Language Rights Are Human Rights—Explore MCIS’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Report

By: Selena Jodha

At MCIS Language Solutions, our commitment to social purpose is more than a mission—it’s a movement. We know that language access is more than communication—it’s about building relationships, respecting everyone’s worth, and helping people thrive. Over the past four years, our SDG Impact Reports and Social Benefit Initiatives have demonstrated significant progress, showcasing our commitment to growth, advocacy, and innovation in making language access more accessible for everyone. Here’s a look at how our work evolved and what it means for the communities we serve.

What’s Inside the Report?

The United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals call for inclusive, equitable and sustainable development. MCIS’s mission to ensure that everyone is informed, heard, and understood directly supports this vision. By treating language access as a human right, MCIS addresses systemic barriers that prevent marginalized populations from accessing healthcare, justice, education and civic participation

This isn’t your typical annual report. It’s a visual story—filled with impact metrics and real-world examples—that shows how MCIS continues to drive progress on key UN SDGs:

  • SDG 3 (Good Health & Well-being): Language barriers affect access to healthcare and mental health services.
  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Language access reduces poverty and discrimination.
  • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions): Advocacy for inclusive language policies and institutional change.

All reports also highlighted connections to SDGs 1, 2, 4, and 8—addressing poverty, hunger, education, and economic growth through language services.

Language Access as a Lifeline: Comparing MCIS’s SDG Impact Across the Years

Since 2016, MCIS has:

  • Allocated $1.12 million to the SBI Fund, enabling access to over 500 essential language services.
  • Provided over 900 translation items to equity-deserving groups including refugees, low-income families and non-English speakers
  • Supported over 300 language professionals with training on LGBTQ2S+ issues, human trafficking, and elder abuse.
  • The estimated value of our interpretation services in 2024/2025 is over $14,000.
  • Partnered with organizations like Amnesty International, The 519, YWCA, Aura for Refugees, and The Mississauga Food Bank to reach vulnerable populations.

Why It Matters to You

“It’s not only communicating with a teacher or doctor, but literally life and death situations.”
– Project Manager, MCIS Translation Department

From translating documents for refugee claimants to supporting non-official language speakers in legal and healthcare settings, MCIS’s work is deeply personal and profoundly impactful.

Whether you’re a frontline service provider, a policy advocate, or a grassroots organizer, this report offers:

  • Evidence of impact you can share with funders and stakeholders.
  • Inspiration for new collaborations and advocacy initiatives.
  • Recognition of your role in building a more inclusive Canada.

As Leah Riddell, Language Advocacy Day 2025 storyteller, reminds us:

“Access is more than just having interpreters and captions. It’s a mindset… When we include sign language, we create an environment where Deaf participants can fully engage.”

Explore & Share

We invite you to explore the full report and share it with your networks. Let’s continue working together to ensure #NoLanguageLeftBehind.