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Provincial Language Service

The Provincial Language Service provides interpreting and translation services to BC health authorities.
What we do

We help organizations provide services to their linguistically and culturally diverse clients, including refugees, through high-quality interpreting and translation.

 
PLS grew out of the Office for Cross-Cultural Care and Diversity (OCCC). The OCCC provided culturally and linguistically appropriate services at BC Children’s Hospital, Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children and BC Women’s Hospital & Health Centre. 
In 2003, the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) created PLS so all PHSA agencies and other B.C. health care organizations could benefit from these specialized language services.
 

 

PLS has extensive quality control processes that are the foundation of our professional services. Our processes contribute to a culture of continuous improvement of our services and organization.


In fall 2016, the Provincial Language Service (PLS) initiated a review of the Medical Interpreting Service which provides American Sign Language interpreting for deaf patients to ensure it was best meeting the needs of its stakeholder. A summary report and ASL Translation of the findings has been prepared, and PLS is currently reviewing the report recommendations and determining next steps. Any change to the service will include outreach to the deaf community.




 

 

PLS is connected to community-based agencies and programs across British Columbia. These partnerships allow PLS to harmoniously connect expertise in service delivery with the specific needs of the local community.

 

 
Our highly qualified language and customer service specialists have many years of experience working across language and cultures in: 
  • Project management
  • Linguistics
  • Business administration
  • Communications
  • Other related areas
 

 
More interpreters hired to meet needs of new refugees

In response to Canada’s support of the Syrian refugee crisis, PLS hired and trained additional interpreters dedicated to languages spoken by refugee populations.

 

Healthy Living guide translation

PLS Translation Services translated a BC Mental Health & Subtance Use Services' popular healthly living guide, Healthy Living...It's in Everyone. The French toolkit is available in print or online to BC families, as well as organizations serving BC's francophone families.

 

 
 

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We collect your personal information as authorized under section 26(c) of the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act ("FIPPA") to provide interpreting services to you. We collect your name, address, telephone number and purpose of visit. If you have questions or concerns about how your information is collected or used, you may contact:


Provincial Language Service

Phone number: 604-297-8400

Email: pls@phsa.ca

Feedback

PLS gives high priority to quality assurance and your feedback is important to us. 

  • Interpreting or translation services: Send questions, feedback and concerns to plsqualityassurance@phsa.ca. We are committed to constant improvements in service delivery to all our customers.
  • PHSA facilities: Contact the Patient Care Quality Office if your feedback is related to PHSA facilities, staff or services outside of interpreting and translation services. 
Join us
PLS welcomes qualified language professionals to join our team. We offer competitive contracts to our freelance interpreters and translators. As a PLS contractor you will have access to several benefits.

Interpreters 

Benefits:
  • Connection with a network of professionals like yourself
  • Competitive rates
  • Support from PLS Staff
  • Technology to support coordination of your assignments
  • Liability coverage
  • Ongoing professional development opportunities

If you are interested in sending your resume to The Provincial Language Service please email plsapplications@phsa.ca.

Requirements:

Translators 

Benefits:
  • Connection to a network of professionals
  • Competitive rates
  • Support from PLS Staff
  • Coordinated projects
Requirements:
  • Excellent comprehension of written English
  • Excellent command of and writing skill in additional language or languages
  • Professional credentials for translators (i.e. membership in STIBC or other professional organization)
  • Advanced computer literacy

Other language professionals 

PLS engages other language professionals on a contract and as-needed basis. These include bilingual desktop publishers, graphic designers and voice-over talents. To be considered for future contracts, please send a cover letter and your resume by email. 


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