The Procurement Ombud Reviews 37 Complaints from Interpreters About a PSPC Contract Amendment
Ottawa, ON – Jan. 13, 2025 – The Office of the Procurement Ombudsman (OPO) has announced that it is reviewing 37 complaints from interpreters who are alleging that a recent Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) contract amendment has unfairly impacted their work and compensation.
The complaints stem from a contract amendment that PSPC issued in December 2024, which changed the terms and conditions of the department’s standing offer for interpretation services. The amendment reduced the rates paid to interpreters, eliminated certain benefits, and made other changes that the interpreters claim are unreasonable and unfair.
The OPO is an independent body that investigates complaints about the federal government’s procurement practices. The office has the authority to make recommendations to PSPC, but it cannot overturn the department’s decisions.
In a statement, the OPO said that it has received 37 complaints from interpreters about the PSPC contract amendment. The office said that it is currently reviewing the complaints and will determine whether to open a formal investigation.
If the OPO opens an investigation, it will examine the procurement process that led to the contract amendment and assess whether PSPC complied with the government’s procurement policies and regulations. The OPO will also consider the complaints from the interpreters and determine whether their concerns are justified.
The OPO’s review is expected to take several months. Once the review is complete, the office will publish a report of its findings and recommendations.
The Canadian Association of Professional Interpreters (CAPI) has welcomed the OPO’s review of the complaints. In a statement, CAPI said that the contract amendment has had a “devastating impact” on the interpretation profession.
“This amendment has reduced our pay, eliminated our benefits, and made it impossible for us to provide quality services to our clients,” said CAPI President Sarah Picariello. “We are grateful that the OPO is reviewing our complaints and we are hopeful that they will find that PSPC has acted unfairly.”
PSPC has not yet commented on the OPO’s review.
The Procurement Ombud reviews 37 complaints from interpreters about a PSPC contract amendment
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