CAD-ASC Announces New VRI Pilot Program.

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Deaf Canadians Gain Direct Access to Their MPs Under New House of Commons Pilot
On-demand sign language interpreting provides Deaf constituents with immediate access to communication their MPs, without advance booking.
The House of Commons has launched a new pilot project that allows Deaf Canadians to communicate directly with their Members of Parliament when they visit constituency offices.
The pilot provides real-time interpretation in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes Québécoise (LSQ) during regular business hours, enabling Deaf constituents to access their MPs without advance booking.
For many Deaf Canadians, contacting an elected representative has often required advance arrangements, extended wait times, or inconsistent accommodations.
These barriers can make it difficult to raise concerns, seek assistance, or get help from an MP’s office in a timely way.
By introducing on-demand sign language interpreting in constituency offices, the pilot aims to reduce these barriers and support more direct, equitable communication between Deaf constituents and their Members of Parliament.
How the pilot works – Deaf constituents can walk into any MP’s constituency office. They can inform staff that they are Deaf and request a sign language interpreter.
Constituency staff will connect to on-demand Video Remote Interpreting (VRI). Interpretation is provided in American Sign Language (ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).
This service is available during regular business hours. No advance booking is required.
Shawna Joynt of the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD-ASC) quotes – “This pilot represents an important step toward barrier-free access for Deaf Canadians, communication access is a right, not box ticking. When Deaf individual can communicate directly with their elected representatives, it strengthens equality, accountability, and trust.”
The pilot will gather feedback and operational data to help inform future decisions about long-term implementation.
The Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD-ASC) encourages continued engagement with Deaf communities so that feedback from Deaf individuals helps shape how the service is delivered and improved over time.
About the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD-ASC), the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD-ASC) is a national, consumer-driven organization that advocates for the human, civil, and linguistic rights of Deaf people in Canada.