If you have filled out a job application in Canada, you may have seen a question asking whether you are “bondable.” For many people, this question can be confusing — especially if you have a criminal record or are unsure what an employer is really asking.
In simple terms, being bondable means an employer may be able to obtain insurance that protects the business against certain risks, such as employee theft, fraud, or financial loss. It is often relevant for jobs where employees handle money, work with sensitive information, enter clients’ homes, or hold positions of trust.
For people with a criminal record, the question can feel stressful. A record does not always automatically mean you cannot be bonded, but it may make the process more difficult or more expensive depending on the nature of the offence, the job, and the insurer’s requirements. Alberta’s career guidance site notes that a record does not necessarily mean someone is not bondable, but it can affect the cost or availability of insurance.
What does “bondable” mean on a job application?
When a job application asks, “Are you bondable?” the employer is usually asking whether you can be covered under a type of insurance policy. This insurance helps protect the employer if an employee causes certain types of loss, such as theft, fraud, or dishonesty.
Employers may ask about bondability when the role involves:
- Handling cash, payments, or financial records
- Working in banking, accounting, insurance, or financial services
- Accessing confidential client or business information
- Entering private homes or workplaces
- Working with vulnerable people
- Holding a security-sensitive or high-trust position
- Driving, deliveries, or courier work
- Managing inventory, valuables, or controlled access areas
The question is not always the same as asking whether you have a criminal record. However, in practice, a criminal record check may be part of the bonding or hiring process.
Why do employers ask if you are bondable?
Employers ask this question because some jobs involve risk. If an employee has access to money, private information, client property, or secure areas, the employer may want protection in case something goes wrong.
Being bondable can give an employer confidence that you are eligible for the insurance coverage required for the role. It can also be part of the employer’s broader screening process, which may include references, employment history, credit checks, background checks, or police record checks depending on the position.
In Ontario, employers cannot broadly ask whether a job applicant has “any kind” of criminal record. However, they may ask whether someone has been convicted of a federal offence for which they have not received a pardon, and they may ask whether someone is bondable if bondability is required for the job.Â
Can you be bonded with a criminal record?
Having a criminal record may affect your ability to be bonded, but the answer is not always the same for every person or every job.
Whether you can be bonded may depend on:
- The type of offence on your record
- How long ago the offence happened
- Whether the offence relates to the job duties
- The type and amount of insurance the employer needs
- The insurer’s internal policies
- Whether you have received a record suspension
- Whether the job requires a specific licence, clearance, or background check
For example, a theft or fraud-related conviction may be more concerning for a job that involves handling cash or financial records. A different type of offence may be assessed differently depending on the role and the insurer.
This is why it is important not to assume that one answer applies to every situation. If you are unsure whether your record affects your bondability, it may be worth getting a criminal record check and speaking with a professional about your options.
What happens if you say you are bondable but have a criminal record?
If a job requires bonding and the employer later discovers that you cannot be bonded, it could affect your ability to get or keep the position. In some cases, the employer may move forward with another candidate. In other cases, they may ask for more information or determine whether there is another way to assess the risk.
The best approach depends on the wording of the application, the laws in your province, and the type of job. You should answer job application questions carefully and honestly, but you do not always need to volunteer extra information that has not been requested.
If you are concerned about how to answer a bondability or criminal record question, consider getting advice before submitting the application.
What kinds of jobs may require bonding?
Bonding may be required or preferred for many types of jobs in Canada, especially where trust, money, property, or sensitive information is involved.
Examples may include:
- Bank employees
- Accountants and bookkeepers
- Insurance brokers
- Financial service workers
- Security guards
- Couriers and delivery drivers
- Casino employees
- Car dealership employees
- Cleaning and maintenance workers
- Contractors entering client homes
- Government workers
- Caregivers and support workers
- Daycare and school-related roles
- Retail workers handling cash or inventory
Not every job in these fields will have the same requirements. Some employers may ask for a basic criminal record check, while others may require a vulnerable sector check, security clearance, bonding, licensing, or a combination of checks.
How does a criminal record affect employment in Canada?
A criminal record can create barriers when applying for work, especially when the job involves a background check or bonding requirement. It may also affect volunteering, professional licensing, promotions, contract work, or jobs that require travel.
The good news is that many Canadians may be eligible to apply for a record suspension, formerly known as a pardon. A record suspension does not erase the fact that an offence happened, but it separates the record from active criminal records in the Canadian Police Information Centre, commonly known as CPIC.
According to the Government of Canada, a record suspension removes a person’s criminal record from the CPIC database. This means a CPIC search will not show that the person has a criminal record or a record suspension.
Can a record suspension help you become bondable?
A record suspension can help reduce employment barriers related to a criminal record. Since many bonding and employment screening processes involve a criminal record check, having your record suspended may improve your ability to pass standard background screening.
The Parole Board of Canada explains that record suspensions are intended to help people access employment and educational opportunities and reintegrate into society. However, eligibility is not automatic. You must complete your sentence, meet the required waiting period, and satisfy the application requirements. The Government of Canada’s record suspension information page includes current eligibility criteria, waiting periods, and application guidance.Â
How to become bondable in Canada if you have a criminal record
If your criminal record is affecting your ability to get bonded or pass employment checks, you may have options.
1. Get a copy of your criminal record
Before applying for jobs that require bonding, it can help to know exactly what appears on your record. This can help you avoid surprises during the hiring process.
2. Find out whether you are eligible for a record suspension
A record suspension may help prevent your criminal record from appearing in standard CPIC searches. This can be an important step if your record is affecting your employment, licensing, volunteering, or bonding opportunities.
3. Be careful when answering job application questions
Read each question closely. “Are you bondable?” is not always the same as “Do you have a criminal record?” If you are unsure how to answer, seek guidance before submitting the application.
4. Apply for a record suspension if eligible
If you qualify, applying for a record suspension can help remove barriers created by your criminal record. The process can take time, so it is better to start before a job opportunity depends on it.
Frequently asked questions about being bonded in Canada
Does bondable mean I have no criminal record?
Not exactly. In many job application contexts, being bondable is closely connected to whether an employer can insure you for a role. A criminal record may affect bondability, but the outcome can depend on the offence, the job, the insurer, and whether you have received a record suspension.
Is being bonded the same as passing a criminal record check?
No. A criminal record check may be part of the process, but bonding is about insurance coverage. An employer may use a background check to help determine whether you meet the requirements for the role or the insurance policy.
Can I get a job if I am not bondable?
Possibly, but it may depend on the job. Some roles require bonding as a condition of employment. Other employers may not require it or may assess your application in a different way.
Will a record suspension guarantee I can be bonded?
No outcome can be guaranteed, because employers and insurers may have their own requirements. However, a record suspension can remove your criminal record from standard CPIC searches, which may improve your ability to move forward with employment checks.Â
Is a pardon the same as a record suspension?
In Canada, the term “pardon” is commonly used, but the current legal term is “record suspension.” The Parole Board of Canada manages record suspension applications.
Take the next step toward better employment opportunities
If your criminal record is affecting your ability to be bonded, pass a background check, or apply for the jobs you want, a record suspension may help.
AllCleared can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the record suspension process from start to finish. Contact us today to get started!
