UPDATED June 22, 2013

Status Update for Backlog of Pardon Applications

Applications submitted under the old Pardon Rules (between July 2010 and February 22, 2012) are very backlogged.

As of December 2012:

  • There were an estimated 22,000 outstanding applications; and
  • The Parole Board of Canada hired and trained 22 people in December 2012 to help work on the backlog.

As of March 2013:

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is currently processing the following applications:

  • Summary Only Offences:  Accepted in March 2011
  • Indictable Only Offences:  Accepted in September 2010

As of April 15, 2013:

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is currently processing the following applications:

  • Summary Only Offences:  Accepted in April 2011
  • Indictable Only Offences:  Accepted in October 2010

As of June 22, 2013:  REPORTED BY PBC

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is currently processing the following applications:

  • Summary Only Offences:  Accepted in June 2011
  • Indictable Only Offences:  Accepted in October 2010

What does Accepted mean?

Accepted means the application was complete and you met basic eligibility requirements.   The PBC issues a letter confirming your application was accepted.  Your file then sits (ie. nothing happens) until it is ready to be assigned to an officer (enquiry stage).

What happens when my file reaches the enquiry stage?

When your application reaches the enquiry stage a letter is issued confirming this.  It normally takes around 3 months for a decision to be made after your file reaches this stage.  However, it could take longer than 3 months depending upon the complexity of your file.

Pardon Application Processing Times

This means it is taking around 24 months for a Record Suspension to be granted if you have summary-only offences.  Or, it is taking an average 31 months if you have one or more indictable offences.

What kind of decision can I expect?

  • your Record Suspension will be granted (previously called Pardon); or
  • there will be a request for additional information; or
  • there will be a proposal to deny (following which you will be allowed to appeal the decision with our help).

Will you keep me posted as to the status of your file?

Yes, we will keep you posted.  We have sent all clients a link to this site (along with the date their file was accepted) so that they can monitor the progress of the Parole Board of Canada.  In addition, we will notify all clients during each of the following steps:

  • when your letter is assigned to an officer (enquiry stage);
  • if there is a proposal to deny or request for further information; and
  • when your application has been granted.

Parole Board of Canada

For confirmation as to delays in processing time, you may check the Parole Board of Canada Website.

Pardon Application QuestionsQuestions regarding your Pardon Application Status?

If you are an existing client and would like to find out the status of your pardon application, please contact us at:  Calgary:  403-229-2774 or Toll-Free:  1-800-320-2744.