By Jasmee Toor
The 2011 statistics on crime from Statistics Canada imply that many Canadians in British Columbia have a criminal record, as do many more throughout the remaining provinces in Canada. It is estimated that approximately 3.8 million Canadians have a criminal record- nearly 10 percent or 1 of every 10 Canadians. Although they have already paid off their debt to society in accordance to our justice system, society still has them marked as a criminal. This can make a normal life impossible due to the extensive criminal record checks required as part of everyday life.
Employment and criminal record checks.
It has become a standard business practice to run criminal record checks when hiring a new employee. Many employers run criminal record checks to protect their investments and their image. In fact in certain sectors, criminal record checks are legally required under the Criminal Records Review Act. You could also be affected indirectly, for example; let’s say your employer changes management, or the company you work for gets bought out. In those instances employers look for ways to become more efficient, whether it is cutting cost, early retirement or laying people off- in which case those with criminal records can often expect to be the first to go. Do not give them an excuse to take your livelihood away when they run a criminal record check.
Pardons (Now Known as Record Suspensions)
With current technology, a criminal record check is only a click or phone call away to the nearest police or RCMP station. The same way the law is in your employer’s hand, it can be in yours as well. The Criminal Records Act of 1985 provides for the suspension of criminal records for persons who have been convicted of offences and have subsequently rehabilitated themselves.
How to apply
Applying for a pardon in Canada is easy, and Pardon Services Canada has been helping people apply for Pardons since 1989. Pardon Services Canada has dedicated client specialists that can determine your eligibility for a Pardon for free over the phone. Learn if you qualify- it’s only a phone call away at 1-866-972-7366.
Criminal record checks have become customary in our society. Protect your welfare and prosperity- apply for a pardon today.