Rivint History

Canada is known as a cultural mosaic, a home to immigrants from all parts of the world. The GTA alone is home to nearly 36% of Canada’s immigrants. Although this is the case, the barriers that exist for Canada’s newcomers and immigrants are far too many. Language barriers, in particular, prevent many immigrants and newcomers from accessing the services they need. We believe in accessible and equitable services for all members of the community.

RivInt is a social enterprise agency that is managed by the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women. This agency was originally created in January 2000 to train newcomers and new immigrants as professional interpreters. This was done in collaboration with the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration and the South Riverdale Community Health Centre.

RivInt began by advocating for quality health care for newcomers by providing interpretation and translating services for patients who did not share a common language with their health care provider.

Since then, this agency has evolved to provide accessible interpretation and translating services to service users in various different fields in addition to health care to bridge the language gap between service providers and service users. Through the services we provide, we aim to empower immigrant and newcomer community members by lessening the language barriers that currently exist.

RivInt’s Vision

A world where anyone is perfectly understood in any language.

RivInt’s Mission

Our mission is to deliver outstanding interpretation and translation services that are accurate, timely and affordable and create a shared understanding among people.

Awards and Recognition

RivInt has received several awards and recognitions from our clients over the past years, ranging from diverse industries and fields highlighting our excellent and competent interpreting services:

2009

Recipient of the Social Enterprise Angels Award, presented by the Canadian Social Enterprise Conference

2012

Recipient of the Mayor’s Community Safety Award in Toronto

2012

Recipient of the Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding community achievement and dedication.

What we do

RivInt has been providing language services to the community of the Greater Toronto Area, establishing language understandability for those who lack English or French language skills.

RivInt has 900 translators and interpreters, servicing in over 90 languages. Today, our services have expanded to a widespread range of sectors, including:

Legal

Health

Business

Immigration

Social Services

Government