Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. Today, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the important role of interpreters. Mr. Speaker, in the past, the issue of interpreters has been raised in the House. The funding cuts to the interpreter program has caused a strong response, and justifiably so. I would like to continue to stress to this House the vital role interpreting plays today.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to put this into perspective for those who use English as their first language. This language is straightforward but, at the same time, this language can be very confusing, especially for translating. In addition, Mr. Speaker, aboriginal languages are based on experience of situations and description of traditional lifestyles. When one translates English into their respective aboriginal language, you simply cannot translate word for word. Interpreting involves translating English into situations and concepts and/or describing a particular word.

For example, for the statement "computer-generated" in my language, which is South Slavey, a computer would be described something like a machine that types words or letters. Another example used extensively is the word "government." In my language, you would say a body in charge of the land. Interpreting effectively is a constant learning process. Simultaneous translation is not only difficult but can be very stressful at times, stressful because of technical difficulties, speed-readers, and the use of phrases unheard of in any aboriginal language.

Experiencing difficulty on a daily basis is common for interpreters. For example, when some of my colleagues in this House use poems or acronyms and so forth, the interpreters have difficulty dealing with that. In addition, Mr. Speaker, these people realize the importance of their jobs and, more importantly, they are there as representatives of their people.

Mr. Speaker, the activity that takes place in this House every day has a significant impact on the people in the north. At one time, the aboriginal people of the north were without input into their future. However, Mr. Speaker, since interpreters have been used, people have been made aware of issues and activities that affect them. As a result, concerns were raised, issues addressed and solutions generated.

Mr. Speaker, there is no question, interpreters have contributed to the effectiveness of this government and I would like to take this time to acknowledge and recognize the essential role of interpreters in our society today. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.

---Applause