The New Canadian Translation Standards; ATIO’s Viewpoint is Suspect

Oct. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Language Marketplace does not understand ATIO’s position on the new Canadian Translation Standards.

In the statement published by ATIO  at  http://www.atio.on.ca/Info/ATIO_POSITION_STANDARDS.pdf  they indicate that CGSB-131.10 does not address ‘the actual quality of the translations’. The same claim is made by them in reference to EN 15038. These claims are a fallacy on the part of ATIO.

CGSB-130.10, the new Canadian Translation Services Standard was long overdue to put Canada in a competitive footing with other countries in reference to providing Translation Services using a “Certified” methodology.  Language Marketplace is one of the first Canadian Translation Service providers to be certified as per the CGSB-130.10 standards.

A quick review of ATIO’s position finds some glaring instances in misinformation.

In Section 3, Human Resources, the standard address the qualifications of the Translators, Revisers and Reviewers.   In my view the qualification requirements exceed the requirements for certification that ATIO offers its members.

In Section 8, Translation Process of the CGSB-131.10 standard, this not only exceeds any requirement ATIO has for its members, but clearly demonstrates accountability and quality control on both the translator and Translation Service provider.  To my knowledge ATIO has no quality control procedures in place to guarantee the quality of the translation services provided to the public by each of its members.

ATIO states in the above published letter (see link above) that: “ATIO is concerned that someday the Translation Bureau or Public Works and Government Services Canada will make the standard obligatory for its suppliers. What problems would that cause? It is a costly process and not affordable, or even relevant, for individuals and small companies. ATIO and CTTIC have strong reservations regarding the application of this standard to the Translation sector”.

In reference to the first statement, the Translation Bureau, Public Works and Government Services Canada should make the standard MANDATORY for all its suppliers.  CGSB-131.10 was created by the Government of Canada –the Standards Council of Canada.  If these standard are not to be made mandatory by the Government then why the expense and time of creating a standard?

‘What problems would that cause?’ ATIO asks. What do they mean by this? The existence of a standard is not a problem.  ATIO should be happy that a standard finally exists for an industry that has been deregulated for far too long.  Canadian translation service providers have been trying to compete with other countries that have had standards implemented for years. So how can this be a problem?

ATIO also states that it is a costly process. Well I will argue that applying for the designation of ‘Certified Translator’ under membership of ATIO is more costly, when included with the annual dues of being a member of ATIO. I will also argue the National Standard is more beneficial than that of the membership to a provincial Translators Association.


CGSB-131.10 is the new Canadian Standard for properly Certified Translation Service – it will serve the industry and its translators well!

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Language Marketplace provides professional translation and interpretation services. Language Marketplace is both EN 15038 Certified and CGSB-131.10 Translation Services Certified.

Language Marketplace is the fastest growing Translation service provider in Canada.