SRV CANADA VRS
SRV Canada VRS operates Canada's sole federally mandated video relay service, providing free 24/7 ASL/LSQ interpretation that connects Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians with voice telephone users via cross-platform apps, funded through CRTC-regulated telecom industry contributions.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersOttawa, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What SRV CANADA VRS does
SRV Canada VRS (also operating as Canada VRS) is operated by the Canadian Administrator of VRS (CAV), Inc., a federally mandated non-profit corporation headquartered in Montreal with additional staff presence in Ottawa. It is the sole federally authorized provider of video relay service in Canada, established under Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-187. The service enables Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians who use American Sign Language (ASL) or langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) as their primary language to make and receive telephone calls through real-time video interpretation by certified interpreters, connecting sign-language users with hearing voice telephone users. The platform supports 24/7 emergency access including 9-1-1 priority routing and 9-8-8 suicide prevention line access, plus a Speak For Yourself feature allowing users to speak directly while interpreters relay only the hearing party's responses.
The underlying technology consists of cross-platform applications (iOS, Android, Windows PC, Mac) that route calls through video interpreters, with supporting features including visual call alerts, caller ID and masking, video messaging, GPS-based wireless location for emergency responders, and integrations with Embrava Blynclight USB notification devices and Fitbit smartwatches (Versa 2/3, Charge 4, Sense). Reported operational metrics include 99.85% average system uptime across 2025 (quarterly range 99.81%–99.88%), 100% uptime for Q1 2026, 96% of calls answered within 120 seconds against a 90% goal, and 22-23 second average wait time against a 30-second goal. The organization is bilingual (English/French) and maintains both ASL and LSQ interpretation pipelines.
The service is provided free of charge to registered end users; funding flows to CAV, Inc. through contributions from the Canadian telecommunications industry under the CRTC regulatory framework rather than direct government appropriations. CAV supplements this with a fee-based Remote Video Interpreting (RVI) service for medical appointments, business meetings, and similar settings. GTM motion combines downloadable consumer apps with community-led outreach through Outreach & Events Specialists, school activities, and a partner ecosystem of dedicated VRS-accessible phone numbers at major Canadian institutions including Air Canada, Bell Canada, Rogers Communications, TD Bank, Scotiabank, Canada Revenue Agency, Service Canada, Société de l'assurance Automobile du Québec, Shaw Direct, Virgin Plus, and Lucky Mobile.
SRV CANADA VRS firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- SRV CANADA VRS
- Legal name
- Canadian Administrator of Video Relay Service (CAV), Inc.
- Website
- https://srvcanadavrs.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- SRV Canada VRS operates Canada's sole federally mandated video relay service, providing free 24/7 ASL/LSQ interpretation that connects Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians with voice telephone users via cross-platform apps, funded through CRTC-regulated telecom industry contributions.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
SRV CANADA VRS industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Video Relay Services
- NAICS
- Translation and Interpretation Services (541930)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Video Conferencing & Meetings (HDAIAHAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Video Conferencing & Meetings (BPAMACAD), Assistive Hearing & Communication Access (Captioning, Hearing Support, Transcription) (EDAFAKAC)
Keywords
Where SRV CANADA VRS is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ottawa
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
SRV CANADA VRS business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Telecommunications Service: SRV Canada VRS is a free service funded by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) under Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-187. The service is provided at no cost to registered Deaf, DeafBlind, Hard of Hearing, and Speech-Impaired Canadians who use sign language. The Canadian Administrator of VRS (CAV), Inc. operates the service as a non-profit telecommunications relay service mandated by Canadian accessibility regulations.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
SRV CANADA VRS product offering
Product offeringCore offering
SRV Canada VRS provides a free, federally mandated internet-based Video Relay Service that enables Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians who use American Sign Language (ASL) or langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) to communicate with voice telephone users via real-time video interpretation. The service is delivered through cross-platform applications on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, supported by certified video interpreters, and includes 9-1-1 emergency access, 9-8-8 crisis line support, and Remote Video Interpreting (RVI) for businesses and healthcare appointments.
Product overview
SRV Canada VRS operates as a unified telecommunications relay service platform providing free video relay service to Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians. The service ecosystem includes a cross-platform mobile and desktop application (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac) that connects users with certified video interpreters who relay conversations between ASL/LSQ sign language users and voice telephone users in real-time. Core components include the SRV Canada VRS application (mobile and desktop versions), video interpreter operations infrastructure, emergency services access (9-1-1 and 9-8-8 suicide prevention line), and accessibility features such as visual alerts, caller ID management, Speak For Yourself voice feature, video messaging, and live chat support. The service also integrates with third-party accessibility devices including Embrava Blynclight notification lights and Fitbit smartwatches for enhanced visual call notifications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- SRV Canada VRS (Video Relay Service) A federally mandated, free internet-based Video Relay Service (VRS) operated by the Canadian Administrator of VRS (CAV), Inc. under CRTC Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-187. It enables Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians who use American Sign Language (ASL) or langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) to make and receive telephone calls through real-time video interpretation by certified video interpreters (VIs). The service is available 24/7 nationwide with 9-1-1 emergency priority routing, 9-8-8 crisis line access, GPS-based wireless location data, and dedicated VRS numbers at major partner organizations.
- SRV Canada VRS Mobile App (iOS/Android) Mobile application delivered through the Apple App Store (iOS 12 or newer) and Google Play Store (Android 6.0 Marshmallow or newer) that enables registered users to make and receive video relay calls on iPhone, iPad, and Android smartphones and tablets. Supports ASL/LSQ interpretation, 9-1-1 emergency access, 9-8-8 suicide prevention crisis line, in-app visual alerts, and integration with compatible accessibility devices.
- SRV Canada VRS Desktop App (Windows/Mac) Desktop application downloadable from the Canada VRS website for Windows PC/tablet (Windows 10 or newer) and Mac computers (version 10.8 or newer). Provides video relay calling functionality with features including live chat support, visual alerts, caller ID and caller ID hide, PSI (speak for yourself) voice capability, and integration with Embrava Blynclight USB notification devices.
- Remote Video Interpreting (RVI) Fee-based video interpreting service providing high-quality remote ASL/LSQ interpretation for situations such as medical appointments, healthcare visits, business meetings, and events. Positioned as comparable in quality to in-person interpreters, it enables organizations to access certified remote interpreters on demand when on-site interpretation is not practical.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2026 Q1 System Uptime: 100% (January, February, March 2026)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use SRV CANADA VRS
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
SRV CANADA VRS technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration2 records
Feature7 records
SRV CANADA VRS partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major, regional and minor.
- Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)coreCRTC is the federal regulator that mandates and oversees the Canadian Administrator of VRS (CAV), Inc. to operate video relay service under Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2014-187. The CRTC establishes service standards, accessibility requirements, and funding framework for nationwide VRS operations.
- Government of Canada - Service CanadacoreService Canada provides dedicated VRS-accessible phone numbers (272-001 through 272-007) for services including Social Insurance Number, Employment Insurance, Canada Pension Plan/Old Age Security, Employer Contact Centre, Canadian Dental Care Plan, and Canada Disability Benefit, enabling accessible access to federal government services.
- Canada Revenue AgencycoreCRA provides dedicated VRS number 272-778 for accessible tax services and communication with Deaf Canadians regarding their tax matters.
- Bell CanadamajorBell Canada provides dedicated VRS numbers (288-001) for Bell, Bell MTS, and Bell Aliant services, enabling Deaf customers to access telecommunications services through video relay interpretation.
- Rogers CommunicationsmajorRogers provides dedicated VRS numbers (288-050 for Fido, 288-051 for Rogers, 288-052 for Rogers and Shaw) enabling accessible customer service for telecommunications services.
- TD BankmajorTD Bank provides dedicated VRS number 1-844-229-0787 for accessible banking services to Deaf customers.
- ScotiabankmajorScotiabank provides dedicated VRS number 1-866-267-4726 for accessible banking services to Deaf customers.
- Air CanadamajorAir Canada provides dedicated VRS number 1-833-768-2256 for accessible customer service to Deaf travelers.
- Société de l'assurance Automobile du Québec (SAAQ)regionalSAAQ provides dedicated VRS numbers (418-641-1321 or 1-833-815-1321) for Quebec region, enabling accessible access to driver's licensing and vehicle registration services.
- Shaw DirectminorShaw Direct provides dedicated VRS number 288-053 for accessible satellite TV services.
- Virgin Plus and Lucky MobileminorVirgin Plus provides dedicated VRS number 288-002 and Lucky Mobile provides 288-003 for accessible mobile services.
- Accessibility Standards CanadacoreCAV staff member Wissam Constantin serves as Director on the Board of Accessibility Standards Canada, contributing to national accessibility policy development and standards.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
SRV CANADA VRS competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD): Non-profit Deaf-led organization that has operated or supported VRS services in the US. Comparable as a community-rooted nonprofit operator of relay services, though broader in social services scope.
- Aira Tech Corp: Provider of on-demand visual interpretation for blind and low-vision users via smart glasses and mobile app, with DeafBlind-adjacent services. Comparable as an app-delivered, on-demand accessibility interpretation platform intersecting with the DeafBlind segment CAV also serves.
Direct peers
- Convo Communications: US VRS and video interpreting provider with cross-platform applications serving the Deaf community; comparable in product, user segments, and operating model. Previously operated a Canadian subsidiary (Convo Canada) where CAV's CFO previously served.
- IVèS (now Sorenson): Quebec-based VRS service with deep LSQ and French-language interpretation roots prior to acquisition by Sorenson. Closest historical comparator in the Quebec/LSQ market and known to a current CAV board member (Christine Roschaert).
- Sorenson Communications: Largest US Video Relay Service provider serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, with similar cross-platform apps, dedicated enterprise routing, and CRTC/FCC-equivalent regulatory mandate. Most direct global comparable for VRS business model and scale.
- Purple Communications: US VRS provider delivering real-time ASL video relay interpretation with mobile and desktop apps. Comparable product offering, customer base, and regulatory-funded revenue model.
- ZVRS (Zion's VRS): US-based VRS provider delivering real-time ASL interpretation between Deaf callers and hearing telephone users, with mobile and desktop applications. Directly comparable product offering and target user base.
Broad incumbents
- Hamilton Relay: Major US provider of relay services (VRS, TRS, Captioned Telephone) under FCC mandate, offering broader portfolio than Canada VRS. Comparable as a regulated relay utility but operates wider scope including captioned telephony.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
SRV CANADA VRS social profiles
Digital presenceSRV CANADA VRS compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
SRV CANADA VRS financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
SRV CANADA VRS leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles20 records
SRV CANADA VRS funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
SRV CANADA VRS M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about SRV CANADA VRS
What does SRV CANADA VRS do?
SRV Canada VRS provides a free, federally mandated internet-based Video Relay Service that enables Deaf, DeafBlind, hard-of-hearing, and speech-impaired Canadians who use American Sign Language (ASL) or langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) to communicate with voice telephone users via real-time video interpretation. The service is delivered through cross-platform applications on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, supported by certified video interpreters, and includes 9-1-1 emergency access, 9-8-8 crisis line support, and Remote Video Interpreting (RVI) for businesses and healthcare appointments.
Is SRV CANADA VRS a public or private company?
SRV CANADA VRS is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was SRV CANADA VRS founded?
SRV CANADA VRS was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is SRV CANADA VRS based?
SRV CANADA VRS is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, in the North America region.
How does SRV CANADA VRS make money?
One revenue line is on record: government-Funded Telecommunications Service.
Who are SRV CANADA VRS's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) and Aira Tech Corp. Direct peers are Convo Communications, IVèS (now Sorenson), Sorenson Communications, Purple Communications and ZVRS (Zion's VRS). Hamilton Relay is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does SRV CANADA VRS have an API?
No public API is recorded for SRV CANADA VRS.
What industry is SRV CANADA VRS in?
SRV CANADA VRS's product category is Video Relay Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAHAI, Video Conferencing & Meetings, with a secondary code of BPAMACAD, Video Conferencing & Meetings. Its NAICS code is 541930 and its SIC code is 7370.