1. Introduction

Welcome to CP style. In these modules, we will introduce you to what exactly CP style is, how it’s used in Canada, and why it’s important for you to learn.

CP stands for The Canadian Press, a national news agency founded in Canada in 1917. Until 2010, it was a co-operative that helped newspapers exchange news. It’s an example of what you may have heard referred to as a “news wire” or “wire service.” A newspaper in Vancouver would write a news story about a protest happening in that city, and CP would share it with its other member newspapers so that they could run the story and share it with their own readers. Stories of national interest are put “on the wire” for everyone who pays into the service to use. CP still exists but is now a private company and now provides members with everything from video to graphics in addition to written stories. Similar wire services you may have heard of include Reuters and The Associated Press.

Throughout the years, The Canadian Press also developed two important books: The CP Stylebook and Caps and Spelling. These texts set standards for the writing, editing, and tone of stories that are shared with CP’s members, and ultimately reach millions of Canadians who read them. Using CP style keeps the look and feel of journalism consistent and helps the audience understand what to expect. This helps the communication of information flow smoothly, so that audiences can easily receive and understand crucial information about the world around them.

CP’s books make sure that the spelling, grammar and presentation of stories has a consistent voice for audiences. Here’s a simple example: CP style relies on the Canadian spelling of words such as labour and honour, rather than the Americanized version of these words (labor and honor). These guidelines have become industry standards for a wide range of industries in Canada, including journalism, public relations, marketing, advertising and other fields.

Most Canadian newsrooms expect their reporters and editors to learn and follow CP style. You may have heard of or used other style guides, such as the American Psychological Association’s Style Manual (“APA style”), which is commonly used in academic writing and class assignments. CP style is similar, but intended for use on a wide audience.

It’s important to know that these standards go well beyond ensuring stories look and sound Canadian. As you will learn in future modules, CP style is regularly reviewed and updated to take into account important social developments, such as Indigenous reconciliation and the movement for racial equality, and to include style guidelines on new words entering the lexicon. CP style is constantly being reviewed and updated to reflect our changing world.

Further Reading

Long Descriptions for Images

 Image 1.1 The Canadian Press Head Office’s long description:

The Canadian Press office on King Street East in Toronto is shown on Oct. 22, 2021. The company provides multimedia journalism for its subscribers and its stylebook has become the industry standard.

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Image 1.2 Tweet by Margaryta Ignatenko’s long description:

Margaryta Ignatenko: Nov 21, 2018

Thanks @TorontoStar for having us, @maryvallis wasn’t kidding about about CP Stylebook & Caps and Spelling being essential journalistic tools!

Former Centennial College journalism student realized the importance of CP style during a field trip to the Toronto Star, where she noticed the book on the desks of many reporters and editors.

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Image 1.3 Tweet by Setph Crosier’s long description:

Steph Crosier: Feb 23, 2020

I was asked via DM what “CP style” is, and so I present the “bibles” of journalism. CP style provides consistency and clarity for readers. Rules include formatting dates, when to capitalize and who gets a “Dr.” in front of their name. #ygk

Steph Crosier, a journalist in Kingston, Ont., calls the CP Stylebook and CP Caps and Spelling the “bibles” of journalism.

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