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Launching our Canadian national association has not been without misinformation and a few misunderstandings along the way. But the fundamentals remain unchanged, and we encapsulate them here for information purposes. Feel free to comment on these points either directly through the contact page or in the CASST forum:
The benefits of a forward-thinking, well represented national Canadian reporters' association are undeniable. The political power expressed by nearly two thousand people far outweighs that of one or two valiant individuals who try to make a difference for all reporters when they can find the energy. CASST is the culmination of efforts spent and sentiments expressed by hundreds among us, rich in expertise, rich in skills, and rich in hope.
CASST relies heavily on its provincial affiliates and encourages all Canadian provinces without associations to form associations as soon as possible. It is through provincial associations that the needs of Canadian reporters are focused and assimilated on a national level. It is also through provincial associations that CASST members have their qualifications vetted without the need to requalify for membership and the recognition it will bring.
All such provincial members and those whose qualifications were attained through NCRA are granted the right to be grandparented into CASST for a limited period. These members are excused from rewriting national exams in meeting industry standards, provided they join before February 28, 2006. While it is unlikely that the CASST charter will be in force by this date, the executive consensus is that government will expect an arms-length policy for professional membership — meaning that hard-won industrial standards (see adjoining panel) are meaningless if qualifying in our national association has the appearance of lacking scrutiny.
At present the Canadian reporting industry faces dilemmas. Far too few lay people understand what our jobs are about or what we contribute to society. Worse still is that with a limited number of schools, the infusion of new blood in the Canadian reporting field is close to a standstill. While this is sometimes acceptable to seasoned reporters who feel that newcomers pose a threat to their comfort, it does nothing to improve market conditions and further the profession to which Canadian reporters have committed their entire working lives.
The CASST mandate considers this predicament and includes measures to address it. In short, it considers professional liaison with stakeholders and a continual effort to increase the number of Canadian institutions that offer reporter training. It encourages excellence in the field through continuing education for reporters of today and degree-granting for reporters of tomorrow. These are issues that are surely at the top of everyone's list and will be addressed in CASST's first official year.
Support for CASST is not mandatory at this time, but it is a requirement for Canadians who care about their profession and possess a vision of the future.
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| The CASST standard |
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First order of business:
The industry standard. |
Without an industrial standard, all Canadian professionals, regardless of their reporting method or location, whether they work in courts or in captioning markets, cannot enjoy the recognition of legislation because they have not established for government what constitutes an appropriate skill level across the industry. A primary CASST mandate is to establish that standard and embody it in an act of federal parliament.
Your membership in CASST will help to make that a reality.
The standard we achieve, while similar on the surface to that of our American counterparts, will be distinct in several ways, notably the methods of reporting that continue to be used in Canada and an embracement of the bilingual aspects of Canadian life.
CASST's proposed bylaws specify entry-level criteria founded on models that are already well-established. These include the following shorthand speeds:
Standard literary materials:
96% accuracy at 180 words per minute |
Standard testimony materials:
95% accuracy at 225 words per minute |
REALTIME: Standard literary materials:
96% accuracy at 180 words per minute |
Demonstrating that you possess the required skill is a membership requirement of CASST that is waived only for those who have already met the requirements of their provincial or other recognized association, and for a limited time.
Beyond shorthand speed requirements, the final standard will include a test of general knowledge and application of professional ethics and protocols. Furthermore, it will delineate the needs of both of Canada's official languages and the nuances that arise in providing consistency across the nation.
Drawing of the standards will be performed by a cross-section of Canadian reporters and industry stakeholders. If you are already a CASST member and wish to volunteer your expertise, please contact the executive committee.
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