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If you were convicted of a crime (or charged and not acquitted), you likely have a criminal record that will show up on standard background checks.
A Record Suspension is an official decision made by the Parole Board of Canada that moves your criminal record out of everyday circulation. Think of it like closing a chapter that no longer defines you. Your record still exists, but it’s sealed from most routine checks. Many people still use the word “Pardon,” but legally the modern term is Record Suspension.
For many Canadians, this is about freedom—freedom to apply for the job you want, volunteer with your kids’ school, or simply stop feeling judged every time a background check comes up. A Record Suspension gives you that fresh start. PAC has processed thousands of successful applications since their inception in 2011, helping Canadians rebuild their reputations and move on with confidence.
Every Record Suspension goes through the Parole Board of Canada. They review your documents, verify eligibility, and ultimately decide if your record is sealed. Because the process is legal and very specific, PAC ensures every part of the file—from fingerprints to final submission—meets the PBC’s exact criteria.
If you’ve completed your sentence and stayed out of trouble, chances are you can apply. The key word is complete—all fines paid, probation ended, and any other court obligations satisfied. PAC reviews every situation carefully before starting to make sure eligibility is crystal clear.
For everyday purposes like employment or housing, your record won’t appear. Only limited government bodies can see sealed information if legally required. PAC explains what situations those might be so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes, after a Record Suspension is granted.
Employers can’t ask about convictions covered by a Pardon.
Exceptions exist for specific security or vulnerable-sector jobs.
Once your Record Suspension is approved, you can honestly answer “no” when asked about criminal convictions. The law protects you from being judged on something the Parole Board has officially set aside.
A Record Suspension clears your name in Canada, but the U.S. operates under different rules. If U.S. Customs already has your conviction on file, you’ll need a separate Waiver to cross freely. Many Canadians apply for both through PAC to cover both borders.
Legally, nothing big changed except the wording. “Pardon” implied forgiveness, while “Record Suspension” means the record is set aside. People still use both terms, but the result is the same: a clean slate in the eyes of most background checks.
Even if your charges were in different provinces or years apart, you don’t need separate applications. PAC collects court and police records across Canada to make sure everything is presented in one complete, accurate file.
Older cases can be tricky—records get archived or purged. The Board still needs proof, though, so PAC contacts the right offices and obtains letters or alternate evidence to satisfy their requirements.
Local police verify your behaviour since completing your sentence. These checks show the Parole Board that you’ve stayed out of trouble. PAC makes sure every police service provides the proper stamped form accepted by the Board.
This part often worries people, but it’s really your opportunity to speak from the heart. The Board wants to know why you deserve a fresh start and how you’ve proven it. PAC helps you express that clearly and professionally, showing your growth since the offence
Youth convictions rarely need a Record Suspension unless something unusual happened, like a transfer to adult court. PAC checks your RCMP and local police files to see if anything remains that could affect your background checks as an adult.
A Record Suspension isn’t deletion—it’s protection. Your file moves out of public access and into a restricted database. For most people, that means a clean record for employment or housing. PAC explains what that means for your personal situation.
The Pardon isn’t fragile, but it can be revoked if new offences occur. Staying on the right path keeps your record sealed permanently. PAC advises clients to stay informed and maintain a clean legal record going forward.
No—Record Suspensions are private decisions.
The Board doesn’t release names publicly.
PAC treats every case with complete confidentiality.
Your information isn’t listed anywhere public. The Parole Board may publish statistics, but never your name. PAC also treats every client record as strictly confidential from start to finish.
While Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada makes its own decisions, having a Record Suspension shows you’ve met Canadian standards of rehabilitation. It’s a positive signal in almost every situation.
The Parole Board doesn’t notify anyone you work for. The only way your employer would know is if you tell them. PAC keeps every application confidential from start to finish.
A peace bond is like a court promise, not a conviction. If you followed its conditions, it won’t appear on your record. PAC checks to make sure only true convictions are addressed in your application.
Withdrawn or dismissed charges don’t create a criminal record, but the paperwork can linger. A File Destruction request clears that up at the police level. PAC helps clients confirm whether that’s all that’s needed.
