1. Nova Scotia Coalition on Community Interpreting The Guidelines and Standards for Language Interpretation in Nova Scotia “ Connecting Community Interpreting and Service Sectors”

2. Background Information  2500 individuals (i.e. health, settlement community services sectors) receive language interpreting support annually  5000 interpreting services are delivered annually in Nova Scotia  Public demand for language interpretation services is expected to increase as Nova Scotia works to attract new immigrants

3. The Nova Scotia Coalition on Community Interpreting is a collective of stakeholders and partners who work on advancing the development of community interpreting in Nova Scotia The work of the Coalition emphasizes the importance of language interpretation as a human right to, effectively, compassionately and safely access publicly funded services

4. Members of the Coalition  Access Language Services Inc.  Association of Community Interpreters of Nova Scotia  Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia  Department of Health and Wellness  Francophone Immigration  Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia  IWK  Nova Scotia Health Authority  Nova Scotia Interpreting Services  Nova Scotia Office of Immigration  Nova Scotia Community College

5. The Guidelines and Standards for Language Interpretation in Nova Scotia  Developed by the Nova Scotia Coalition on Community Interpreting with the support of the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration  Launched at the Community Interpreting Symposium in October 2014

6.  The importance of language as a foundational part of Canadian society  The importance of language interpretation as equitable access to services  The importance of quality language interpretation that is essential to an equitable and inclusive Nova Scotia  The importance of understanding liabilities and risks for service-providing organizations

7.  Reference and resource tool for all service sectors  Outlined responsibilities of service providers and interpreting providing services  Standardized definitions in community interpreting  Outlined standards in community interpreting  Evaluation tool for provision of services

8.  The Guidelines and Standards for Language Interpretation in Nova Scotia is available on the NS Coalition Website http://www.nscci.ca/