Criminal Records

Wab Kinew applied for pardon for his past mistakes

Wab Kinew, the new Manitoba NDP leader, has revealed that he received a pardon for two offences, and that he applied for the Record Suspension to “mark the progress that I’d made as a person.”

Read more at the Winnipeg Free Press

A criminal record does not automatically exclude people from public life

In light of one leader’s past record, how much can a criminal record affect the ability of a person to take on leadership and other important roles? The CBC evaluates the policies of the main Manitoba parties.

Read more at the CBC

London cuts down its record check processing time

If you live in London, you can now get a criminal record check faster. London Police say they have added staff and extended hours.

Read more at the CBC

Getting a criminal record check in Calgary

Learn how to get a criminal record check in Calgary and what you should do if you have a criminal record. A record check is needed for jobs, volunteer opportunities, licences, Record Suspension and US Entry Waivers.

Read more at AllCleared

What does a Record Suspension review entail?

How does the Parole Board review Record Suspension applications? Learn some tips for having a successful application.

https://allcleared.com/blog/record-suspension-application-reviewed/

Decriminalization of homosexuality

Civil Servants and military personnel caught up in purge seek redress

Purging people from government and military for suspected homosexuality used to be policy. Now many of those affected are waiting for an official apology along with pardons for those criminally convicted.

Read more at the Huffington Post

Marijuana

Government’s marijuana bill does not go far enough

A Canadian lawyer is arguing that the government’s bill to legalize marijuana does not go far enough to erase the problems caused by criminalization.

Read more at the Canadian Lawyer

Judge gives Ottawa ‘budtender’ advice to avoid criminal record

A 19-year-old may face a criminal record for working at an Ottawa pot shop. Hopefully advice he received from a judge will help him end up with a conditional discharge instead. The “budtender” didn’t have a lawyer and says he took the job because he needed the money.

Read more at the Ottawa Citizen

Canada’s border

Privacy Commissioner concerned about electronic searches at border

Border officials can demand passwords and search electronic devices. Should Canadians consider leaving the laptops, tablets and phones at home?

Read more at the Globe & Mail

Canada’s economy depends on an open border

NAFTA isn’t the only problem Canada has when it comes to current US relations. How can Canada ensure border policies that benefit the economy?

Read more at iPolitics