Introducing Peter Madahian: The New President of CLIA (Canadian Language Industry Association)

Introduction:
In a recent episode of my Localization Fireside Chat, I had the privilege of interviewing Peter Madahian, the newly elected President of the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA). Peter is someone I’ve worked closely with over the years, and I’ve always admired his deep commitment to the language industry. In this interview, we covered a lot of ground, from Peter’s journey to his role as General Manager at Exacta Interpreting, and his vision for CLIA. I’m excited to introduce Peter to those who may not know him yet, as he steps into this new leadership role at CLIA.

Background:
Peter’s story in the language industry began like many of ours—almost by accident. As a young immigrant, Peter found himself interpreting for his family, and it was through these early experiences that he realized the power of language services. Later, while studying psychology at the University of Toronto, Peter began volunteering as an interpreter for patients at a mental health hospital. This experience opened his eyes to the critical role interpreters play in bridging communication gaps in sensitive environments.

However, it wasn’t until 2009 that Peter re-entered the industry in a more formal capacity when he joined Exacta Interpreting, a company that provides interpreting services across Canada. Today, Peter serves as Exacta’s General Manager, leading a team that coordinates interpretation services for government agencies, healthcare facilities, legal firms, and more. Exacta’s reach is impressive, with a roster of thousands of interpreters covering over 180 languages. Peter’s work at Exacta has been instrumental in ensuring access to high-quality interpretation services nationwide.

CLIA and its Evolution:
For those unfamiliar with CLIA, it’s the Canadian Language Industry Association, formerly known as ELIA. During my time as CLIA President, we recognized the need for a name that better reflected our purpose and mission. That’s why we rebranded to CLIA, which clearly communicates our focus on the language industry in Canada. Now, with Peter stepping in as the newly elected President, I know CLIA is in great hands. He’s someone with not only a deep understanding of the language industry but also a genuine passion for uplifting both interpreters and translators.

Challenges and Opportunities:
During our chat, Peter and I explored the challenges currently facing the language industry. One major issue is the professionalization and standardization of interpreters. Peter and I both agree that this is crucial to elevating the profession, and CLIA has been hard at work advocating for national accreditation for interpreters. This would not only raise the industry’s standards but also provide interpreters with the recognition they deserve.

Another challenge we discussed was fair compensation for interpreters and translators, something I know is a personal mission for Peter. Many language professionals are underpaid despite the essential services they provide, and it’s something that CLIA and Peter are committed to addressing. Of course, technology—especially AI—also presents both challenges and opportunities for the industry. While some fear that AI could replace human interpreters, Peter and I see it more as a tool that can complement, rather than replace, the critical work done by language professionals.

Exacta’s Role in the Language Industry:
Peter’s role at Exacta Interpreting plays a key part in how he views the industry. Exacta is one of those companies that may not be a household name, but it’s certainly a powerhouse in Canada’s interpretation space. With a focus on community and legal interpreting, Exacta works with enterprise clients as well as smaller firms, providing both in-person and virtual services. What stands out about Exacta is how it leverages technology to streamline processes, ensuring that interpreters are placed where they are needed most, often at short notice.

Peter has been instrumental in moving the company toward more innovative platforms that make booking interpreters easier, whether for virtual or in-person appointments. This kind of forward-thinking leadership is why I’m confident Peter will continue to bring fresh ideas to CLIA, just as he has done at Exacta.

CLIA’s Role and Initiatives:
As CLIA’s President, Peter is dedicated to ensuring the association remains a strong advocate for its members. During the interview, Peter emphasized that CLIA’s role is to be a voice for the language industry, providing critical resources, support, and networking opportunities. CLIA is also committed to bringing the community together through events like the upcoming ALC Gala in Montreal and the On-Conference in Toronto. These events offer a platform for professionals to connect, share their insights, and discuss the latest trends in the industry.

The Future of the Language Industry:
As we discussed the future of the language industry, Peter and I both acknowledged the impact that AI and technology will continue to have. However, Peter is optimistic and views AI as a tool that can enhance, rather than replace, human interpretation and translation. The human touch, cultural understanding, and sensitivity that language professionals bring to their work are irreplaceable, and Peter believes that the future of the industry lies in integrating AI with human expertise. CLIA, under Peter’s leadership, will continue to advocate for language professionals and help them navigate these technological advancements.

Conclusion:
My conversation with Peter Madahian left me confident in his ability to lead CLIA into the future. He brings a unique blend of experience, from his time at Exacta Interpreting to his deep understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. As the new President of CLIA, Peter is well-positioned to continue advocating for interpreters, translators, and the broader language industry in Canada. With his leadership, CLIA is poised to take on the evolving challenges of our field and continue its mission to support language professionals across the country.

Connect with Us: Follow us on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/localization-fireside-chat Visit our website: http://www.L10NFiresidechat.com Subscribe for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9BSrJLTE_ZHUdlnUwRGpCw

Until next time this is Robin Ayoub Signing off

---