Official Languages

During question period on official languages, Bloc Québécois members raised the government’s plan to reduce Translation Bureau staff by 25%, arguing that skilled House interpreters are essential because most members choose to speak English and interpretation is what allows French to be used in Parliament. They said the cuts would harm the rights of francophones to save money, noting the government found billions for a pipeline, and asked that the decision be reversed. Liberal minister Joël Lightbound replied that demand has decreased, that reductions would happen gradually through attrition, that standards would not be lowered, and that the government is investing in training programs to prepare new interpreters. He also said the Bloc was conflating interpreters, who serve the House and committees, with the Translation Bureau, which translates documents.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

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