December 02, 2010 2:00 PM
All RCMP detachments in B.C. have been told they must issue press releases in both English and French to comply with the Official Languages Act that governs all federal government institutions. The result has been the sudden removal of many press releases from RCMP websites in B.C. on Thursday until they can be translated. Up till now, selected B.C. RCMP press releases were translated from English into French by one staffer at RCMP headquarters. At least one more translator will have to be hired and the force plans to bring in contract translators to clear the backlog. RCMP spokesperson Cpl. Annie Linteau said the change to fully comply with federal law will not affect policing. "Public safety is the priority," Linteau said. Urgent news releases will be emailed directly to news outlets while the translation is taking place, the RCMP said. In cases "where there is an imminent threat of serious personal harm or death to identifiable potential victims," a news release will be posted to the website immediately in English with a French version to follow as soon as humanly possible.
1 comment:
Why don't they simpy purchase a translation program to be used by the various press designates in each detachment?
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