Behind the scenes at the G7: Inside the work of the Translation Bureau’s interpreters

The excitement is palpable at every G7 summit. For interpreters at the Translation Bureau (The Bureau), this major diplomatic event presents a unique opportunity for them to use their expertise in a highly strategic setting.

The Bureau worked with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to bring in 40 interpreters and 9 coordinators for the summit, which was held on June 16 and 17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta. With the help of the guest countries, 10 languages were represented: French, English, German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Ukrainian, Hindi and Korean.

A unique atmosphere

For Gillian Misener, Senior Interpreter and Team Leader at the Banff media centre, the G7 Summit was both a logistical challenge and a defining moment:

“The media centre team consisted of a dozen interpreters, two coordinators and our colleagues from GAC. Security was everywhere— we got the airport treatment even at our accommodations on site.”

Gillian adds that events of this magnitude require months of planning, close collaboration between several experts, and thorough preparation: 

“The Bureau began coordinating efforts for the G7 Summit in fall 2024, working in collaboration with GAC to secure interpretation services, draft contracts and plan the logistics. The interpreters prepared by reviewing last year’s documents. Due to the highly confidential nature of the event, the 2025 schedules and agendas were given to us barely a day or two in advance. We had to keep up with the news in case we needed to suddenly change gears.”

A well-oiled machine

The Bureau’s teams handled the staff’s transportation, security and coordination in an environment buzzing with discussions among dignitaries.

At the media centre, interpreters had to closely monitor developments throughout the summit and quickly relay the information to nearly 350 international media representatives. In Kananaskis, consecutive interpretation teams covered the daily plenary session while staying on standby for impromptu bilateral meetings.

“We need to be on our toes to tackle the latest issues. Collaboration is a must! Interpreters working in the same booth who share a target language often combine their references. For me, supporting an entire team is one of the most memorable parts of the summit. It’s an event that creates very strong bonds.”

A discreet but essential profession

Beyond the technical and political challenges, Gillian sees in the summit the very essence of her profession.

“Being an interpreter means building bridges between different parties and helping them communicate. We travel and work in teams, follow the news and witness important moments together while keeping out of the spotlight. Interpretation goes hand in hand with discretion. I sincerely hope that my experience at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis inspires others to discover this wonderful profession.”

Interpreters play a pivotal role in ensuring high-profile events like the G7 Summit are accessible to as many people as possible. Thank you everyone who worked on ensuring things went smoothly throughout this extraordinary event!