Episode 16: Peter Madahian, General Manager @ Exacta & President of the Canadian Language Industry Association

AI, Community Interpreting, and the Future of Canada’s Language Industry

In this episode, Peter Madahian, General Manager at Exacta and President of the Canadian Language Industry Association (CLIA), joins hosts Paula McGrath and Bruno Herrmann to explore how Canada’s language sector is evolving in an era of AI, austerity, and global change.

Peter shares his unexpected journey from studying psychology and working in mental-health interpreting to leading one of Canada’s most respected community-interpreting firms and representing nearly 100 language companies nationwide.

Building Canada’s Language Landscape

Peter offers an inside look at the Canadian Language Industry Association, its role in promoting ethics, quality, and linguistic diversity, and how community interpreting supports healthcare, immigration, and legal systems across more than 160 language pairs including newcomer and Indigenous languages.

AI, Policy, and Market Shifts

Discover how AI is reshaping translation and interpreting, from operational efficiencies and data analytics to government-built translation engines. Peter explains how Canada’s federal budget cuts and tariff changes are transforming both public and private-sector demand for language services.

From Vendor to Value Partner

The conversation dives into how language service providers can move up the value chain, transitioning from low-margin, per-word pricing to trusted partnerships that add measurable business value. Peter, Paula, and Bruno also debate the notion of “educating the client,” and why collaboration, not lecturing, is key to building lasting trust.

Future Outlook

From Canada’s new AI ethics standards to emerging opportunities in language data, defence, and technology, Peter shares why smaller, agile LSPs can still thrive if they invest in people, training, and partnerships at home and abroad.

This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in AI in translation, community interpreting, or the future of language services in Canada and beyond.

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