Under Bill-C-10, the term Pardon is now a Record Suspension. For the nearly 4 million Canadians with a criminal record, having a chance to remove the stigma of a criminal record and getting a clean slate is a tremendous opportunity.
A criminal record is enough to prevent someone from being hired in a variety of jobs that require background checks. Many jobs in banking, health care, teaching, security and government require a “clean” criminal record. And it isn’t just paid work. Volunteer positions frequently require a record check, too.
Even insurance companies have the right to ask if you have been convicted of a criminal offence “for which a pardon has not been received.”
Many people who have been granted pardons say they have more peace of mind because a single indiscretion cannot come back to haunt them years later.
Let’s take a look at *John Smith’s personal success story:
“While working at a dead job and living with two other males in a condo, I mistakenly thought that partying and drinking was the way to enjoy life and also to be accepted in a crowd. Most of my friends were either married or in a relationship. I needed to spend time with single friends like me. So I started hanging out with a crowd of young people, I was binge drinking and unfortunately didn’t realized that I had a problem. One day, after one of our drink binge, we thought it would be cool to get into a nice car and drive around. We broke into a black BMW and started driving around, just being idiots. Next thing I know, we were stopped by a police officer and I was charged with driving under influence. I was sentenced to 1 year probation and counseling. Even then, I did not change my ways.
After completing my sentence, I met my wife. We started dating and my life became more enjoyable. I was still working at a dead job but being more balanced now that I was sharing my life with my beautiful partner. Me and my girlfriend enjoyed going out for drinks. One night out, at a bar, my girlfriend was a bit drunk and started flirting with another guy. I became jealous and next thing I know, I was punching her and the guy, creating trouble in the bar. The police was called and again, I was charged with assault and spend 3 months in jail.
I learned of my father’s death while I was still in jail. That’s when I reflected on my life and decided to change. I didn’t want to go that road and have no future. I wanted to be married, have children, a good job and being able to travel. The way things were right now, I had no chance of a good future. I promised myself to change.
Out from jail, I registered to school for a rewarding career in the oil industry, I married my girlfriend and after 5 years we were able to own a home. I welcomed the birth of my two children Bryan and Sally. Life was looking good.
One day, I got an opportunity for advancement in my job and grabbed it. However, before being promoted manager, I had to pass a criminal check. All of a sudden, my past was an obstacle to the new me! My stupid youth mistakes were costing me my new life. I was devastated and afraid I would lose my job. Then, my wife heard about the Pardon process. We inquired and started the process right away with Pardon Services Canada. They were able to advise us and even more, they provided me with a letter showing to my employer that I was in the process of getting a Pardon.
The process was lengthy and stressful, especially with the change of legislation. The National Parole Board of Canada requires Applicants to send a variety of documents: a copy of one’s criminal record, information from the court that issued the sentence, a local police records check, as well as the pardon application itself.
Depending on one’s situation, further court documents, citizenship information or military records may be required.
There’s also a $631 processing fee for the application. Luckily for us, Pardon Services Canada handled everything from the beginning to the end.
A year and half, after applying for a Record Suspension through Pardon Services Canada, I received a letter: my pardon was granted! I was titanic feeling. Removing that burden from my shoulders! This stigma of being a criminal; especially being afraid day after day to lose my work because of my past. Finally I was able to breath. I have never looked back. I am now teaching my kids the consequences of one’s actions. I want them to learn from my mistakes.”
Each year we help thousands of Canadians to obtain a record suspension/pardon so that the person can move forward in their lives without the mark of a criminal record hanging over their head.