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Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Common Council Told Cutting Live Translation Is Legal

The City Solicitor telling Common Council it is not in violation of the official languages act by getting rid of live French translation during council meetings.

Councillor Bill Farren tells CHSJ News the city still translates its agenda and related documents, which keeps it in line with the law.

Farren adds live translation is still being offered but it has to be booked at least a week in advance.

Live translation was cut back in April in order to save from 30 to 40 thousand dollars and because it was rarely used. Official Languages Commissioner Michel Carrier says the official languages legislation is unclear when it comes to live translation.