Languages commissioner calls for expanded translation bureau

New Brunswick's official languages commissioner wants to expand the role of the New Brunswick translation bureau.

In a release, Katherine d'Entremont says that all organizations subject to the Official Languages Act should be encouraged to use the bureau's services.

"As of July 1, 2016, over 40 professional associations will be subject to the OLA. This represents significant potential for the translation bureau."

D'Entremont says an expanded role would allow for better quality assurance and could increase the bureau's financial autonomy. The commissioner has written to the premier reflecting her concerns.

In August, an email was sent to employees at the provincial translation bureau in Fredericton, telling them the provincial government wanted to see if it could save money by farming out their translation responsibilities to private companies.

At the time, d'Entremont expressed concern that the government "tread carefully."

On Tuesday, she came out with a strongly worded release, saying translation of government documents is the bureau's area of expertise.

"In fact, texts translated for the bureau by the private sector are revised by translation bureau staff to be consistent with government terminology and to ensure that they accurately reflect New Brunswick realities."

The provincial government recently published a request for information designed to look at other translation service delivery models, including use of a single, potentially private, provider.

CBC News has contacted Premier Brian Gallant. He was not immediately available for comment.