A criminal record can continue affecting your life long after your sentence has been completed. It may create barriers when you apply for employment, pursue education, volunteer, obtain professional licensing, rent a home or take on positions involving trust and responsibility. A Canadian Record Suspension—formerly called a Pardon—allows an eligible person’s criminal record to be set aside. Once granted, the record is kept separate and apart from other federal criminal records. A search of the Canadian Police Information Centre database, commonly known as CPIC, will generally not show the criminal record or the Record Suspension. (Canada)[...]

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) may refuse a Record Suspension or Pardon application for several reasons, depending on the stage of the application.Before the application is accepted for processingMany applications are returned without a decision because they are incomplete. Common reasons include:Missing required documentsIncorrect or missing application feeIncomplete application formsMissing court or police informationThe applicant is not yet eligible to applyThe Parole Board does not have jurisdictionAfter the application is reviewedIf the application proceeds to a decision, the Parole Board may refuse it if:The applicant has not demonstrated good conduct.Recent criminal charges or convictionsOngoing criminal behaviourEvidence[...]

Why Do Record Suspensions Exist? Many Canadians assume a criminal record is a lifelong punishment. While a criminal conviction is intended to hold someone accountable for their actions, Canada's justice system has long recognized another important principle: people can change. That belief is the foundation of Canada's Record Suspension program. Parliament created the Criminal Records Act to encourage rehabilitation, reduce unnecessary barriers to employment and community participation, and help individuals who have demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens become productive members of society once again. A Record Suspension is not about pretending an offence never happened. It[...]

One of the first decisions you'll face is whether to complete your Record Suspension application yourself or hire a professional to assist you. The good news is that both options are available. Many Canadians successfully complete the application on their own, while others prefer the peace of mind that comes from having an experienced team guide them through the process. The best choice depends on your circumstances, the complexity of your record, and how much time you have available. Applying for a Record Suspension Yourself There is no legal requirement[...]

Your Step-by-Step Roadmap Applying for a Record Suspension, formerly known as a Canadian Pardon, can seem overwhelming. However, the process becomes much easier when you understand what happens at each stage. Whether your goal is better employment opportunities, easier travel or simply peace of mind, following the proper process can help prevent avoidable delays and improve the likelihood of a successful application. At Canadian Legal Resource Centre Inc., we have helped thousands of Canadians navigate the Record Suspension process. Here is what you can expect from start to finish. The Record Suspension Process A complete application[...]

Watch this brief video below for an overview of the nine important benefits of obtaining a Record Suspension. What are the Benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension? The main benefits of a Canadian Record Suspension include better access to employment, career advancement, professional licensing, volunteering and housing. Once granted, it generally keeps the criminal record separate from active federal criminal records, so it normally will not appear on a routine Canadian criminal-record check. A Record Suspension may also demonstrate rehabilitation, reduce certain barriers and provide greater confidence and peace of mind. It does not erase the[...]