In Canada, the meaning of Record Suspension is similar to “pardon”. In fact, up until 2012, Record Suspensions were called pardons. Basically it means that your criminal record is sealed. When an employer searches your criminal record it will come back clear in most cases.
The purpose of a Record Suspension is to help people reintegrate into the community, find work, obtain housing, volunteer and qualify for other opportunities. In that sense, it is the same as a pardon.
The word “suspension” might make the meaning sound more temporary than pardon. However, as long as you don’t make any serious errors or omissions on your application and you keep a clean record, the Record Suspension is permanent.
How does it work?
When you have a criminal record, the RCMP maintains it in a database called CPIC, which stands for Canadian Police Information Centre. Before you get a Record Suspension, it can be accessed from this database. Once the Record Suspension is granted by the Parole Board of Canada, the RCMP will be informed and they will seal your record in a separate section of the database that can’t be accessed. Some people think a Record Suspension will erase the record, but this is not true. If you were to reoffend, the record would be unsealed and you would have to apply again after another waiting period.
However, having your record sealed means that when an employer or other organization wants you to complete a record check, you could do so confidently, knowing that it will come back clear.
There are two exceptions to when a criminal record could be revealed:
- If you had sexual offences on your record and you needed a vulnerable sector check to work with children or vulnerable adults your record could be revealed on the background check. A vulnerable sector check may be required in health care, teaching or social services. In that case, your offence could be revealed on a background check even with a pardon or Record Suspension. However, only certain organizations are allowed to request this type of check and they must prove that it is relevant to the position.
- The second exception causes even more problems for Canadians. The US border does not recognize Canadian Record Suspensions, and can still deny you entry to the country depending on what was on your record. In order to clear your record for crossing the US border, you would need a US Entry Waiver.
What is the meaning of the word pardon?
The meaning of the word pardon includes “forgiveness” according to the dictionary definition. This is the primary reason the government decided to change the name of the program in 2012. They did not feel that the government should be “forgiving” past actions.
However, English-speaking countries use this word for similar programs and the word has far more meaning for people who have made the decision to turn their life around. Pardons can be a motivating factor that has significant meaning for both society and the person applying. Hopefully in the future, the government will go back to referring to the order as a “pardon.” In the meantime, it’s important to remember that what the program accomplishes is the same. You can successfully go on with your life without worrying that your criminal record will hold you back.
How do you apply?
An application for a Record Suspension is made through the Parole Board of Canada. Before you can apply, you must collect a variety of documents such as court records and police checks. AllCleared provides a Record Suspension application service for those who prefer to have assistance with this. Around 30 per cent of applications are rejected due to avoidable issues such as missing information or not being qualified in the first place. That’s why it’s a good idea to have a professional service assist you with the application. A free consultation will help you determine whether you are eligible to apply.
Contact AllCleared for more information or to get started with your application at 1-866-972-7366.