Interpreter’s Code of Ethics

The code of ethics listed below is for professional community interpreters working in Canada, retrieved from the National Standard Guide for Community Interpreting Services (NSGCIS) and published by the Healthcare Interpretation Network.

Our visual language interpreters (American Sign Language, Deaf Interpreting) abide by the code of ethics published by the Association of Visual Language Interpreters of Canada (AVLIC).

ACCURACY AND FIDELITY:

Interpreters strive to render all messages in their entirety accurately, as faithfully as possible and to the best of their ability without addition, distortion, omission or embellishment of the meaning.

CONFIDENTIALITY:

Interpreters will not disclose and will treat as confidential all information learned, either uttered or written in the performance of their professional duties, while adhering to relevant requirements regarding disclosure.

IMPARTIALITY:

Interpreters strive to maintain impartiality by showing no preference or bias to any party involved in the interpreted encounter.

RESPECT FOR PERSONS:

Interpreters demonstrate respect towards all parties involved in the interpreted encounter

MAINTAINING ROLE BOUNDARIES:

Interpreters strive to perform their professional duties within their prescribed role and refrain from personal involvement.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Interpreters are responsible for the quality of interpretation provided and are accountable to all parties and the organizations engaging the interpreter’s service.

PROFESSIONALISM:

Interpreters at all times act in a professional and ethical manner.

CONTINUED COMPETENCE:

Interpreters commit themselves to lifelong learning in recognition that languages, individuals, and services evolve and change over time and a competent interpreter strives to maintain the delivery of quality interpretation.