BRANDON COMMUNITY LANGUAGE CENTRE
Accurate, Confidential, Professional
"Your words are heard"
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are BCLC interpreters likely to work in the community?
As a client driven organization BCLC interpreters are available to work in any situation where the need for interpretation services exists. BCLC interpreters are able to respond to requests to work in all areas of the community with service providers, businesses and individual clients.
Why shouldn’t we rely on friends, volunteers or children for interpretation services?
By hiring a certified interpreter through BCLC you are assured of professional service. BCLC interpreters have passed nationally recognized language testing, are impartial, respect confidentiality and are trained to render the original message as accurately and faithfully as possible. Working with a trained interpreter also allows family members or friends, who might otherwise be asked to interpret, to stay within their role of caregiver, advocate or supporter.
How can we book an interpreter?
By calling the Westman Immigrant Services (WIS) front desk – 727-2276 and asking to book an interpreter or by completing the Interpreter booking form and emailing to bclcbookings@hotmail.com. You will be asked the date and time of the appointment, contact information, billing information, the name of the limited English speaker, if known, and whether there is any additional information that would aid the interpreter. Once an interpreter is confirmed you will receive notification of the confirmation. You will also receive a copy of the BCLC Job Order as reference.
How do we work with an interpreter?
The BCLC has interpreters fluent in Spanish, Mandarin, Amharic and French. The centre offers clients one stop scheduling, invoicing and payment of interpretative services. In addition to one stop services, BCLC is available to deliver or facilitate ongoing education with regards to BCLC services, additional sector specific interpreter training and assistance in developing organizational policy regarding the utilization of interpreter services. BCLC also provides interpreters with ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure a high level of service to clients.
What is the difference between translation and interpretation?
Interpretation is the communication of the spoken word from one language to a second. Translation is the communication of the written word from one language to another. BCLC offers interpretation services. If you require translation services please contact Westman Immigrant Services at 727-6031 to obtain a list of individuals who offer translation services in the Brandon area or visit the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Manitoba website: www.atim.mb.ca.
What does certified interpreter mean? What kind of training have BCLC interpreters had?
BCLC interpreters have been tested for their language skills by passing the ILSAT or CILISAT language tests for community interpreting. They have also undergone 48 hours of training in the Foundations of Community Interpreting program.
Can we book an interpreter to assist during a conference call, workshop, etc.?
Yes. Please contact the BCLC Coordinator, Caroline Slimmon at 727-6031 ext 2229 to discuss event logistics. Once dates of the event are confirmed, please schedule an interpreter through the WIS booking service.
What is the fee for interpreter services with the BCLC?
BCLC charges $27.50 per hour fee for interpreter services, billed in hourly blocks. For example if an appointment runs for 1 hour and 10 minutes the charge will be $55.00 as it will be billed as 2 hours of service.
The BCLC is supported by 
