Moving On After a Conviction
Once a sentence for a conviction has been served – the fine is paid, the prison sentence completed, all conditions met – a person should be able to move on, unencumbered by the stigma, start a new life. Yet that sentence will still “continue to be served” indefinitely by showing up in a criminal record check or background check, which is undertaken routinely nowadays by potential employers, landlords, loans officers, volunteer organizers, adoption agencies, and the like.
The Nightmare of Background Checks
This bureaucratic need is an important security measure; however, when the background check reveals the fact that an applicant has a criminal record, this bureaucratic need turns into a personal nightmare. Automatically, the applicant is refused the job that he interviewed so well for, that perfect apartment is no longer available to him, the volunteer opportunity that would broaden his horizons will not be accessible.
Travel Complications
Even travel can be hampered, whether it be for pleasure or business, especially when attempting to enter the United States. It is illegal for a Canadian convicted of a criminal offence to cross the border. The Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) stores data on all criminal records and gives the US Customs and Border Protection Agency access to its files. Thus, travellers with a record risk being detained at the border, not being allowed to cross, and possibly being arrested or having their vehicles confiscated.
The Barrier of a Criminal Record
A criminal record has therefore become a significant barrier to living a fulfilling life. However, once a period of time has passed after the completion of a sentence, a person is entitled to apply to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) for a Pardon. Once granted, a Pardon will cause a record to be kept separate from the accessible CPIC database, “sealing” it, so that it will not be revealed in a background check. Also, a US Entry Waiver will help those who wish to travel to the United States. This document can be applied for even without having received a Pardon and will enable cross-border visits for both business and pleasure.
Seek Professional Help
The process for obtaining these documents can be difficult and time consuming, so seeking the help of a Client Specialist at Pardon Services Canada is advisable.
