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Record SuspensionsFormerly a Canadian Pardon

What is a Record Suspension?

A Record Suspension, formerly known as a Pardon, is the process to clear your name in Canada. If you have been fingerprinted for a criminal offence in the past, information from police and courts was forwarded to the RCMP to maintain in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), or Canada’s federal police database. After a Record Suspension is approved, the information is removed from public record and kept separate and apart from active records allowing you to pass criminal record checks and live your life without the stigma of a past criminal record.

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Why do I need a Record Suspension?

A Record Suspension (or Pardon) is a privilege offered in Canada to allow for a fresh start for individuals who were convicted of a criminal offence after a prescribed period of time has passed. By addressing your criminal record and applying for a Record Suspension, you avoid leaving yourself vulnerable to the ramifications of having a criminal record on file during background checks, border crossing, volunteering at your children’s activities and even being pulled over by police for speeding. A criminal record that remains on CPIC, even if from many years ago, allows for judgement if it comes to light and opportunities may be taken away from you.

After two decades in the industry we find the most common scenario where individuals reach out is when they find themselves in a dire situation and need their Pardon completed immediately. It takes time to compile documents and await the government decision, so we encourage you to contact us with your questions even if you are in the preliminary stages and still simply fact-finding.

A clean record can help

  • Employment Opportunities
  • Travel
  • Volunteering
  • Apartment Rental
  • Securing a Mortgage
  • Child Custody arrangements
  • Adoption

How do I get a Record Suspension?

The entire process can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to complete and be approved. It is always recommended to get started in advance of your eligibility date to avoid delays in awaiting records when there are backlogs with the different government bodies supplying the records.

Step 1

In-Depth Consultation to Educate you on What to Expect

  • 'Discovery call' to provide a process overview
  • Discussion around timelines, possible additional fees and your specific needs
  • Details on how to access your own secure Client Portal to follow the progress along
Step 2

Ordering & Obtaining Official Documentation

  • Tried & true best practices for ordering documents from each government agency
  • Formal follow up procedures in place to use when necessary
  • Communication with the courts, RCMP Division and police agencies to obtain the required records
Step 3

Analysis & Review of Acquired Legal Documentation

  • Expertly trained staff analyzing accuracy of each legal document received
  • Easily understood next steps and realistic timelines
  • Updates in writing when a step has been completed & your file is able to move forward
Step 4

Preparation & Submitting of the Complete Application to the Federal Government

  • Updates throughout the process to keep you in the loop
  • Exceptional level of support & service throughout the processing

There is no better feeling than putting difficult situations behind you.

Can I apply on my own?

Although the application can be prepared on your own, it has become more complicated over the past 10 years. Issues arise around: document accuracy and clerical errors from government bodies when completing the information, when to determine if affidavits are required, obtaining missing conviction information, among other issues. This is where professional services, like ours, play an important role; giving you a concise and knowledgeable road map to this ever changing process.

  • Ed - Mississauga, ON
    I was referred to Pardon Partners by a friend with raving reviews of Marisa's lengthy career in pardons. I am now feeling really pumped to be working with the best to put my old criminal record behind me once and for all.
    Ed - Mississauga, ON
    1993 - Theft Over $5000
  • Steve Toronto
    I kick myself every year when the weather gets colder and my wife's family begins making holiday plans at the in-laws place in Florida knowing i won't be able to go, again. My wife's friend knows and highly recommended Marisa who runs the place. I'm so happy I have started my pardon now. Next year I'm coming for you Florida! Thanks Pardons Partners.
    Steve Toronto
    Drinking and driving

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Common Questions

 
How long after a conviction can you apply for a Pardon?
To become eligible for your Record Suspension (or Pardon) you must have satisfied your disposition (sentence), meaning completed your probation, jail term and/or paid your fine(s), surcharge or restitution. Once this has been done the clock starts ticking. For summary convictions the wait period is 5 years and for indictable the wait period is 10 years. Some offences are considered hybrid under the criminal code, whereby the judge has the authority to determine which method of trial to prosecute under based on the severity of the offence and/or whether there has been a pattern of criminality. Other variables must also be factored in. These include what province your offence took place and what year, as the Criminal Records Act had further amendments made in 2017 for two provinces alone. Contact Pardon Partners for help in determining when you are eligible.
What is the difference between a Record Suspension and a Pardon?
For all intents and purposes there is no real difference between a Pardon and Record Suspension. The language changed after Bill C-10, implemented by the Conservative government, came into effect in 2010. An approved Record Suspension will seal your criminal record the same way a Pardon will and remove it from the active CPIC database allowing you to pass criminal record checks.
Does a Pardon help with employment?
100%. The world changed after September 11, 2001. Travel, employment, volunteering, etc. all began to be scrutinized more carefully. Employers, who in the past did not require a background check started to enforce this as mandatory in sectors you may not expect to require such. Even the most qualified applicant with an offence dating back 30 years started to find themselves disqualified for employment opportunities after a background check was done that divulged an old criminal offence still on file with police and RCMP. The good news, in Canada we have the opportunity to remove criminal records to allow us to move forward from a past that no longer captures who we are. Our government recognizes this program assists individuals with employment and educational opportunities and helps to reintegrate into society. Call us today to find out how to put your criminal record behind you.
Will a Pardon show on a background check?
No, but sometimes yes. Once a Record Suspension (or Pardon) is granted, your criminal record is removed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) and kept separate and apart from active records. If you are asked to complete a criminal record check after receiving a Record Suspension, it will come back clear. The only caveat is assault related offences and choosing to work with the vulnerable sector. In these cases, that being if you would like to work with children, the elderly or otherwise vulnerable people and have an assault-related offence on record, you will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector criminal record check and in this case the Pardoned offence will show up. This is done to keep our vulnerable people safe. If you choose to work in a bank instead, an assault related pardoned offence would not show up on a criminal record check after a Pardon is granted.
Do you need to get a Pardon to get a Waiver?
No. A Record Suspension (or Pardon) and a US Entry Waiver are two separate applications that do not dictate the chance of success of the other. A pardon will remove your record in Canada allowing you to pass criminal record checks for employment, education, volunteering, mortgage approval, apartment rental, child custody among others things. Although the US does not recognize Pardons, it is understood that the government sees this program as a rehabilitative measure and we believe having a Pardon will further support your US Entry Waiver application. A US Entry Waiver is required if you are stopped by Customs & Border Protection Officers attempting to enter the US with a criminal record on file or if you have previously overstayed on an approved immigration benefit.