Record Suspension
In Canada, when an individual is convicted of a criminal offence as an adult, they will have a permanent criminal record for the rest of their lives. This criminal record will appear on background checks and when travelling and can cause issues for people even decades after their conviction. The only way to remove a criminal record is to apply for a pardon or record suspension.
In 2012, the Canadian government passed legislation changing the name of the pardon to record suspension. In practice, the outcome is the same for both, though there are some minor administrative differences.
A pardon occurs when the government agrees to seal an offender’s criminal record so that it can no longer be viewed. The record is not destroyed, but it will not be available to anyone. An individual who has been pardoned will have a clean criminal record, including employment background checks and vulnerable sector checks. The record may only be viewed by the government, and only in extraordinary circumstances.
A record suspension is essentially the same as a pardon. The Canadian legislature changed the name from pardon to record suspension in 2012. Like a pardon, a record suspension means the government has agreed to seal, or “suspend” the individuals record. While the records are not destroyed, they are kept separate and apart from other criminal records in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). This means the record will not be available to anyone, and the accused will have a clean criminal history. Only government officials can access the record, and only in extraordinary circumstances.
More Legal Information
Law Newbie™ is a free legal assistant developed by our criminal lawyers to help you understand the law.
In criminal cases, there are very strict rules governing what evidence can be used and how it can be used.
The rights enjoyed of all those within Canada are contained in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Criminal procedure is the process by which an accused person is arrested and brought through the justice system.
Sentencing refers to the punishment that is ordered when an individual is found guilty of a criminal offence.
Offences in Canada are listed in the Criminal Code. They include crimes related to people, vehicles and weapons.