Articles

Why the United States Cares About Your Canadian Criminal Record by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Decades ago, entering the United States from Canada was totally uncomplicated. People on both sides of the border were crossing it for everything, including cheaper shopping. Travelers were typically asked to show basic ID and…

Where is Canada’s Most Dangerous City? by Joel LaForest, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Oh, Canada… the True North strong and free! Indeed, our great northern nation of Canada is known as one of the safest countries in the world. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely free from crime and violence. In fact, according…

The Parole Board of Canada: History, Key Functions, and Recent Developments by Chelsey Legge, Ontario Lawyer and Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is the federal agency that makes decisions regarding Pardons/Record Suspensions. However, Pardons/Record Suspensions are not the only or even the primary business of the PBC….

Are Pardons Still Being Processed During COVID-19? by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Living with a criminal record in Canada was not easy before the pandemic and became even more difficult after the outbreak of COVID-19. And as if it wasn’t enough, seeking to obtain a criminal Pardon in Canada has…

How Pardons are Different Around the World by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Pardon laws in Canada have similarities with other countries, benefiting society and progressing fundamental human rights. But there are also countries that follow a different approach to giving its citizens and residents a second chance at their criminal…

How Pardons Benefit Society in Canada by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada While Canadian Pardons provide numerous benefits to individuals with a criminal record, they also fulfill important social functions. Pardons benefit society in Canada as a whole, ensuring human, economic, and social rights, reducing crime, and providing for economic development….

The Importance of Record Suspensions in Criminal Rehabilitation by Joel LaForest, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Although the judicial system isn’t perfect, the truth is that crime and punishment in Canada have come a long way since the days of capital and corporal punishment. In fact, today, legislators are continuously working to ensure…

Crime, Punishment, Compassion: The Disproportionate Impact of Canada’s Criminal Justice System on Black and Indigenous Communities by Chelsey Legge, Ontario Lawyer and Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada. A society should be judged not by how it treats its outstanding citizens but by how it treats its criminals.  — Fyodor Dostoyevsky In Canada, as…

Working From Home? You May Still Need A Pardon by Joel LaForest, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had an increasingly volatile impact on businesses in virtually all industries. Across the country, employers have been forced to shut their doors to the public, leaving thousands of Canadians and residents jobless…

The Most Common Criminal Offence in Canada by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada You might make a reasonable guess that the most common criminal offence in Canada relates to theft or assault. But actually, the #1 offence in Canada is caused when someone gets behind the wheel under the influence of…

Should Violent or Sexual Offenders Be Granted Record Suspensions? by Joel LaForest, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada In Canada, violent and sexual offenders do not have the same ability to apply for a Record Suspension as those convicted of other offences. To clarify, a “Record Suspension” is more commonly referred to as Pardon….

What Is A Cannabis Record Suspension? by Joel LaForest, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Bill C-45, also known as the Cannabis Act, was passed by the Canadian federal government in November of 2017 and approved by the Senate in June of 2018. It was the result of Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party’s work shortly after…

7 Ways a Pardon Could Benefit Your Life by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada Despite certain attempts to reduce discrimination, having a criminal record can still make life much more difficult. Fortunately, pardons in Canada provide a way out for those on file in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) who…

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…