Criminal
Pardons
General Information: What is a record suspension?
A record suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated that they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records. A record suspension removes a person’s criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means that a search of CPIC will not show that the individual has a criminal record or a record suspension. This helps them access employment and educational opportunities and to reintegrate into society.
The Criminal Records Act (CRA) applies only to records kept by federal organizations, but most provincial and municipal criminal justice agencies also restrict access to their records once they are told that a record suspension has been ordered. Who is responsible for a record suspension?
Under the CRA, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the official and only federal agency responsible for ordering, denying and revoking record suspensions for convictions under federal acts or regulations of Canada.
Who is Eligible for a
Criminal Pardon
A record suspension allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated that they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records. A record suspension removes a person’s criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means that a search of CPIC will not show that the individual has a criminal record or a record suspension. This helps them access employment and educational opportunities and to reintegrate into society.
The Criminal Records Act (CRA) applies only to records kept by federal organizations, but most provincial and municipal criminal justice agencies also restrict access to their records once they are told that a record suspension has been ordered.
Responsibilities & Limits of a Record Suspension
Under the CRA, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the official and only federal agency responsible for ordering, denying and revoking record suspensions for convictions under federal acts or regulations of Canada.
A record suspension…
- Does not erase a convicted offence, but sets it aside
- Does not guarantee entry or visa privileges to another country
- Is flagged in CPIC for former sexual offenders
This is done so that should the individual apply to work or volunteer with a vulnerable sector group (e.g. with children, the elderly) a vulnerable sector check will identify that the individual was convicted of a sexual offence for which a record suspension was received
A record suspension (or pardon) can be revoked or cease to have effect if you are:
- Convicted of a new indictable offence, or in some cases, a summary offence
- Found to no longer be of good conduct
- Found to have made a false or misleading statement, or hidden information when you applied
- Found to have been ineligible for a record suspension at the time the record suspension was ordered
If a record suspension is revoked or ceases to have effect, the record of the offence(s) are added back in to the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database.
Find Out More About Criminal Pardons
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Whether you need fingerprints for a background check, a criminal record check, USA waiver or a criminal pardon, we are here to help.
FAQ About Criminal Pardons
Why would I want or need a criminal pardon or criminal record suspension?
It is a reality in Canadian society that people with criminal records often have difficulty getting jobs, career advancement, rental contracts, mortgages, acceptance to educational institutions, travel to the US or other countries, volunteer opportunities or many other things that most people take for granted. If you were convicted of a crime and you have both served the required sentence and been a person in good standing with the law since, you may be eligible for a criminal pardon. This can help you in many ways down the road, and is highly recommended to avoid challenges, frustration and even heartache in life.
Can someone really discriminate against me due to a criminal record?
While we cannot provide legal advice, it is a generally accepted fact of life in Canada that a criminal record check or criminal background check can and will be performed for a number of things. It’s not our role to judge. We are simply here to help. The least challenging and least time-consuming way of dealing with a criminal record, once the sentence has been fulfilled and one has maintained good standing as an upright, law-abiding citizen, is to get your criminal record cleared from the Canadian database of criminal records.
What kinds of professions could/would prohibit someone with a criminal record?
There is a wide variety of professions and occupations that require a clean criminal record before someone is hired (or, if discovered later on, could terminate employment). These include (but are not limited to):
- Teacher
- Law enforcement officer
- Security guard
- Bank staff
- Government employee
- Truck driver
- Insurance agent/broker
- Realtor
- Car dealer / sales agent
… And many others. As you can see, this covers a pretty broad range. That’s why it is in your best interest to get our help in seeking a criminal waiver.
What if I just want to open my own business? I don’t need a criminal pardon then… or do I?
You very well may need one! Even though it may seem logical that “being your own boss” would shield you from the need to clear your criminal record, the reality is that, even as an entrepreneur or independent business person, you may find yourself subject to a criminal record check or criminal background check at some point. For starters, what if you have a client who wants to make sure that you are trustworthy or can be licensed/bonded, etc.? Also, many independent businesspeople still have to gain access to secure facilities or sensitive information when serving clients; a criminal record could preclude you from doing so. Also, should you wish to take your hard-earned savings at some point and take a holiday in the USA or in another country, you could be denied entry with a criminal record. That’s why you are still better off, once eligible, applying for your criminal record suspension.
Where do I get fingerprinted when applying for a criminal pardon or record suspension? Do I have to go to the police?
At Fingerprinting Place Versailles, we are able to conduct fingerprinting on the premises of our Montreal fingerprinting agency in conjunction with your application for a pardon or criminal record suspension. We’ll also assist you with your application, answer questions and provide guidance throughout the process.
