Radio-Canada aired its 6 p.m. news broadcast with Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) interpretation for the first time on Monday [1].
The move marks a significant shift in accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community in Quebec. This advancement follows long-standing requests from the community to make primary news sources more inclusive.
The broadcast aired at 6 p.m. [2] on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 [2]. The program featured anchor Patrice Roy and LSQ interpreter Florence Lacombe [1]. To ensure wide reach, the news was broadcast on Radio-Canada television and streamed via the Radio-Canada Info YouTube channel [1].
This is the first time the program has been interpreted in LSQ [3]. By integrating a sign language interpreter into the broadcast, the network aims to remove barriers to information for those who rely on LSQ as their primary language. The initiative addresses a critical gap in public media accessibility, a gap that the community has highlighted for years [1].
The implementation of LSQ interpretation allows viewers to receive real-time news updates without relying solely on written captions. This provides a more nuanced understanding of the reporting, as sign language conveys emotional tone and emphasis that text often lacks.
Radio-Canada produced the broadcast as part of its commitment to broader inclusivity [1]. The integration of Florence Lacombe alongside Patrice Roy ensures that the delivery of the news is simultaneous for both hearing and deaf audiences.
“The 6 p.m. news broadcast was made available in Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) for the first time.”
The introduction of LSQ to a flagship broadcast represents a shift toward linguistic accessibility in Canadian public media. By moving beyond closed captioning to include sign language interpretation, Radio-Canada recognizes LSQ as a distinct language rather than a supplement to written text, potentially setting a precedent for other major networks in the region.
