For CAUT events where simultaneous interpretation is being provided, online participants are required to wear a headset with integrated microphone that can be placed in front of the mouth.

Virtual meetings present interpreters with significant health and safety concerns. If participants are not wearing a proper headset with an integrated microphone that can be placed in front of the mouth, interpreters can be exposed to feedback and sudden changes in volume that can cause hearing damage. Many interpreters have in fact suffered irreparable harm to their hearing, as reported here:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/parliamentary-translators-survey-1.5879907

https://www.acep-cape.ca/en/issues/virtual-parliament-and-interpreters

In response, the Government of Canada’s Translation Bureau has adopted a policy that now requires all speakers to be wearing a proper headset with microphone.

If you do not have a headset, please let us know and we will arrange to provide you with one. Please provide your full shipping details (complete address details and phone number) for delivery.

Please send your request to Marcel Roy, CAUT Events and Meeting Planner, at events-evenements@caut.ca