It is very sad when we speak to people who have recent convictions and now have to wait a longer time to obtain a Canada Pardon or Record Suspension due to the recent change in government legislation Bill C10.
How does the government expect these people to reintegrate with society if they have to wait so long to obtain a pardon?
What is a person expected to do if they can’t get a decent job due to a past criminal record?
At Pardons Canada, we help many people to obtain a Canada Pardon or Record Suspension and its ok to start early because it takes time to gather and prepare the documents necessary for the application. By starting the file, at least it gives people hope that they will ultimately be free of a criminal record. However, until the pardon or record suspension is granted, the criminal record can act as a huge impediment when looking for work or traveling to the US.
The following article in the CBC entitled “New Pardon Rules Thwart Student’s Rehabilitation” really drives home this issue.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2012/05/09/ns-pardon-change-troubles-man.html