduled event. The registry should therefore be advised immediately of any cancellation or adjournment.

Date modified: 2019-03-15

This is a Modal Popup Form