Canadians are experiencing a downturn in the economy and the loss of oil sands jobs in Alberta. Meanwhile, people with criminal records are facing a double burden in the workforce.
The Economy
While the economy has decreased overall, no one has been affected as much as Albertans. They are experiencing job losses due to falling oil prices and less development. As a result, many people who were making high wages in the energy sector are finding it hard to match their incomes. They are finding it hard to continue to pay their mortgages. The effect has trickled down to other parts of the economy, such as housing starts. The loss of the industry and jobs means less money for government coffers and private industry alike.
- The downturn has placed a burden on social programs.
- The number of people collecting Employment Insurance in Alberta has doubled.
- Statistics Canada states there was net loss of 19,600 jobs in 2015.
- It’s estimated that 40,000 jobs were lost in the energy sector.
- Job losses have put pressure on families across the country. Many oil sands workers were sending their income to other provinces, especially on the east coast.
- Debt loads have increased as has the three-month delinquency rate according to Equifax. People are having a hard time paying their bills.
The Legislation
People with criminal records have been hit even harder. Many oil sands jobs are now out of reach. Changes to the legislation in 2012 made criminal pardons more expensive and harder to obtain. More workers are competing for fewer jobs. This means a criminal record can create a real barrier to employment. Even workers who have proven themselves in other positions are finding it challenging. At the same time, unemployment can make a Record Suspension (pardon) unaffordable.
Many Canadians with criminal records experienced limited opportunities at home. They opted to move to Alberta to take advantage of the oil sands jobs available. Today, they are finding that past criminal records can be a barrier to other careers. Changes in legislation haven’t helped the situation:
- The fee to process a pardon increased from $150 to $631 (a 321 per cent jump). This made it more difficult for people struggling with finding employment or with under-employment.
- The waiting period for people with summary offences increased from three to five years. The waiting period for indictable offences went from five to 10 years.
- Backlogs were created by the switch from the pardon system to the Record Suspension system. This left some applicants waiting years for a decision from the Parole Board.
- Some people with multiple indictable offences can never receive a Record Suspension no matter how long they wait.
- Criteria for granting a Record Suspension have been toughened.
Meanwhile, the rate of recidivism is extremely low by the Parole Board’s own estimates. Less than four per cent of people with pardons re-offend. The rest go on to lead responsible, law-abiding lives. Employment is an important part of helping people re-establish themselves and contribute to the community. When the economy takes a downturn, the need for a fair and accessible pardon system comes to the forefront.
If you agree that pardons should be fair and accessible, please sign our petition at Change.org.