Understanding the Transcript Process
Court proceedings in Ontario are recorded. Most courtrooms have audio recording devices and a court monitor in the courtroom making sure the recording device is working. Recordings are archived at the court office for many years.
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Transcripts of court proceedings are not always prepared. Someone has to request the transcript before it gets transcribed.
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When a typed transcript of the recording is needed, the person wishing the transcript contacts an Authorized Court Transcriptionist (ACT). The ACT then contacts the court office and requests the audio recording. The court office sends the recording to the ACT, who then begins to transcribe the recording.
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All ACTs in Ontario should charge the fee established by the Ministry of the Attorney General. The only additional fee should be for courier or mailing costs, although most transcripts are emailed. PLEASE DO NOT request the same transcript from more than one ACT at the same time - only one is allowed the audio file and the cost should not be any different, so no need to "shop around"! Requesting from more than one ACT will delay production and cause confusion.
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To prepare a transcript accurately, and to Ministry standards, takes time. Unless special arrangements are made, an ACT has 30 days to prepare a transcript and 90 days for matters going to Court of Appeal.
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During the 30 days, you may not hear from the ACT. This is because they are busy typing. Be assured they will contact you as soon as the transcript is ready.