Surrey, BC — In a groundbreaking move, Surrey City Council has adopted its inaugural Multilingual Communications Policy. The policy, passed during the Regular Council Meeting, aims to improve communication accessibility for Surrey’s diverse population, emphasizing inclusivity and public engagement.
Mayor Brenda Locke, highlighting the importance of the policy, stated, “As one of Canada’s most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities, this policy is long overdue. By breaking down language barriers, we are paving the way for enhanced public engagement and a more cohesive and engaged community.”
The policy will focus on translating key information, especially regarding health, safety, and major community initiatives, and will be phased in using data from the Canadian Census to meet the linguistic needs of residents. Initially, it will prioritize languages spoken by 5% or more of the population.
Joey Jatinder Singh Brar, General Manager of Corporate Services, emphasized that the City will partner with third-party translation services and leverage internal expertise to ensure translations are accurate and culturally sensitive. The initiative is expected to foster greater civic participation and a sense of belonging among Surrey’s diverse communities.