The ultimate goal for offenders is to become rehabilitated in order to reintegrate into society and move on with life, become productive members of society in the same way as any other person. Individuals who have been convicted of a crime, yet done their time, paid their fines, and dealt fully with all court requirements, will still have a criminal record to contend with. They can move forward only after securing a Canadian pardon (record suspension) that will remove their record from searchable databases.
Youthful indiscretions leading to conviction for drug offences, such as possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, have caused many to realize the negative consequences. Feeling ashamed and remorseful, they remove themselves from the bad influences that led them down the wrong track. They then seek therapy, employment, and renewed respect by being determined to turn their lives around.
Up to now, the justice system in Canada has been understood to have rehabilitation as one of its goals. It now appears to no longer be a priority. New laws seem to be designed only to punish offenders. Under the laws that previously existed, such individuals had to wait five years before applying for a Canadian pardon (record suspension). Receiving a record suspension is not an automatic outcome of applying: offenders must admit they made a mistake, take their punishment, serve their time, become law-abiding citizens.
Since the federal government’s omnibus crime bill, Bill C-10, has come into effect, people who have currently been waiting the requisite five years now learn that they are no longer eligible for a record suspension; they must wait ten years. With little or no warning, their lives are still on hold. Burdened with a criminal record for such a prolonged time will do nothing to help. Finding meaningful employment in order to live a normal life will be a major challenge as most employers require a criminal record check before hiring an applicant. Rehabilitation and reintegration into society is now superseded by further punishment.
In Canada, the recourse against the wave of companies using background checks lies within the realm of Pardon Services Canada. Any Canadian can apply for a record suspension if he has met the conditions and sentencing of the offence. Through a record suspension, Canadians have the ability to leave their past behind them and continue towards a new job, career advancement, volunteer positions, and a wealth of opportunities previously beyond their reach because of a criminal record.