At Pardons Canada, we understand the weight of a criminal record and the barriers it can present to daily life. With our expertise, you can unlock a brighter, unburdened future. Explore how we can provide the second chance you deserve and apply online today.
Pardon / Record Suspension Details
A Record Suspension, formerly known as a Pardon, allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens to have their criminal record removed.
These pardons are issued by the Federal Government of Canada. This means that any search of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) will not show that you had a criminal record, or that you were issued a Pardon / Record Suspension.
Is a Pardon / Record Suspension Right for Me?
To prepare the Record Suspension application, many documents must be collected. Acquiring the proper supporting documents takes time, therefore it is a good idea to start preparing the application well in advance of your eligibility date.
In fact, most people cannot even determine what their eligibility date is until after they have acquired RCMP reports and relevant court documents. Pardons Canada can help with every step of this process.
Our Pardon Services
Pardons Canada can undertake all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including Pardons / Record Suspensions and File Destructions.
We promote positive behaviour by giving people hope. Many Canadians have made regrettable mistakes. Those who are no longer involved in criminal activity have a real opportunity to make a fresh start and a positive change in their lives.
By removing criminal records, we help lift the stigma and shame associated with a criminal past, allowing people to feel that they belong in our society again. People who feel part of a community make better parents, citizens, and neighbours.
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It is easy for us to help you. We will track and collect your fingerprints, along with all police and court records. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, the end result is that your criminal record will be cleared and you will receive proof in writing.
Criminal Record Suspension Application
Having a criminal record can hold you back well after you’ve finished paying for your mistakes. They can hinder your career, travel plans, coaching, volunteering and more. Freedom from these restraints can be obtained with a pardon or record suspension.
Canada has a long history of forgiving those who have done wrong in the past but who have proven themselves to be reformed, law-abiding citizens. Expunging a criminal record grants access again to doors that were once closed for you, allowing you to freely travel, apply for jobs, volunteer and coach.
Pardons Canada has the experience and expertise required to help with your criminal record suspension application and will do so quickly and without error. Pardons Canada has helped remove the criminal records of thousands of Canadians just like you over the past 30 years. It’s important to remember you are not alone, and we’re here to help you. Contact us any time for free consultations, updates on your file, or general inquiries.
Criminal Record Pardon Guidelines in Canada
A record suspension application is the first step in letting go of your criminal past. First, you should be aware of the current waiting times to apply to remove criminal records from your past;
Summary convictions: a criminal act that is considered less serious, punishable by smaller fines and shorter probation and jail sentences. The current waiting time for criminal record clearance is 5 years from the end of your punishment.
Indictable convictions: Most serious of criminal offences, which include drug trafficking, armed robbery and sexual assault. The current waiting time for criminal record clearance is 10 years from the end of your punishment.
It should be noted that if you are a convicted sex offender, the Criminal Record Act lists sexual offences in Schedule 1. To remove criminal records of sex offenders, your name will still be flagged by the Canadian Police Information Centre, however, your record will be kept ‘separate and apart’. If you were to apply for a job or volunteer working with vulnerable groups such as children, seniors or people with a disability, your record would still be flagged.
If you have been convicted of a sexual assault of a minor, you cannot receive a criminal record clearance unless your offence happened before March 2012.
If you have had more than three indictable offence convictions for which you received a prison sentence of two years or more for each, you are not eligible for a pardon unless your offence happened before March 2012.
To speed up the criminal record suspension application, you must first be in ‘good conduct’ since your last sentence ended, meaning you have not committed a crime since, and that you’ve paid all outstanding government fees, including traffic tickets.
The Barriers to Remove Criminal Records
A criminal record suspension application may seem like a daunting task. Tough new laws put in place by the Canadian Government resulted in an increase in confusion, errors and, ultimately, rejection from the Parole Board of Canada (PBC).
In a recent report by CBC, 90% of respondents in a survey agreed that the criminal record suspension application fee was a ‘significant’ barrier’. According to the most recent Public Safety Canada report (2016) of the 3.8 million Canadians who have a criminal record, nearly 90% have yet to start the criminal record removal process.
Employment
Perhaps, the most significant problem for individuals with criminal records in Canada is employment opportunities. More often now than ever, employers will seek a criminal background check as part of the hiring process.
Employers can simply decline to hire individuals with criminal records and applicants with records may be immediately disqualified. For many jobs, while it may be possible to apply with a criminal record, it could be a considerable disadvantage.
Even if the person lands a job, many employers will require that employees be insured and bonded, especially if they’re working with sensitive data, money, or working with the vulnerable (children, elderly and people with disabilities.)
Housing
When filling out an application for an apartment or house, many landlords require criminal background checks on prospective tenants. Without the start of a criminal record suspension application and final approval of the PBC, it can be difficult to find adequate housing and criminal activity may become that much more enticing.
We’re Here To Help
At Pardons Canada, we encourage you to follow the thousands of others who have removed criminal records from their past. You could process your criminal record suspension application yourself, however, it may end up costing you more in time and money due to the complicated legal outlines within the documents. The lack of knowledge on how to fill out the forms properly or a language barrier could result in the Parole Board of Canada rejecting your application. That’s where we step in.
Pardons Canada will be your trusted advisor throughout the application, helping to simplify the process and answer your questions along the way.
It’s Time for a Fresh Start
Call Pardons Canada to begin your journey to a burden-free future. Step out of the shadow that your past criminal record has created. Our team of criminal record suspension experts is happy to help you determine your eligibility for a pardon and begin the process for you. You have the right to complete confidentiality from start to finish with our pardons (record suspension) process.
Contact us by phone at 877-929-6011, contact us by email or if you’re in Toronto visit our walk-in centre at 1376 Bathurst St. Toronto, On M5R 3J1.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pardons
Legal matters can be complicated by nature. If after reading this page you still have unanswered questions, please refer to the section below and our FAQ page.
Who is eligible for a pardon or record suspension?
Eligibility for a pardon or record suspension in Canada depends on the offence and the individual’s conduct after the sentence was completed. Generally, you must have completed all sentences and have waited a certain period, typically 5 years for summary offences or 10 years for indictable offences.
How do I apply for a pardon?
The application process involves collecting relevant documents, such as RCMP reports and court documents, and submitting a formal application to the Parole Board of Canada. Pardons Canada offers services to help you collect the necessary documents and guide you through the application process.
How long does it take to get a pardon?
The processing times can vary greatly depending on the complexity of your case and the current backlog at the Parole Board of Canada. Generally, you should expect the process to take between 12 and 24 months.
