Government of Canada Announces Partnership with Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières for New Specialized Graduate Diploma (DESS) in Conference Interpretation
Ottawa, ON – February 25, 2025 – 16:04 EST – The Government of Canada today announced a significant partnership with the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) to establish a new specialized graduate diploma (Diplôme d’études supérieures spécialisées – DESS) in Conference Interpretation. This initiative aims to bolster Canada’s capacity in providing high-quality conference interpretation services, particularly in bilingual settings and international events.
Speaking at a press conference held at UQTR’s Trois-Rivières campus, the Minister of Official Languages, [Insert Fictional Minister Name Here], highlighted the importance of skilled conference interpreters for effective communication and collaboration across various sectors. “In a globally connected world, the ability to bridge linguistic gaps is paramount,” said [Minister Name]. “This partnership with UQTR will cultivate a new generation of highly trained professionals who can contribute to Canada’s role as a key player on the international stage.”
The new DESS program, slated to begin in Fall 2025, is designed to provide comprehensive training in the techniques, technologies, and ethical considerations essential for successful conference interpretation. The curriculum will encompass:
- Consecutive Interpretation: Mastering the art of interpreting a speaker’s message after they have finished speaking.
- Simultaneous Interpretation: Learning the complex skill of interpreting in real-time, requiring acute listening and cognitive abilities.
- Remote Interpretation: Familiarizing students with the technologies and best practices for interpreting in virtual or hybrid event settings, a skill increasingly crucial in the modern world.
- Terminology Management: Developing expertise in building and managing specialized glossaries for various subject areas.
- International Organizations and Protocol: Understanding the structures, procedures, and etiquette of international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
- Ethics and Professional Standards: Emphasizing the importance of confidentiality, impartiality, and accuracy in the interpreting profession.
The program will be taught by a combination of experienced academics from UQTR’s Department of Translation Studies and seasoned professional conference interpreters with years of practical experience. The curriculum will be highly practical, with students engaging in simulated conferences, mock interpreting assignments, and opportunities to collaborate with real-world clients.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Government of Canada on this vital initiative,” said Dr. [Insert Fictional UQTR Rector Name Here], Rector of UQTR. “This new DESS program will leverage UQTR’s expertise in translation and interpretation, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in this demanding but rewarding field. It will also contribute significantly to the vitality of bilingualism in Canada.”
The Government of Canada is investing [Insert Fictional Dollar Amount Here] over three years to support the development and implementation of the DESS program. This funding will cover curriculum development, faculty salaries, the purchase of state-of-the-art interpreting equipment, and the provision of scholarships and bursaries to attract promising students.
The program aims to address a growing need for qualified conference interpreters, particularly in emerging areas such as healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability. Graduates of the program will be well-equipped to pursue careers as freelance interpreters, staff interpreters for government agencies and international organizations, or interpreters working for private sector clients.
Applications for the DESS program will open in Spring 2025. Interested individuals are encouraged to visit UQTR’s website for more information about admission requirements, curriculum details, and financial aid opportunities.
The announcement underscores the Government of Canada’s commitment to promoting bilingualism, supporting language industries, and ensuring effective communication in a globalized world. By investing in the training of highly skilled conference interpreters, Canada is strengthening its position as a leader in international cooperation and fostering a more inclusive and accessible society.
Key takeaways:
- Partnership: Government of Canada and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR).
- Program: New specialized graduate diploma (DESS) in Conference Interpretation.
- Goal: To bolster Canada’s capacity in conference interpretation, especially in bilingual settings.
- Curriculum: Comprehensive training in consecutive, simultaneous, and remote interpretation; terminology management; international organizations and protocol; and ethics.
- Faculty: Experienced academics and professional conference interpreters.
- Funding: [Insert Fictional Dollar Amount Here] from the Government of Canada over three years.
- Career prospects: Freelance interpreters, staff interpreters for government agencies and international organizations, interpreters for private sector clients.
- Start Date: Fall 2025
- Application Opening: Spring 2025
- Focus: Growing need for qualified interpreters in healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability.
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I asked Google Gemini the following question.
Canada All National News a new article on 2025-02-25 16:04 titled “Government of Canada announces partnership with Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières for new specialized graduate diploma (DESS) in conference interpretation”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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