Key Questions to Ask Before Booking an Interpreter or Translator in Toronto

As one of the most multicultural cities in the world, Toronto has a thriving community of professional interpreters and translators. With over 100 languages spoken across the Greater Toronto Area, hiring the right interpreter or translator is essential for companies and organizations providing services to Toronto’s diverse population. Asking the right questions upfront will help you find the best fit for your specific communication needs.

1. Are you accredited to work in Toronto and Canada?

There are several accrediting bodies that credential professional interpreters and translators in the country. For interpreters, look for those accredited by the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO) or the Translation Bureau of the Government of Canada. For translators, seek certification from ATIO or the Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ).

2. Are you familiar with the demographics of Toronto and their communication needs?

Toronto comprises ethnically diverse neighborhoods, each with distinct cultures and languages. Make sure the interpreter or translator understands the cultural nuances and communication preferences of the specific demographics you are targeting, such as elders, new immigrants, youth, religious groups, etc.

3. Which Toronto/GTA-specific neighborhoods or communities do you specialize in serving?

Ask specifically about their experience with the terminology, slang, cultural references, and language dialect variations present in the particular Toronto area communities you are working with. Look for depth of expertise in the specific neighborhoods your organization serves.

4. Do you understand the issues and terminology specific to our industry in Toronto?

Clarify their level of experience within your particular professional field in the city, such as healthcare, legal, government, education, tech, or other industries. Seek providers already familiar with Toronto’s landscape and terminology in your niche.

5. Are you able to travel to our different office/site locations across the GTA?

Find out if the provider is willing to work on-site at your various locations around the Greater Toronto Area. If not, inquire about their video remote interpreting capabilities to connect virtually.

6. Are you available on short notice if we have an urgent, unplanned need?

Given Toronto’s enormous diversity, urgent interpretation/translation needs can come up unexpectedly. Ask if they can respond flexibly, even after hours or on weekends, when you have an immediate, unanticipated language service need to arise.

7. Do you have experience interpreting at medical facilities and healthcare settings across the GTA?

Healthcare interpreters in Toronto require specialized training for working sensitively in hospital and clinic environments. Ask specifically about their healthcare interpreter credentialing and experience at GTA care facilities.

8. Are you familiar with the school boards, educational policies, and curriculum in Toronto?

Education has its own vocabulary and systems. For school interpreting/translation work, look for deep expertise with the Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, private schools, and Ministry of Education terminology.

9. What technological tools and platforms do you use for remote meetings and virtual events in Toronto?

Virtual communication is still common in Toronto due to the pandemic. Ensure your provider has secure, reliable technology for remote video interpreting, virtual meeting platforms, live captioning, and other tools.

10. Are you available for last minute cancellations or no-shows on short notice?

Ask how they handle situations where the interpreting/translating assignment gets cancelled, or the client doesn’t show up. Reliable providers in Toronto should have backup policies and contingency plans.

11. Do you have liability insurance and bonding valid within Ontario?

Reputable interpreters and translators in Toronto carry adequate professional liability insurance, errors and omissions insurance, and surety bonds. Require current proof of coverage within the province.

12. What protocols and codes of ethics do you follow?

Leading industry associations outline strict professional conduct standards. Look for commitment to ethics guidelines from respected organizations like the Translation Bureau of Canada, Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council, or Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario.

13. What certifications do you hold specific to the Toronto market?

Some credentialing programs focus on Toronto and Canadian standards, laws, and regulations. Look for certifications like the Healthcare Interpretation Network’s Toronto Healthcare Interpreter Certificate or ProDemand’s Toronto Community Interpreter credential.

14. How do you keep your Toronto/GTA-specific terminology current?

The language in Toronto evolves rapidly. Providers should engage in ongoing professional development focused on Toronto terminology in your field through local associations, employers, conferences, and news.

15. Are you able to collaborate effectively with other interpreters and translators locally?

Larger Toronto projects may require coordinating a team. Find providers experienced in delegating, collaborating, and maintaining consistency across multiple linguists on a single assignment.

16. May we have a list of your Toronto/GTA client references?

Speaking directly with other local clients provides the best insights into a provider’s quality of service. Reputable providers should be pleased to share Toronto/GTA references across diverse fields.

17. Are you active in any Toronto or Canadian professional associations?

Engaged participation in local groups like the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario and Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council demonstrates a commitment to professional development and the local community.

Asking targeted questions helps ensure the interpreter or translator you hire has in-depth expertise right here in Toronto. Look beyond just language fluency to find providers intimately knowledgeable about our diverse local landscape and networks. With the right linguist partner well-versed in serving Toronto, you can build trust and offer inclusive services to this dynamic, multicultural city.