Interpretation and Translation

Interpretation and Translation

There are over 120,000 residents of Waterloo Region whose first language is not English or French. Approximately 10,000 individuals are not able to communicate in either of these official languages. Language interpretation and translation is critical for organizations to ensure equitable services to all clients who may not be confident in understanding or communicating in English or French. This is particularly important in areas such as health and legal settings or when informed consent is needed.  

If you are unable to speak or understand spoken English, local interpreters can help you communicate over the phone or in a meeting. Translators can also help translate documents into English. In Waterloo Region, the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre provides certified translation and interpretation services. Fees may apply.

If you request an interpreter some government offices, hospitals and community organizations will provide one in the language you need. They may also provide service in languages other than English. The Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network (LHIN) has partnered with the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre to provide free professional interpretation services in many primary care, community support and mental health/addiction service settings. To find out more, contact the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre.

Relevant Resources:

• Top Languages for Interpretation and Translation (Feb 2021) for the languages that are most relevant in Waterloo Region
• Investing in Language Access to Optimize Health System Performance: A review of the literature (Feb 2021) for a summary of research about the impact of interpretation
• Interpretation Principles for Equitable and Accessible Services (Dec 2017)
• Interpretation Options Quick Guide (Dec 2017)

In 2018 the WWLHIN (now Ontario Heath) supported the initiation of a funded professional medical interpretation service operated through Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre (KWMC). This service includes both in-person and over the phone interpretation and has been for use by Primary Care Providers in the WWLHIN, and WWLHIN-funded Community Mental Health and Addictions and Community Support Service Agencies. This program allows access to interpretation for other members of the primary health care team, including social workers, diabetic educators, pharmacists, and other roles within the health practice. This service is also available to specialists practicing in the community, as deemed appropriate by the referring primary care provider. KWMC provides this service and can be contacted at interpreters@kwmc-on.com if you have questions, want to be registered for the service, receive training on when/how to use the service, or to book over-the-phone or in-person interpretation appointments.