Record Suspension

A Canadian Pardon Is Now A Record Suspension

On March 13, 2012, Bill C-10 received Royal Ascent and became Law in Canada. This bill changes the name of a Canadian Pardon to a Canadian Record Suspension.

The Pardon Society of Canada was an outspoken critic of this legislation, becoming a regular fixture in the Canadian National Media commenting on the Crime Omnibus Bill, also known as Bill C-10 which became Law in March of 2012.

The Pardon Society of Canada was proud to be invited to present to the Canadian Senate's Standing Committee to speak out against the proposed fee increase and Bill C-10.

While The Pardon Society of Canada and its members are extremely disappointed in the Conservative government’s decision to pass Bill C-10, we will continue to advocate for the rights of the one in seven Adult Canadians living with limitations because of a past mistake.

When Bill C-10 received Royal Ascent and became law, a Canadian Pardon became a Record Suspension, and made the process to apply for a record suspension more complicated, less administrative, and more subjective.

Now more than ever the 1-in-7 adult Canadians with criminal records will be even more reliant on the professional service of Accredited Pardon Society Members to help them get the second chance they deserve!

How does this change to "record suspensions" affect me?

If you have not yet applied for a pardon or want to apply for a record suspension, request a referral to an Accredited Pardon Society Member to help you apply for a Record Suspension.

If you have already applied for a pardon, we suggest being in contact with your Pardon Service directly to find out what your options are.

What is a record suspension?

While a pardon is now a record suspension, the core purpose and benefits of a record suspension will remain the same as a pardon. Once approved for a record suspension by the Parole Board of Canada, a criminal record will be removed from searchable databases such as the Canadian Police Information Centre or C.P.I.C.

If a criminal record is removed from these searchable databases, records will not show up during employment background checks or backchecks or background checks for housing, citizenship applications, or adoption applications.

What are the eligibility differences between a Pardon and Record Suspension?

One of the key points Bill C-10 changed, and main differences between a Pardon and a Record Suspension are the eligibility wait periods for Record Suspensions which have changed!

- For criminal records tried Summarily (or by summary), the eligibility wait period has changed from three (3) years to five (5) years from the time the terms of sentencing have been satisfied.

- For criminal records tried by Indictment (or Indictable offences) the eligibility wait period has changed from five (5) years to ten (10) years from the time the terms of sentencing have been satisfied.

If you are not sure if you meet the new record suspension eligibility, please complete a free record suspension consultation referal now to receive assistance from a Pardon Society Accredited Member.

What changes a pardon to a record suspension?

The name has changed, but the benefits of a pardon will remain the same for Record Suspensions. The key differences are:

1) A Pardon is now a Record Suspension

2) The eligibility wait periods have changed (see above)

3) Anyone with a Schedule 1 offense will not qualify for a record suspension.

4) Anyone with four (4) or more indictable offences that have served 2 or more years in prison for each offence will no longer qualify for a record suspension.

If you are not sure if you meet these new record suspension eligibility requirements complete a free record suspension consultation referal now to receive assistance from a Pardon Society Accredited Member.

Will I have to wait longer for a record suspension?

The processing times of record suspensions should not be affected, however the Parole Board of Canada will have a substantial amount of work to do to change their internal processes. We ask for your patience as the Parole Board of Canada updates and revises their processes. You can contact the Parole Board of Canada with questions and concerns at:

1-800-874-2652 prompt 5 to speak with a Parole Board of Canada Representative.