International Translation Day was celebrated across Canada on September 27 this year. Thanks to the organizing committee's invitation received through ATIO, it was an opportunity for representatives of AIIC Canada/CACI (Canadian Association of Conference Interpreters) to mingle with members of other professional associations, Translation Bureau representatives, members of translation schools and other professionals. It was also a perfect backdrop to the presentation of AIIC's 2007 Technician and Student Awards.

AIIC representatives attended two events, one in Ottawa/Gatineau and one in Toronto. The Toronto event was jointly hosted by Glendon College's School of Translation and ATIO (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario). AIIC member Mrs. Hazel Cole-Egan was one of the three guest speakers attending the event, along with Ms. Lida Nosrati, community interpreter, and Ms. Lyse Hébert, lecturer in French Studies at the Royal Military College of Canada .

(for a summary of presentations, see article
http://gl.yorku.ca/monglendon.nsf/LNewsE/1814224587E9CF13852573690065049B?OpenDocument).

The Gatineau event was organized by ATIO and OTTIAQ (Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec). Ms. Dorothy Charbonneau (Director for Conference Interpreters at ATIO and a member of AIIC) and Mr. Gérald Jalbert did a splendid job of hosting the evening during which guest speakers were called upon to give participants their view of the evening's theme "Don't Shoot the Messenger, Translators and Interpreters in Zones of Conflict".

Louise Côté Limbos and Dorothy Charbonneau

Speeches were followed by the presentation of a number of awards, including AIIC's. Louise Côté Limbos, member of the Regional Bureau and outgoing AIIC Council member, was on hand to present the awards on behalf of AIIC, along with Ana Gonzalez, PR Committee member.

The Technician Award went to Mr. Chad Pratap, who flew in from Calgary to receive it, along with his colleague Ms. Janet Bennett, AVW TelAv Western Regional Director. Mr. Pratap is now an Account Executive in the Calgary office, in charge of marketing TelAv's interpreting systems, client liaison and supervision. In his new role, he always makes it a priority to ensure that clients receive the best in equipment and sound, and that the interpreters receive the best in technical assistance. Chad's knowledge, professionalism, conscientiousness, and good cheer made him an invaluable partner for certified interpreters in the West from the very start, and it has been a pleasure for both interpreters and clients alike to work with him over the years.

The Student Award went to Ms. Gillian Misener, who graduated in the spring of 2007 from the University of Ottawa's Master's Program in Conference Interpreting. She was a very conscientious student who showed a keen interest in many different fields. Her concern for others, her kindness and her desire to help are Ms. Misener's strongest qualities. They are also definite attributes of an invaluable team player. She already has many years experience in translation, and has everything required to be equally successful in her new career as a conference interpreter.

Our sincere congratulations to both award winners!