As a result of their deliberations committees may make recommendations which they include in their reports for the consideration of the House of Commons or the Government. Recommendations related to this study are listed below.

Recommendation 1

That the House of Commons Administration purchase headsets with built-in microphones and distribute them to members of Parliament and witnesses appearing before parliamentary committees, as well as to House of Commons, Committees Directorate and Library of Parliament employees who are assigned to House of Commons committee meetings, and that these headsets have the following features:

a)    superior-quality over-ear stereo headphones; and

b)   a built-in microphone that meets ISO 2603 (15,000 hertz).

Recommendation 2

That, barring exceptional circumstances, the House of Commons and its committees give at least one week’s notice in order to ensure that connectivity testing can be conducted and equipment can be sent so all witnesses can participate fully in committee proceedings.

Recommendation 3

That the House of Commons Administration adopt a rule stipulating the following:

a)    that, during virtual or hybrid meetings, members of Parliament must wear a superior quality headset with a microphone that meets ISO standards or the equivalent, to be provided by the House of Commons Administration, in order to be recognized to speak in the House of Commons and in committee; and

b)   that witnesses called to appear before parliamentary committees must wear such a headset during virtual or hybrid meetings, failing which their appearance will be postponed or cancelled.

Recommendation 4

That the House of Commons Administration consider the possibility of requiring members of Parliament attending House of Commons sittings and committee meetings virtually to use a wired Internet connection.

Recommendation 5

That the House of Commons Administration ask the House of Commons Committees Directorate to emphasize to witnesses the importance of using a wired Internet connection when they appear during a virtual or hybrid committee meeting.

Recommendation 6

That the Translation Bureau adopt a broad definition of remote or distance interpretation, whereby an interpretation task is considered remote if one or more participants is connected and communicating through video conferencing software.

That, in keeping with its mandate, the Committee allow the organizations concerned to address the issues related to the working conditions and equipment necessary for interpreters to provide, at all times, a high-quality interpretation service in both official languages in a safe environment.