What Are The Steps To Get Bonded In Ontario?

While it doesn’t apply to every single job available on the market, there may come a time when you are considering employment at a company and see a question on the job application, or be asked the same question in an interview, “Are you bondable?”

This may be a confusing question; most of the time when we hear the word ‘bond,’ it’s used in financial conversations, talking about stocks, bonds and other financial assets that are more closely related to big business and investment.

So what does it mean to be bondable, or to get bonded? What do you have to do if you want to get bonded in Ontario? Is it possible to get bonded with a criminal record? First, let’s get a basic understanding of what this word means for someone who’s looking to work.

What is a Fidelity Bond?

When an employer talks about whether or not you are bondable or can be bonded, what they are asking about is whether you qualify for something known as a ‘fidelity bond,’ also known as an ‘honesty bond’ or the much less flattering “employee dishonesty insurance.” It’s a special type of insurance policy that is offered to businesses.

Why do Employers Want Bondable Employees?

If you are bondable or qualify for a fidelity bond, this means that the company now holds an insurance policy of sorts ‘against’ you and your actions. In the event that you are found to have financially harmed a company through some form of theft or fraud, such as deliberately misreporting travel expenses, any financial damage incurred by the business through your actions will be paid for by the insurance company that has issued the fidelity bond. In other words, should you do something illegal that costs the company money, they have insurance that pays out the damage to them.

Which Jobs Require Bonds?

Not every company will require that a potential employee be bondable. Most of the time, companies such as fast food chains or retail outlets don’t have this requirement. There may be a requirement for this kind of bond in businesses where employees handle finances, especially that of their clients, or work with clients in a capacity that allows for fraud or theft, such as a cleaning company that sends employees into client homes.

How to Get Bonded In Ontario

Getting bonded in Ontario is relatively simple for most people. If you apply for a job that requires a bond and the employer shows interest in taking you on, you will be asked whether or not you are bondable or you will be informed in some capacity that you will need to be bonded.

At this point, if there are no issues, you simply indicate your ability to be bondable, and the employer will take out a bond on your behalf with their insurance company, which will require government-verifiable identification.

While having a criminal record does not automatically prevent you from being bondable, it will significantly increase the premiums that an employer would need to pay to have you bonded. However, if you do have a record, you should indicate it at this point.

Honesty is the Best Policy

It’s not advisable to omit a criminal record from your employment application hoping that no one will check. Once you’ve indicated that you are bondable and submitted your identification, the insurance company which will issue the fidelity bond will run their own background check.

They want to ensure that you truly do not have a criminal record, at which point, your honesty will be called into question if you’ve lied. You would likely be eliminated from employee consideration for withholding this information.

What Do I Do if You Were Unable to be Bonded?

For most people, getting bonded is more of a formality than anything else- just some unnecessary extra paperwork to allow everyone a bit more peace of mind. The bonding process for Canadians with a criminal record can be difficult. This seemingly innocuous formality can be a real barrier to entry for many good jobs, which is why it’s important to give yourself the best possible chance for employment opportunities.

Depending on your skill set and the employer, it may be worthwhile to take on the extra premium in order to have you as a bonded employee, although most will not. In such cases, the best thing you can do for yourself to increase your attractiveness as an employee is to seek a record suspension, to eliminate your criminal record from a government background check.

How Can a Record Suspension Help?

Before you apply for jobs that require bonding, or if you’ve been turned down for a job because of your criminal record, seeking a pardon should be on top of your to-do list. This step will clean your record and, in turn, boost your bondability.

It’s a way to show potential employers that you’ve taken responsibility and made strides toward positive change. A record suspension tells a new story, one that underscores your commitment and readiness to move forward in your career without the shadow of past mistakes.

The Impact of a Record Suspension on Employment

The ability to confidently state your bondability is a substantial benefit in industries where trust is paramount. A record suspension can remove obstacles to employment, opening doors to careers that may have previously been closed to you.

Contact Pardons Canada About Your Bondability

Understanding the meaning of bondable and how to get bonded is vital for job seekers. For those with a criminal record, a record suspension can be the key to unlocking valuable employment opportunities. It ensures that past mistakes do not loom over your future and allows you a fair chance in the job market. Contact Pardons Canada today for more information on fidelity bonds and bondability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you find the answer to your question? Has this blog brought up new questions you hadn’t thought of? Please read on and visit our comprehensive FAQ page.

What prevents you from being bondable?

Several factors can prevent you from being bondable in Canada, the most common of which is having a criminal record. Even minor convictions can affect your bondability status. Other factors include a history of poor financial decisions, like bankruptcies or unpaid debts, which can raise questions about your reliability and honesty.

How do I become bondable in Canada?

To become bondable in Canada, you typically need to demonstrate a history of trustworthy behaviour, which includes having a clear criminal record. If you have a record, one of the first steps towards becoming bondable is to apply for a Record Suspension. Successfully obtaining a Record Suspension can remove the barriers a criminal record presents.

How do I get a Record Suspension?

Obtaining a record suspension involves a thorough process, requiring individuals to have completed their sentence and demonstrated a period of law-abiding behaviour. This can be a complicated process, but Pardons Canada has over thirty years of experience guiding Canadians to successful pardons.

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.