ESS Translation Guide

This guide is an aid for ESS personnel; it is not intended to be a comprehensive translation tool or to replace the role of the formal interpreters. In the absence of an interpreter this guide will give ESS personnel the ability to identify urgent needs of an evacuee.

Once the first language is identified, attempts can be made to locate a potential volunteer translator within the ESS facilities. Evacuees can be further assisted by the ESS representatives using the English version of the questionnaire in conjunction with the appropriate language of the evacuee. Evacuees can respond by pointing to the question in either language. Should translation needs exceed this guide an authorized staff member may contact the Provincial Emergency Program Regional Manager to establish if arrangements for professional translators can be made available in person or over the telephone. Approval for funding of professional translation services would be based on specific circumstances of the incident on a case-by-case basis.

This guide is created by the New Westminster Emergency Social Services Program in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources: Emergency Social Services and the Emergency Social Services Association (ESSA).

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