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Record Suspension Canada - 3 Things You Need to Know



- When you get a Pardon, there are 3 things you need to know.

- That’s what I’m going to cover in this article.

- I’m Dan Joffe, Pardon and US Waiver lawyer at NextLaw.

- Let me start by stating the obvious.

- Getting a Pardon in Canada, which is now called a Record Suspension, is a big deal.

- You’ll get peace of mind knowing that your criminal activity will be hidden so you can move ahead with your life.

- Here are 3 you need to know about what happens after you are granted a pardon.



1/ What happens to your criminal record?



- When you get a Pardon or Record Suspension, the Parole Board of Canada will order the RCMP to seal your criminal record and remove it from the criminal records database.

- But, your criminal record is NOT deleted.  And it is NOT erased.

- Your criminal record is effectively hidden from the public.



2/ What shows up on a background check or criminal record check?



- Because your criminal record is removed from the criminal records database, your background check will come back clean.

- In other words, your criminal record will not show up.

- Having a clean result on a criminal record check will remove significant barriers to advancing your life, including employment opportunities and your ability to travel.



3/ What should you say when asked if you’ve been convicted of a criminal offence?



- You should answer, "no, that you have not been convicted of a criminal offence in Canada."  

- And employers are not allowed to ask if you have received a pardon or record suspension.

- So you effectively get confidentiality regarding your criminal activity, so you can move on with your life.  

- And that is what the Canadian government wants you to have.  A second chance in life.  Let me explain.

- The law covering Pardons is called the Criminal Records Act.

- And the premise of the law is that criminal records create real barriers in life.

- The law recognizes that people make mistakes.

- And after they have completed their punishment and stay law-abiding citizens, they should be allowed to move on and become productive members of Canadian society.

- And key to giving people a second chance is to hide your criminal record, thereby removing the stigma associated with criminal activity.

- So when you get a Pardon, as far as the public is concerned, your criminal record does not exist.  And no one is allowed to ask if you have received a pardon.



https://youtu.be/-7_vO_h9NlU https://www.nextlaw.ca/2022/09/03/you-got-a-pardon-what-happens-next/

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