Procedure and House Affairs committee  We work really closely with the union. There is a professional association representing the freelance interpreters. The bureau management is very open and constantly working with them to ensure that issues are addressed as they come up. To echo my boss's sentiments from earlier, the biggest issue facing the staff and freelance interpreters right now is the matter of health and safety and the sound quality.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It varies from one individual or group to another. Sometimes interpreters discuss the meeting that has just adjourned, but I imagine they mostly talk about their weekends, their children or their plans for the evening.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  If I may, Mr. Chair, it's a very interesting question, and it is something we are aware of. It is a phenomenon known as secondary or vicarious trauma, and interpreters do experience it. We have the chief interpreter for Canada behind us here, and she's part of a network of worldwide heads of interpreting services, and this is something that's discussed at these tables, so it is something we're certainly aware of.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  There haven't been any resignations. Our staff consists of approximately 60 permanent interpreters, but they may also perform other duties. For example, some have asked to do translation for a period of time, for several reasons. So it's hard to say—

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Some people are assigned to translation for certain periods of their lives because, for example, they are new parents or they want more stable work schedules. I don't have the exact figures. However, some people do perform other duties and return to interpretation at a later date.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  As you know, our goal is not to hamper your debate. Our goal is not to impede how members of Parliament work. With the instructions, the directions that have been put in place, we understand that they're having an impact on maybe how MPs feel about the service. But really, we've directed interpreters to make sure that they look after their health and safety.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Yes, it's part of the interpreter's job to separate themselves from the speech. As interpreters, we are all public servants. Our job is to represent your thoughts faithfully and accurately to the listeners in the other language group. That is part of the training at the university.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  It's true that it's important for interpreters to translate all words that are spoken. And, as Mr. Lymburner just said, it's important not to add any words. There are some key moments in political debate. Some words are unparliamentary. Even so, the interpreter should render them because otherwise, people who speak the other language will not have heard them.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  That's right. If the interpreter hears what is said, the interpreter has to render it.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you. Interpreters are well aware of their role in political debate in Canada. We work in a highly politicized setting. In the cut and thrust of political debate, emotions run high. When there's an interruption in interpretation, some people often become critical or angry.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  Thank you for the question. It's a very interesting one. I must say that it would be difficult for me to comment on that. Interpreters are the voice of you, the MPs. They put themselves in your place. You know better than me how emotions can enter into your statements and your answers.

Procedure and House Affairs committee  No, you're not wrong. I think that's a good question. There are two schools of thought on emotions and interpretation. There is the more traditional European school according to which interpreters should speak in a monotone. Emotions don't enter into it. I believe that today, many clients prefer a more emotional form of interpretation that reflects the emotions behind the words.