Updated August 13, 2022
A criminal record can present obstacles in many areas of life. A pardon can help break down those obstacles by sealing your criminal record. The primary Record Suspension benefits are related to helping you achieve your goals in work, life and travel.
If you have a Record Suspension your criminal record cannot be revealed without special permission from the Public Safety Minister, which is not commonly given.
The one exception is a Vulnerable Sector Check often required for working or volunteering, childcare, teaching, social work or health care. In this case, any sexual or violent offences could be revealed.
What are the main Record Suspension benefits?
Get a job: If you have been filling out a lot of job applications, you may find that they almost always ask if you have a criminal conviction for which a pardon or Record Suspension has not been received. Or, you may be looking at job descriptions online and noticing that many employers are asking for background checks. Once you have a Record Suspension, you can check “no” and confidently submit to a background check knowing that it will come back clear.
Get a better job: You may already have a job, but as your family grows or your life circumstances change, you may find that you want to transition out of your current role, earn more money and take on new challenges. You may find that you have learned a lot of job skills that would be applicable to a higher paying position. You may even consider a supervisor or management position within your current company. You can be ready to make your move if you have a Record Suspension to back up your application.
Education: If you are applying for a post-secondary program that requires a practicum or internship, you may be required to get a criminal record check. This is common in childcare, health care, veterinary services, teaching, law, social work, security, counselling, trucking, heavy equipment operation, trades, financial services, aviation and many other programs.
Volunteer: Most volunteer opportunities that require working with others require a criminal record check. Record checks are common for social service agencies, positions that require the use of a vehicle, hospitals, schools, sports teams, humane societies and more. Many parents get a Record Suspension so that they can volunteer for their children’s schools and sports teams.
Travel abroad: There are many countries that will request a criminal record check before issuing a visa. You can provide them with a clean background check if you have a Record Suspension. Other countries will not require a record check but will ask about convictions. You can present them with your granted Record Suspension as evidence of rehabilitation. There are some limitations to this as a foreign country is not obligated to let you in with a Record Suspension. Most notably, the United States does not recognize Canadian pardons or Record Suspensions and will require a US Entry Waiver for many types of offences. However, there are still Record Suspension benefits in extending your opportunities for travel.
Join the military: If you have ever dreamed of serving in Canada’s armed forces, a criminal record can cause you to fail screening. Get it cleared before you apply.
Professional licencing: You may need a background check to get a licence in law, health, counselling, financial services and other professions. In addition, you may need a background check to get a business licence in some municipalities.
Crossing the border: Even though the United States does not recognize Record Suspensions, it can help you cross the border faster in some cases. If you have a record that the US does not consider serious, such as DUI, you can clear your record and qualify for NEXUS and the FAST Card program. If you do have a record that the US considers inadmissible, such as drug possession, you may not qualify for NEXUS with your Record Suspension, but you could still get a CANPASS card to enter Canada faster.
Finding a place to live: Many rental applications are asking for criminal record checks as a condition of the lease. This includes apartments, trailer parks, commercial properties, social housing, coops and rooming houses. Condo boards and mobile home parks will also deny a purchase of a unit on the basis of a criminal record. A Record Suspension benefits you by making it easier to find housing.
Human rights protection: In most cases, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of a criminal record for which a Record Suspension has been received. Your record will not be revealed through a background check if you have a Record Suspension. However, if somehow a person manages to find out about your record from court records, news stories, word of mouth, etc., they cannot legally discriminate against you based on it once it has been suspended. This does not apply at the US border, because they are not subject to Canada’s laws.
Peace of mind: Once you have a Record Suspension, you’ll feel relieved that the past is behind you and your rights have been fully restored. You’ll be able to move forward with a prosperous future for yourself and your family.
If you would like to find out more about Record Suspension benefits and how they apply to your situation or to get started on your application, contact AllCleared today for a free consultation at 1-866-972-7366.