Federal government announces additional support for Canada's official languages

For immediate release

GATINEAU, Quebec, April 19, 2010 – The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services, today announced the signing of additional contribution agreements to strengthen Canada’s official languages. The agreements support the government’s Canadian Language Sector Enhancement Program—an initiative which encourages the development of a skilled workforce and integrates language technologies.

In July 2009, Public Works and Government Services Canada invited project proposals for university scholarships in translation and language industry initiatives to support the government’s official languages strategy, the Roadmap for Canada’s Linguistic Duality 2008-2013: Acting for the Future. Through the contribution agreements announced today, the government is investing a further $6 million in industry projects that will enable organizations to promote and strengthen the language industry in Canada.

“Today’s announcement clearly demonstrates not only the government’s willingness to ensure the viability of this industry, but also our overall commitment to the linguistic duality that enriches our lives and helps to make our country unique,” said Minister Ambrose.

“The language industry in Canada has an enviable international reputation and we are proud to hear Canada cited as an example to follow,” said Alain Chamsi, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Language Industry Association (AILIA). “Given the major labour shortage in the language sector, the Canadian government’s contribution made through these agreements will enable AILIA and other stakeholders to promote and strengthen the industry so that it can continue to be a beacon of language expertise.”

Contribution agreements have been awarded to the following institutions in support of their translation programs:

• Language Industry Association (AILIA) – $2,065,049 for the promotion of the language industry and language standards, implementation of certifications, and organization of strategic development events for the industry.
• Traduction Nouveau Brunswick – $464,062 to promote the translation industry and translation profession in the Atlantic Provinces.
• Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) – $442,263 for an on-line professional training program.
• York University – $410,528 for the creation of a new Master’s program in interpretation.
• Collège communautaire du Nouveau Brunswick (CCNB) – $430,417 for the development and promotion of an innovative, on-line college-level program for paralanguage services.
• Collège universitaire Saint Boniface – $747,538 for the development and promotion of 18 innovative, on-line bachelor courses in translation.
• Canadian Language Benchmarks – $79,279 for the development of skill levels competency tools for English and French as a second language.
• Language Technology Research Center (LTRC) – $1,600,000 for the creation of a “Technology Tool Box” to facilitate access and use of language technologies.

Information about a previous announcement in support of scholarships and internships is available at the following link.

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For further information, the media may contact:

Chris Hilton
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Public Works and Government Services
613-697-7324
Email: Chris.Hilton@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca

Public Works and Government Services Canada
Media Relations
819-956-2315

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