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A pardon or Record Suspension seals your record. Although your record won't be destroyed, it will be kept separate from other records. You can apply for jobs, apartments or volunteer opportunities without worry. Many provinces and institutions under federal jurisdiction prohibit any type of discrimination for a criminal record for which a pardon has been awarded.Currently, pardons are called Record Suspensions. The government changed the name in 2012. However, the meaning is the same. It means that your record is sealed.
Will a pardon seal all records?
There are a few exceptions to consider.People with sexual offences against minors are not eligible. There is an exception if the offender was close in age to the victim and no force or coercion was used. Another exception is for people with more than three indictable offences involving more than two years in jail for each.In addition, if an employer or volunteer organization needed to do a Vulnerable Sector Check, sexual offences could be flagged. Industries such as health, childcare and social services use the Vulnerable Sector Check.By far, the biggest problem for Canadians is that your record is not sealed at the US border. The US border officials will not remove your record from their databases. They can still deny you entry. You will need to apply for a US Entry Waiver. However, not all criminal records will result in you being banned from the US. Call us for a free consultation to find out if you need a US Entry Waiver.Otherwise, a Record Suspension acknowledges that the person has been reformed. This helps them go on with their lives.
How do you apply for a Record Suspension?
The Parole Board of Canada is the government agency responsible for deciding whether you should receive a Record Suspension. They will want all the details of your convictions. You will be responsible for collecting all of your police checks and court records. They will want to know how the Record Suspension will benefit you. They also want evidence that you have been reformed. You will receive a form to fill out about these items.If you are ready to apply for new opportunities or you just want to put the past behind you once and for all, contact us today for a free consultation.
