About the CRAO

The CRAO is your own professional Association. It began as simply an idea in 1965 and was established in Milton, Ontario on March 18, 1967, to promote and support members of the reporting profession using the shorthand, stenotype, stenomask, and in later years, the open microphone systems. Our leaders have advocated on our behalf at various levels of government pursuing such issues as status for freelance reporters, transcript fees, procedure manuals, professional standards, and our future role in the judicial system under the auspices of the Integrated Justice Project.

Ours is the body that sets the standards and ensures these are maintained through examination and certification of open microphone reporters. We hold seminars and offer testing of new staff to the profession who have been reporting for six months. It has been through our certification that members with a CCR designation are entitled to proclaim an excellence and pride that they are qualified and are validated to certify the integrity of the record.

The Court Reporters' Association of Ontario publishes a newsletter quarterly, which is distributed to all of our members. This means of communication enables us to share the most recent court decisions that affect our professional lives, provides individual experiences, tidbits from the past and articles of interest. Members also have access to a court reporting forum where views, questions and answers, updates to laws and many other items that pertain to our profession can be addressed among fellow reporters.

We also hold an annual convention which not only enables reporters to come together to discuss issues and view the latest in technologies, but to be enthralled by interesting and informative speakers that are relevant to our profession. It is our way of becoming acquainted with other reporters, to share anecdotes and experiences, to compare our work environments and witness how they differ from one area of the province to another. We encourage the making of new and long-lasting friendships, and most of all, we promote having some fun.

Please consider the Court Reporters' Association of Ontario your Association by joining and/or reacquainting yourselves with us and passing this information on to other reporters who are interested in deepening their proficiency by supporting this longstanding establishment. Our organization provides the groundwork and basis for the professionalism of which you will be proud.

Attain and maintain a high standard of reporting

Conformity of decorum and dress with dignity
Open mindedness and professionalism
Utmost devotion to professionalism
Record verbatim and
Transcribe accurately

Respect for all others
Exercise courtesy and integrity
Punctuality, perfection, and pride
Offer only honesty of purpose
Reputation and
Trust above all
Excellent quality of service
Reflect merit upon our profession with the constant desire to improve