Pardons Canada: How Can I Get a Pardon if Fine Was Not Paid?
With the new pot laws coming into effect this month, many people are wondering how people with old pot convictions will be treated. The truth is, most of the people with pot convictions could have already received a pardon if they had applied since they only have to be out of trouble for five years to be eligible for a pardon.
There are still thousands of Canadians with pot convictions who have not applied for a pardon and the big question is whether the government can give them a blanket pardon. The answer is likely NO since the process for a pardon application is complicated and requires proof of rehabilitation and being out of trouble with the police. YES anyone can start the pardon application and will likely be approved so long as they have met the qualifications but we think it is very unlikely that the pardon will be automatic without going through the application process.
Here is a recent article titled “NDP to Table Bill Pardoning Canadians with Pot Convictions” which highlights a proposed bill to provide a blanket pardon:
Pardons Canada undertakes all necessary steps and procedures for removing your criminal record, including: Pardons/Record Suspensions, Purges, Photograph & Fingerprint Destruction, and U.S. Entry Waivers.
