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Can Others Find Out About Your Criminal Record?
If you have a criminal record, you may wonder if others can find out. Fortunately, in Canada, there are certain rules that govern disclosure, including when police can release your record.
A person cannot simply call the police and ask them if you have a record. They must get you to sign an agreement that they can conduct a background check.
What if you don’t agree to disclosure?
Employers and service providers in Canada have the right to ask about unpardoned criminal records. They will usually ask you if you have a record for which a pardon or Record Suspension has not been granted.
If you have a record, you will want to be honest because they will likely follow up with a criminal record check request. If you disagree with this you will likely need to withdraw your application for:
- The job
- The educational program
- The apartment
- The volunteer position
- The loan or grant
- Etc.
As you can see, saying no to the record check could potentially shut you out of a lot of opportunities. The best thing to do is to agree to the criminal record check and address your criminal record with the hiring manager. This is best done in an interview. You may still lose out on the position, but at least you tried.
Getting a Record Suspension
The best way to avoid the negative effects of having to agree to a criminal record disclosure is to apply for a Record Suspension. A Record Suspension will seal your criminal record for the purpose of most jobs and opportunities.
An exception would be if you had sexual offences on your record and the employer requested a Vulnerable Sector check. A Vulnerable Sector check is only for occupations where the employee or volunteer would need to work in a position of trust with people who are vulnerable due to age or disability. For example, a nurse or caregiver may need to obtain a vulnerable sector check. In this case, sexual offences could be disclosed even if you have a pardon.
Once you have a criminal record, your record will be removed from CPIC and can only be disclosed with permission from the public safety minister. This would be an extreme and rare occurrence.
If you are ready to move forward with your life without worrying about criminal record disclosure, contact us at 1-866-972-7366.
