The Translation Bureau celebrated its 90th anniversary with an exclusive panel discussion hosted on the Localization Fireside Chat, bringing together five former and current CEOs who shared their reflections, challenges, and vision for the future of Canada’s most esteemed language services institution. Established in 1934, the Translation Bureau has grown to become one of the world’s largest language service providers, with a profound impact on Canada’s multilingual identity and accessibility.
The panel, moderated by industry expert Robin Ayoub, featured distinguished former CEOs Donna Achimov (2011-2016), Stéphan Déry MPA, CPA (2017-2019), Lucie Séguin (2019-2022), Dominic Laporte (2023-2024), and the Bureau’s current CEO, Jean-Francois Lymburner. Their collective insights painted a vivid picture of the Translation Bureau’s evolution from its founding to its role in a rapidly changing linguistic and technological landscape.
Donna Achimov, who led the Bureau from 2011 to 2016, reflected on the significant progress made in accessibility and inclusivity during her tenure. “We promoted accessibility as a core public service value. I’m proud to say that the Translation Bureau set the standard, ensuring interpreters and sign language professionals became integral to major government events. Today, accessibility and inclusion are hallmarks of our work, and that legacy is a point of pride for all of us,” Achimov stated. Under her leadership, the Bureau embraced new technology, adapting swiftly to meet the needs of a diverse and growing client base in an era of federal budget challenges.
Stéphan Déry MPA, CPA, who succeeded Achimov and served as CEO from 2017 to 2019, underscored the Bureau’s emphasis on inclusiveness and Indigenous language initiatives. “During my time, the Bureau played a pivotal role in translating Indigenous languages, notably for the first leaders’ debate in 2019. This work marked a transformative step toward a more inclusive Canada and demonstrated our commitment to multilingualism beyond English and French,” Déry shared. He also highlighted the Translation Bureau’s continuous efforts in safeguarding quality and accuracy, even as new technologies rapidly transformed the field.
Lucie Séguin, at the Bureau’s helm from 2019 to 2022, guided the organization through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic tested us like never before. We had to adapt instantly, delivering critical health information in multiple languages, including Indigenous and sign languages, to keep Canadians informed. It was a monumental effort, one made possible by our dedicated team and strong industry partnerships,” Séguin remarked. Her tenure was marked by an accelerated adoption of hybrid working models and a new era of multilingual communication driven by both innovation and necessity.
Dominic Laporte, who led the Bureau from 2023 to 2024, focused on the advancements in generative AI and the importance of health and safety for interpreters and translators. “As AI became the talk of 2023, we realized how far ahead the Bureau was in adapting technology. We focused on ensuring quality and safety, especially with new equipment testing standards. Our goal was to make sure that as technology evolves, we remain a trusted and adaptive institution,” Laporte commented. His leadership reaffirmed the Bureau’s role as a pioneer in AI while emphasizing the enduring importance of skilled human translators.
Jean-Francois Lymburner, the Bureau’s current CEO, provided a forward-looking perspective, recognizing the Bureau’s historical foundation while focusing on the new realities of linguistic and technological integration. “We are one of the largest language service providers globally and are ranked as one of the top 20 in the world. Our mission remains clear: to serve Canadians with the highest standards of linguistic accuracy, whether through translation, interpretation, or evolving AI capabilities. The future is bright, and our commitment to quality and innovation has never been stronger,” said Lymburner. He emphasized that the Bureau’s role is not only about translation but about managing the quality and integrity of Canada’s multilingual commitments in a new digital era.
As the Translation Bureau celebrates this significant milestone, the institution stands poised to continue as a global leader in multilingual services. The commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and quality continues to drive the Bureau forward as it embraces new technological advancements and strengthens partnerships within the language industry.
The Bureau’s journey from its establishment in 1934 to its current role in Canadian public service is a testament to the vision and dedication of its leaders, employees, and partners, who have ensured that linguistic diversity remains a cornerstone of Canadian identity.
About the Translation Bureau
Founded in 1934, the Translation Bureau is the Government of Canada’s centre of expertise in linguistic services, providing high-quality translation, interpretation, and terminology services in English, French, Indigenous, foreign and sign languages. It supports federal departments and agencies as well as the Parliament of Canada in their efforts to communicate with and serve Canadians. With a longstanding reputation for excellence, the Translation Bureau remains a leader in language innovation, quality assurance, and accessibility.
About Localization Fireside Chat
Localization Fireside Chat is a leading podcast series dedicated to the global language services industry. Hosted by Robin Ayoub, the platform brings together industry leaders, experts, and visionaries for insightful discussions on trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of translation, localization, and language technology. With a focus on knowledge-sharing and community engagement, Localization Fireside Chat serves as a vital resource for professionals worldwide, offering a unique perspective on the evolving role of language in a connected world.
