Articles

Why Finding a Job with a Criminal Record is Such a Challenge by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada As the criminal screening of employees in Canada is now commonplace, removing a publicly visible criminal record before applying for a job has become increasingly important. Even after being hired, there is no…

Criminal Record Discrimination by Employers and How a Pardon Can Help Employment is a crucial factor in preventing crime. A good, stable job provides not only income but also opportunities to learn skills, be productive, build self-esteem, and contribute to our communities. A quality workplace can be an environment of growth and connection — a…

Life After Being Granted a Record Suspension Obtaining a Record Suspension (also known as a Pardon, depending on the age of the offences) in Canada for past convictions can open up a lot of doors left closed by a criminal record. Finding employment, traveling, and applying for financing, for example, are all measurable benefits a…

Has COVID-19 Affected Crime Rates In Canada? In recent months, the outbreak of COVID-19 has caused a shift in crime trends across Canada. During the first 4 months of the pandemic, overall incidents of reported crime were reduced by 16% compared to the previous year. Reports have also noted a 25% decrease in reported property crimes,…

Can a Pardon Offer a Better Future? Pardons in Canada are granted by the Parole Board of Canada, a government body which makes independent decisions on each Pardon (record suspension) application. It is an opportunity for criminally convicted individuals to seal their criminal record from public visibility. Assuming eligibility, even those with serious offences, or…

Is Crime Increasing or Decreasing in Canada? Since 1962, Statistics Canada has been collecting and analyzing data on criminal incidents in the country. But what does this data say about whether crime is increasing or decreasing? Data collected in this analysis includes crimes that were reported to the police and then substantiated by further investigations….

3 Common Mistakes When Applying for a Record Suspension For individuals who’ve been convicted of a criminal offense, applying for a Pardon (Canadian Record Suspension) can be one of the best things to do after their sentence has been served out in its entirety. However, mistakes can be made when applying for a Record Suspension…

Are Sexual and Violent Offenders Slipping Through the Cracks? Since 1972, criminal records in Canada have been stored by a division of the RCMP known as the Canadian Police Information Centre or “CPIC” for short. CPIC is a database of all recorded criminal convictions and non-conviction charges in the country, which have not been granted…

A Brief History of the Criminal Records Act in Canada Throughout history, humans have sought out rules and laws to help protect themselves and their loved ones from crime; to govern their societies; as well as to provide a fair and just environment for everyone to live in. These rules and laws weren’t only designed…

How a Pardon Helps You Actually Get Hired Canadian Pardons play a significant role in helping individuals with criminal records secure a new job in several ways. A Pardon significantly impacts the opportunity of being able to pass background checks which are required for employment in different organizations in Canada. Criminal Background Checks The standardization…

Can a Pardon in Canada be Revoked? For Canadians living with a criminal record, being granted a Pardon (also known as a Record Suspension) can be a truly life-changing experience. In fact, for some people, holding a criminal record can be so limiting and debilitating, that when their Pardon application is finally approved, it can…

Having a criminal record can complicate an individual’s life in several ways. A criminal record does not go away with time but instead serves as a reminder of past actions. A criminal record can be used against an individual when they are trying to get a job or are simply looking for a decent place…

Thinking of applying for a Canadian Pardon? Take a look at the history of the Canadian penal system, and you’ll find that only a few hundred years ago, our ancestors were using hot iron branding to permanently mark the bodies of criminals who’d been convicted of an offense. Back then, if a criminal had stolen…

Every year, many Canadians and residents are prevented from securing new jobs, getting promotions, doing volunteer work, and traveling to other countries due to their criminal record. Obtaining a Pardon can help solve this problem and allow these individuals to live their life as law-abiding citizens in good standing. Numerous policies focus on the rehabilitation…

A Canadian Pardon, also known as a Record Suspension, is a way for reformed, law-abiding Canadians to clear their criminal records. In fact, in 2017-2018, 94% of Pardon applications were approved, giving thousands of Canadians the second chance they deserve to move on with their lives, and finally be able to put their past behind…

by Joel LaForest, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Obtaining and living with a criminal record is a topic that should never be taken lightly! After all, when an individual has a criminal record, it means that they’ve been accused or convicted of an offense, which has been deemed serious enough for a judge…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2020 Pardon Applications of Canada (“PAC”) has announced that it is temporarily suspending the legal document preparation phase (one of the final steps) in the U.S. Waiver application process for active applicants until announcement of the re-opening of the CDN/US border. This reason for the suspension is to ensure the…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 1, 2020 Pardon Applications of Canada (“PAC”) has announced an update to its Privacy Policy for active applicants and website visitors. Please review the updated Privacy Policy and Contact Client Care for any inquiries. Pardon Applications of Canada

4-MAY-2020 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PAC Announces COVID-19 Client Service & Processing Update As per continued direction from the provincial and federal governments regarding business operations, Pardon Applications of Canada (“PAC”) has continued the closure and/or staffing suspension of all fourteen (14) offices across Canada. This closure is expected to continue throughout the balance of May…

Effective 31-MAR-2020, the government of Canada is increasing their filing fee to submit a completed Canadian Pardon (Record Suspension) application from $631 to $644.88 (a $13.88 increase). This increase is in accordance with the Service Fees Act, which requires departments that charge an application fee to increase their fees on an annual basis according to the…