With a Pardon, your criminal conviction(s) will be taken out of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database and will not be disclosed to anyone unless otherwise stated by the Solicitor General of Canada. After your criminal record is removed, the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on your past record.
Reasons to get a Pardon:
Employment Opportunities
Before hiring you, or sub-contracting you, an employer reserves the right to do a criminal record check. In a competitive labour market, a criminal record may be the difference that persuades an employer to hire someone else. And, with increased border and port security, background checks can apply to existing employees as well as new applicants. Meaning you have the potential to lose your job due to a past criminal record even if you have been with a company for a very long time.
Bondability
If you have a criminal record, you’re not bondable. As more and more industries require their employees to be bondable, this will reduce the job opportunities available to you.
Custody Battles
A previous criminal record can be used against you in a custody battle. Getting a pardon ensures this won’t happen, as the Canadian Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination based on your past record.
Rental Agreements
A criminal record check is often part of the due diligence conducted by a landlord before renting a property.
Adoption
A criminal record can limit your ability to adopt children.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many volunteer programs, such as coaching children’s sports, now require a background check. Having a criminal record, no matter how old it is, can prevent your participation in such activities. It can also lead to embarrassment and humiliation as your children, family and friends may become aware of your past mistakes.
Peace of Mind
As you may very well know, having a criminal record can be a huge, shameful burden. Besides the stigma that goes with a criminal record, it makes you susceptible to legal discrimination. Once you’ve cleared your name, this form of discrimination is a direct violation of Human Rights legislation.
