Each day we speak to people who are seeking to obtain a pardon for a criminal offence. Often, it is a one time occurence in a persons lifetime and they regret their actions deeply. They have served thier punishment and want to move forward in their lives.
The current law for receiving a Canada Pardon for an indictable offence (eg – Fraud over $5000, Theft over $5000, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, etc) is 5 yrs from the end of the persons punishment. There is a proposal by the current government outlined in Bill C23B that would change the waiting period from 5 to 10 yrs.
We believe this change in waiting period would be very detrimental to people with an indictable offence because they cannot re-enter society for too long of a period. Every employer in the country is doing criminal checks, so getting a decent job with a criminal record becomes next to impossible. Imagine and 18 yr old who gets convicted of an indictable offence cannot get a job until they are 30 years old. How is that person going to survive? Feed their family? Stay hopeful for the future?.
Here is an example from a person who recently contacted us seeking to obtain a Canada Pardon for a Fraud Over $5000 charge:
“It was nice speaking with you on the phone. This is my situation I went to court in May 28, 2008. I was convicted of Fraud over 5000 (indictable). I was put on Probation for 12 months. I also paid restitution and did 120 hours of community service for the crime I committed.”
“I paid all the restitution in full the total was 9471.87. I would like to work with disabled children. I have a son with autism. I can’t obtain an E.C.E or get a job in the child care field due to a mistake I made. I guess I have been punished but will be punished more for something I truly regret doing. If I could take this back I would. ”
“My crime was committed when I was desperate and had no money. This is something I wish I could change. I am ashamed of what I have done. I have not committed anymore crimes. I can’t work for fear someone will find out.”
“I don’t want the legislation to change my life is already difficult. If it goes through I will be 46 years old before I can work with children because I won’t be trusted. I think I have already been punished enough. Thank you for listening”
Under the new laws proposed in Bill C23B, this person will not be eligible for a Pardon until May of 2019. How sad is that??
If you have any questions regarding this topic or about Pardons and US Entry Waivers email us at info@pardons.org or call 1-877-929-6011.
