A conviction can follow a person throughout his or her life, preventing the individual from moving forward, reintegrating into society. Obtaining a pardon is the only way to eliminate the stigma of having a criminal record. A criminal record remains on file in Canada but it can be purged, allowing a person to pursue employment or promotion, to volunteer, to adopt, to rent an apartment, to further education.
How to obtain a pardon: An individual must apply to the Parole Board of Canada. However, the PBC requires individuals to have fulfilled certain terms before submitting an application: Applicants must have completed their sentences as well as observed the required waiting period after completion of the sentence(s).
Sentence completion prerequisites: Fines, costs, restitution and compensation orders, and surcharges must have been paid; the individuals must have served their time as outlined in their verdicts; individuals must have finished probation orders.
Waiting period after sentence completion: A summary conviction requires a 3-year waiting period; an indictable conviction, a 5-year period; and a personal injury conviction, a 10-year period.
What a pardon achieves: A pardon removes the federal records of a criminal conviction from federal databases so that it is no longer visible and cannot be accessed. It is recognition that a person convicted of a criminal offence has completed a sentence and has demonstrated law-abiding behavior in the community for a prescribed number of years.
A pardon is evidence that a conviction should no longer reflect negatively on a person’s character. The Criminal Records Act restricts access to records under federal jurisdiction and removes any disqualifications that would result from a conviction. Further, it specifies that information about pardoned offences shall not be sought in the employment applications of organizations under federal jurisdiction. Also, the Canadian Human Rights Act forbids federal agencies and departments to discriminate against an individual based on a pardoned record.
Why a pardon should be obtained: Criminal record checks are now routinely undertaken in relation to employment, housing, volunteering, child custody, adoption, and the like. So in addition to safeguarding against discrimination normally associated with pursuing such endeavors and improving one’s marketability, eliminating the shame or stigma associated with having a criminal past will definitely improve one’s sense of self-worth.
If you need a pardon, contact Pardon Services Canada to assist you. A Client Specialist will ensure that all the required forms are created and compiled to support your application. Pardon Services Canada’s pro-active approach ensures that your case is processed expeditiously and you will be kept informed at each stage of the process. Your pardon is guaranteed.
Pardon Me, Canada, your source for information on criminal records and pardons in Canada. Stay up to date and informed on legislative changes and more with the Pardon Me, Canada Blog.
Showing posts with label employment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label employment. Show all posts
Temptation Obscures the Obvious
Better shun the bait than struggle in the snare [John Dryden] – Here is the story about how one young man has overcome a most unfortunate introduction to life in Canada.
As a recent immigrant to Canada in the mid-eighties, having settled in Lethbridge, Alberta, he got his first job as a delivery driver for a local pizza parlor. He found a credit card in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store and put it in his pocket. In his home country at that time, there were no such things as credit cards. Later on, he told a coworker about what he had found. This person said that they could use the card to get free gas at a local gas station. Being young and naïve, he didn’t fully realize just what was he was about to do. He did sense this wasn’t right, but feeling the peer pressure, being gullible, he agreed to let his coworker use the card at a gas station for himself and his friends. After the card had been used this way a few times, the police eventually came to his home to arrest him. His coworker had been questioned by the police and then implicated him while denying any participation.
Now a husband and parent, he looks back on what happened with great embarrassment, wishing he had followed his instincts and not taken part in such fraudulent activities. Following this most unfortunate stage of his new life in Canada, he has not been involved in any other criminal activity. He has a son for whom he feels he is a role model, having a positive attitude and demonstrating a law-abiding life style. He spends a great deal of time helping his son in his sports endeavors as well as assisting his church and the local community kitchen. He has embraced his religion, attending church regularly, seeing this as a positive influence in his life.
His pardon has allowed him to secure better employment in order to afford to travel with his family to popular vacation destinations and to attend such local events as the Calgary Stampede. Pardon Services Canada offers a complimentary private consultation for anyone wanting to apply for a pardon, to have his police file deleted, or to obtain a US Entry Waiver. Pardon Services Canada’s role and familiarity with the pardon process will ensure that all documents required are obtained in a timely manner and that each applicant’s case is handled expeditiously.
Speak to a Client Specialist – toll free at 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1.866.972.7366) – at Pardon Services Canada to guide you through the process.
As a recent immigrant to Canada in the mid-eighties, having settled in Lethbridge, Alberta, he got his first job as a delivery driver for a local pizza parlor. He found a credit card in the parking lot of a nearby convenience store and put it in his pocket. In his home country at that time, there were no such things as credit cards. Later on, he told a coworker about what he had found. This person said that they could use the card to get free gas at a local gas station. Being young and naïve, he didn’t fully realize just what was he was about to do. He did sense this wasn’t right, but feeling the peer pressure, being gullible, he agreed to let his coworker use the card at a gas station for himself and his friends. After the card had been used this way a few times, the police eventually came to his home to arrest him. His coworker had been questioned by the police and then implicated him while denying any participation.
Now a husband and parent, he looks back on what happened with great embarrassment, wishing he had followed his instincts and not taken part in such fraudulent activities. Following this most unfortunate stage of his new life in Canada, he has not been involved in any other criminal activity. He has a son for whom he feels he is a role model, having a positive attitude and demonstrating a law-abiding life style. He spends a great deal of time helping his son in his sports endeavors as well as assisting his church and the local community kitchen. He has embraced his religion, attending church regularly, seeing this as a positive influence in his life.
His pardon has allowed him to secure better employment in order to afford to travel with his family to popular vacation destinations and to attend such local events as the Calgary Stampede. Pardon Services Canada offers a complimentary private consultation for anyone wanting to apply for a pardon, to have his police file deleted, or to obtain a US Entry Waiver. Pardon Services Canada’s role and familiarity with the pardon process will ensure that all documents required are obtained in a timely manner and that each applicant’s case is handled expeditiously.
Speak to a Client Specialist – toll free at 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1.866.972.7366) – at Pardon Services Canada to guide you through the process.
"Money trials are not the hardest..."
... money trials are not the hardest, and somehow or other, they are always overcome. [Amelia E. Barr]
That “tangled web we weave…” out of despair, grief, frustration, or desperation – not seeing things so clearly when we are faced with trials and tribulations that sometimes lead us astray. This fellow surely has overcome that time of his life and moved on in the right direction.
His fraud convictions occurred at a time when he was both unemployed and grieving over the recent death of his father. His first conviction resulted from his having his income taxes prepared inappropriately. He pleaded guilty and was given a conditional discharge. He also purchased an automobile with a cheque for which he had insufficient funds and then sold the vehicle. He feels that both of these instances were completely out of character, resulting from his having gone through a frustrating and anxious stage. He had never been in trouble prior to these convictions and has not been since.
He is now married and has pursued several academic upgrades that have allowed him to obtain a senior position with a well-respected company. He is responsible for operations in three provinces with a focus on operations, safety, regulatory compliance, and training. The maturity and skills he has gained have made him a productive member of society.
His pardon will better equip him to provide for his family and will enable him to continue to advance his career. In his current place of employment, he has had to turn down numerous opportunities for transfer to Europe and the USA because of his past convictions. He can now apply for positions for which he is well qualified without the fear of his criminal record being revealed.
If you are in similar circumstances yourself, Contact Pardon Services Canada for help. You too can gain the peace of mind that he most certainly has.
That “tangled web we weave…” out of despair, grief, frustration, or desperation – not seeing things so clearly when we are faced with trials and tribulations that sometimes lead us astray. This fellow surely has overcome that time of his life and moved on in the right direction.
His fraud convictions occurred at a time when he was both unemployed and grieving over the recent death of his father. His first conviction resulted from his having his income taxes prepared inappropriately. He pleaded guilty and was given a conditional discharge. He also purchased an automobile with a cheque for which he had insufficient funds and then sold the vehicle. He feels that both of these instances were completely out of character, resulting from his having gone through a frustrating and anxious stage. He had never been in trouble prior to these convictions and has not been since.
He is now married and has pursued several academic upgrades that have allowed him to obtain a senior position with a well-respected company. He is responsible for operations in three provinces with a focus on operations, safety, regulatory compliance, and training. The maturity and skills he has gained have made him a productive member of society.
His pardon will better equip him to provide for his family and will enable him to continue to advance his career. In his current place of employment, he has had to turn down numerous opportunities for transfer to Europe and the USA because of his past convictions. He can now apply for positions for which he is well qualified without the fear of his criminal record being revealed.
If you are in similar circumstances yourself, Contact Pardon Services Canada for help. You too can gain the peace of mind that he most certainly has.
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Time for Action
At times every one of us feels bound by circumstance – the day-to-day limitations that prevent moving forward. One of these is the sense of feeling hopeless, not having the means to move forward and develop a better life.
If a person is encumbered by a criminal conviction that prevents gaining employment or promotion, pursuing adoption, applying for a loan, renting a residence, or other such goals, that sense of hopelessness will prove to be a seemingly inescapable burden.
What to do? Five steps to help make the situation better make a great deal of sense:
Talk – find some company either to talk about your worries, fears, thoughts, doubts, or simply to just talk about anything else to take your mind off what’s bothering you.
Move – walk, jog, cycle, dance, play with your children or your pets. Movement can relax, inspire, allow a different perspective.
Move forward – start something, either a project on hold or something new. Accomplishing something improves self-esteem and helps to take you forward.
Help someone else – reach out to family, friends, even strangers. Altruism is its own reward. Something even so insignificant as a smile or a helping hand will work.
Stir your senses – experience music, books, food, places with sights, sounds, aromas.
Perhaps one project that has been on hold is seeking a pardon for the criminal record that has been holding you back. If this is the case, you are well advised to contact a Client Specialist at Pardon Services Canada to guide you through the process.
Pardon Services Canada’s role and familiarity with the process will ensure that all documents required are obtained in a timely manner and that your case is processed expeditiously. That peace of mind you seek is within reach.
If a person is encumbered by a criminal conviction that prevents gaining employment or promotion, pursuing adoption, applying for a loan, renting a residence, or other such goals, that sense of hopelessness will prove to be a seemingly inescapable burden.
What to do? Five steps to help make the situation better make a great deal of sense:
Talk – find some company either to talk about your worries, fears, thoughts, doubts, or simply to just talk about anything else to take your mind off what’s bothering you.
Move – walk, jog, cycle, dance, play with your children or your pets. Movement can relax, inspire, allow a different perspective.
Move forward – start something, either a project on hold or something new. Accomplishing something improves self-esteem and helps to take you forward.
Help someone else – reach out to family, friends, even strangers. Altruism is its own reward. Something even so insignificant as a smile or a helping hand will work.
Stir your senses – experience music, books, food, places with sights, sounds, aromas.
Perhaps one project that has been on hold is seeking a pardon for the criminal record that has been holding you back. If this is the case, you are well advised to contact a Client Specialist at Pardon Services Canada to guide you through the process.
Pardon Services Canada’s role and familiarity with the process will ensure that all documents required are obtained in a timely manner and that your case is processed expeditiously. That peace of mind you seek is within reach.
Canada Needs Consistency – The Issues with Criminal Background Checks
The increasing use of police background checks, also known as criminal record checks or criminal reference checks, to screen applicants for suitability for employment, volunteer efforts, promotion, education, and other opportunities has been raising privacy and human rights eyebrows across Canada and is now starting to reach news media and courts.
Definitely, police background checks do constitute an important safeguard for public safety and security. The goal is to protect vulnerable people from harm or employers from theft. In fact, a company, agency, or school that fails to do so runs the risk of being negligent.
However, the focus must be on “relevancy”. There is a danger of providing too much, or misleading information. In particular, providing information that is unnecessary for determining suitability or that is incorrect may violate the privacy of an applicant and lead to unfair rejection. Significant harm can arise when irrelevant, inaccurate, or incomplete information is provided from a police background report.
Police databases may contain information about any contact with the police, whether a person is a complainant, victim, potential witness, suspect, “person of interest,” or one charged with a crime – even if charges were subsequently dropped or an acquittal followed.
The manner in which police background checks are conducted creates a risk of violation of applicants’ privacy and human rights. Section 32 of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act permits police to disclose personal information only if the person concerned has identified that information in particular and consented to its disclosure.
Police departments recognize the problem inherent in the manner in which background checks are carried out. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police produced guidelines in 1999 for Ontario police departments, although they have never been released to the public and have not resulted in consistent practices among police forces. Other jurisdictions as well have introduced legislation to regulate what may be disclosed, how the accuracy and relevance of information can be verified, and what uses recipient organizations may make of the information.
However, it seems apparent that the various approaches taken by jurisdictions dealing with police background checks need more consistency. As well, current privacy and human rights laws alone are not sufficient to ensure a proper balance between public safety and personal privacy.
Background checks can be done quickly and cost-effectively. It is in the best interest of all Canadians looking for employment, volunteer opportunities to get a background check before their employer. Therefore, the person can look into other options available to them, such as a pardon or record deletion.
For additional information on pardons, criminal legislation in Canada, employment and travel, check out these resources.
4.5 Million Need Not Apply – Criminal Records Catching Up With Canadians
The myriad of job seekers in the post-recession economy was dealt another blow as revealed by a new report by the National Employment Law Project (NELP). The Report shows that 90% of companies use criminal background checks at some point in their hiring policies. The rise in the use of criminal record checks is now being coupled with stringent and unfair hiring policies in regards to previous criminal records. Companies such as Domino’s Pizza, Lowe’s and RadioShack have implemented policies that require applicants for positions to have “no criminal record. Period.” These employers alone comprise 415,400 jobs in Canada, the United States and abroad. Over 1 in 10 Canadians and 1 in 4 Americans have a criminal record. Many applicants have a record for minor offences that occurred years before and hold no bearing on the current position even so, they are not even considered.
Labour advocacy groups have been arguing against the blanket restrictions on criminal records being imposed. Despite these calls to action the number of companies conducting background checks on applicants continues to grow. The argument that is put forward by advocates of the blanket restrictions is those corporations have a duty to provide a safe work environment for employees and customers. While this is true, a blanket restriction eliminates suitable candidates for discretions that are long since passed and currently have no bearing on the job or workplace security. The overall effect is detrimental to all parties as the possible pool of suitable employees is drastically reduced and the risk of recidivism and future crime is increased by unemployment.
The recommendations that are made by labour advocates are sound. The restrictions on people with criminal records should be lessened to allow all suitable applicants the chance to apply for the betterment of the applicants and the corporations. There is an apparent need to protect job seekers from arbitrary, discriminatory and potentially illegal hiring practices.
In Canada, the recourse against the wave of companies using background check lies in the realm of Pardon Services. Any Canadian can apply for a pardon if they have met the conditions and sentencing of the offence. Once obtained, a pardon can seal a criminal record from a corporation performing a background check. Through a pardon Canadians have the ability to leave their past behind them and continue towards a new job, career advancement, volunteer positions and a wealth of opportunities previously shut out because of a criminal record.
The New Canadian Pardon: More Expensive & Harder to Get. Really?
The Canadian Government has proposed that the cost of applying for a pardon be raised to $631, after only recently raising it from $50 to $150. Some people feel that those who commit crimes should have to pay for their own rehabilitation, whereas others feel that if getting a Canadian pardon proves too difficult or expensive, many will never be rehabilitated.
Quite interesting is the fact that, for pardoning criminal records, the price is under debate at the same time as the general requirements: Is the pardons process strict enough, or should it be made more difficult?
This raises two important questions for discussion:
Raise the price? The Government claims it would offset the cost to the taxpayer – a claim that defies logic to some degree. Consider that taxpayers’ money is used to administer the justice system. Raising the cost of a pardon – and quite significantly - would prove obtaining a pardon prohibitive for many, most likely because their criminal records are currently preventing them from becoming gainfully employed. Not being gainfully employed results in the individual NOT being able to contribute to the public purse, and in some cases actually taking more away from it by relying on some form of public assistance. These people want to work. They are willing to pay taxes. Why stop them?
Make the process more difficult? One might well wonder what end this would serve. Take economics out of the equation. People who are legally entitled to receive a criminal pardon and are well rehabilitated or certainly have learned their lesson should not be further tripped up with another stumbling block. These are people who are working hard and are contributing members of society. The Canadian pardon process is already fair and effective, although it requires accuracy and thoroughness both on the part of the Parole Board of Canada and the applicant. Many people seek the assistance of Client Specialists to assure accuracy & thoroughness to better guarantee success with their application. But why make the process more complicated? A person who is working hard at life and contributing to society is not planning crimes. Do they really need more paperwork in Ottawa?
Because the spectrum of crime in Canada is so great, the likelihood of the average person knowing and/or associating with someone who has a criminal record is actually very high. Many everyday people have a minor conviction along with a criminal record. Most of these convictions are usually the result of a lapse of better judgment rather than an outright strategic criminal endeavor.
To make pardons more expensive or more difficult to obtain would be harsh and counterproductive to the average person.
Ultimately it will take more money away from the Government through lost future employment taxes than is collected from a one-time increased application fee. Rather than serving as a significant deterrent to the intended criminal, it hinders the productive rehabilitated individuals and looks more like an immediate, non-logical cash grab by the Government.
Realizations When You Remove Your Criminal Record
At Pardon Services Canada, we deal with people from all walks of life. The one common element they all share is a spot on their record from the past. In order to move on with their lives without hassle as a result of this record, obtaining a criminal pardon is the logical next step. This opens up a myriad of opportunities.
Here is a assorted list of things people realize when they Remove Their Record.
Peace of mind
The most important reason to remove your criminal record is to take that weight off your shoulders once and for all. Relax and simply move on with your life, at long last.
Family vacations
Wouldn't you like to take your family somewhere other than Canada? With your criminal record expunged, and waiver for the US organized, you can travel without hindrance to places you have dreamed of traveling to.
Self forgiveness
We are hardest on ourselves. If you are in a position to be forgiven by the law, your society and the world, it is time to forgive yourself as well. Removing your record will erase that part of your past, and the darkness on your mind, once and for all.
Some sayings/quotes make more sense now
Some famous quotes surround the issue of pardons and forgiveness.
Here are a few:
To err is human, to forgive, divine.
Alexander Pope
Essay on Criticism
Forgiveness is better than revenge.
Pittacus of Mitylene
Heraclitus
I pardon him as God shall pardon me.
William Shakespeare
The Tragedy of King Richard the Second (King Henry at V, iii)
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Gandhi
Forgive thyself little, and others much.
Leighton
Always forgive your enemies--nothing annoys them so much.
Oscar Wilde
Lesson from history
When the first George Washington was young, he chopped down a mature cherry tree in his backyard. His father was furious, and when asked if he had done it, he said: "I cannot tell a lie..I did cut it with my little hatchet." The tale is famous because it not only told of the importance of truth and honesty, but also the folly found within every man, and the forgiveness we all gain over time. This young boy overcame the stigma of a small transgression to become the most powerful man of his day.
A new leaf
People change. While we may have been more reckless and wild in our youth, we mellow with age, we mature, and we become more responsible. It is unfair and unnecessary to carry a stigma throughout your entire life from the indiscretions of your youth. Forgiveness is forgiveness, and people are allowed to learn and grow. Without pardons, there would be no forward progress.
Privacy
In some provinces, one person can explicitly request another person’s criminal record. Your business should be your business, especially if you have already completed your sentence – whatever it was. With a pardon, your record will be hidden, and your past forgotten and inaccessible.
Closure
Simply knowing that you have a criminal record can be a stressful burden. It can create tension, both real and imagined, with family, friends and loved ones. With your record removed once and for all, you can breathe easy again.
A good night's sleep
Worrying about the ramifications of a having a criminal record can keep you up at night. Will my boss find out? Should I tell my family? How will I cross the border? Will they know? Is it really worth it? If you have your record expunged once and for all, you will be able to rest easy.
Canadian citizenship
If you are not a Canadian citizen, you still can have a Canadian criminal record. This can be a problem if you have been waiting for your citizenship papers to come through, or if you have loved ones in the country dependent on you. It is impossible to gain citizenship with a criminal record, unless, of course, you acquire a pardon first. If you are a landed immigrant and you get a record, you could be faced with deportation. Don’t let this happen. Contact us first.
Everyday hassles
If you are pulled over by the police for any reason, they can run your name and see that you have a criminal record, no matter when it happened. Customs officers also have access to your record; even if you cross the border to go shopping, they can see everything. With a pardon, these records are removed from view and awkward explainable situations are eliminated.
Education
More and more programs require that you complete a criminal record check before applying. A pardon can keep your files separate so that your record will not appear in a search and you can further your education based on your merits.
Bondability
There are many jobs that require an employer to take insurance out on their employees. Security agencies, banks, even most moving companies will ask you to be bonded. While having a criminal record may not prevent you from getting the job outright, it is more expensive for an employer to bond you with a record, so they may choose to go with the other candidate simply because he/she does not have a record (or already had their record removed!)
Adoption
You may not be allowed to adopt a child if you have a criminal record. Often, people are not aware of this stipulation and find out too late that their record is in the way. It is best to remove your record far in advance, to keep your doors open for the future.
Finally bury that skeleton
Many people live with a criminal record as if it is a skeleton in a closet. They don't want to talk about it. They just want to pretend it isn't there at all. Unfortunately, sometimes your past can come back to haunt you, and often at the most inappropriate times. Family vacations, business trips to the United States, and nosy people prying can bring a forgotten record back to life. Sometimes, it's easier to just have it gone – for good.
Future employment
Many employers ask for a background check before you begin working. Positions may ask that you be “bonded,” which means that you must have no record on file. In this uncertain market, it is advisable to not only have an updated resume, but take the time to have your record expunged so that you do not eliminate yourself from new or future opportunities or advancement.
"Spot checks" at the workplace
Companies are known to cull the heard. It is becoming more common for employers to do a criminal background check on their current employees. Overnight, you could lose your job. It happens. Get a pardon.
Volunteering
You may not be able to volunteer for many worthy causes with a criminal record. With a pardon, your record will be sealed and you will be able to maintain your social responsibilities.
International travel
Canada is a diverse nation of diverse people. While our country is truly fantastic, do not limit yourself from seeing the world! You may not be able to travel outside of Canada with a criminal record.
Now just think.
How many of things on this assorted list apply to you? You are not alone. Infact, 13% of all Canadians have a criminal record. Even if you do not have a criminal record, chances are that you know someone who does.
Either way, there is great news. Pardon Services Canada can help you. Actually, we guarentee that we can help you get your pardon - or your money back. Our success rate is 99%.
If you are serious about taking the next steps, or you just need a little more information, call us now. We have a specialist for you - no matter what your record. Call 1-8-NOW-PARDON. Let's remove your record!
Here is a assorted list of things people realize when they Remove Their Record.
Peace of mind
The most important reason to remove your criminal record is to take that weight off your shoulders once and for all. Relax and simply move on with your life, at long last.
Family vacations
Wouldn't you like to take your family somewhere other than Canada? With your criminal record expunged, and waiver for the US organized, you can travel without hindrance to places you have dreamed of traveling to.
Self forgiveness
We are hardest on ourselves. If you are in a position to be forgiven by the law, your society and the world, it is time to forgive yourself as well. Removing your record will erase that part of your past, and the darkness on your mind, once and for all.
Some sayings/quotes make more sense now
Some famous quotes surround the issue of pardons and forgiveness.
Here are a few:
To err is human, to forgive, divine.
Alexander Pope
Essay on Criticism
Forgiveness is better than revenge.
Pittacus of Mitylene
Heraclitus
I pardon him as God shall pardon me.
William Shakespeare
The Tragedy of King Richard the Second (King Henry at V, iii)
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Gandhi
Forgive thyself little, and others much.
Leighton
Always forgive your enemies--nothing annoys them so much.
Oscar Wilde
Lesson from history
When the first George Washington was young, he chopped down a mature cherry tree in his backyard. His father was furious, and when asked if he had done it, he said: "I cannot tell a lie..I did cut it with my little hatchet." The tale is famous because it not only told of the importance of truth and honesty, but also the folly found within every man, and the forgiveness we all gain over time. This young boy overcame the stigma of a small transgression to become the most powerful man of his day.
A new leaf
People change. While we may have been more reckless and wild in our youth, we mellow with age, we mature, and we become more responsible. It is unfair and unnecessary to carry a stigma throughout your entire life from the indiscretions of your youth. Forgiveness is forgiveness, and people are allowed to learn and grow. Without pardons, there would be no forward progress.
Privacy
In some provinces, one person can explicitly request another person’s criminal record. Your business should be your business, especially if you have already completed your sentence – whatever it was. With a pardon, your record will be hidden, and your past forgotten and inaccessible.
Closure
Simply knowing that you have a criminal record can be a stressful burden. It can create tension, both real and imagined, with family, friends and loved ones. With your record removed once and for all, you can breathe easy again.
A good night's sleep
Worrying about the ramifications of a having a criminal record can keep you up at night. Will my boss find out? Should I tell my family? How will I cross the border? Will they know? Is it really worth it? If you have your record expunged once and for all, you will be able to rest easy.
Canadian citizenship
If you are not a Canadian citizen, you still can have a Canadian criminal record. This can be a problem if you have been waiting for your citizenship papers to come through, or if you have loved ones in the country dependent on you. It is impossible to gain citizenship with a criminal record, unless, of course, you acquire a pardon first. If you are a landed immigrant and you get a record, you could be faced with deportation. Don’t let this happen. Contact us first.
Everyday hassles
If you are pulled over by the police for any reason, they can run your name and see that you have a criminal record, no matter when it happened. Customs officers also have access to your record; even if you cross the border to go shopping, they can see everything. With a pardon, these records are removed from view and awkward explainable situations are eliminated.
Education
More and more programs require that you complete a criminal record check before applying. A pardon can keep your files separate so that your record will not appear in a search and you can further your education based on your merits.
Bondability
There are many jobs that require an employer to take insurance out on their employees. Security agencies, banks, even most moving companies will ask you to be bonded. While having a criminal record may not prevent you from getting the job outright, it is more expensive for an employer to bond you with a record, so they may choose to go with the other candidate simply because he/she does not have a record (or already had their record removed!)
Adoption
You may not be allowed to adopt a child if you have a criminal record. Often, people are not aware of this stipulation and find out too late that their record is in the way. It is best to remove your record far in advance, to keep your doors open for the future.
Finally bury that skeleton
Many people live with a criminal record as if it is a skeleton in a closet. They don't want to talk about it. They just want to pretend it isn't there at all. Unfortunately, sometimes your past can come back to haunt you, and often at the most inappropriate times. Family vacations, business trips to the United States, and nosy people prying can bring a forgotten record back to life. Sometimes, it's easier to just have it gone – for good.
Future employment
Many employers ask for a background check before you begin working. Positions may ask that you be “bonded,” which means that you must have no record on file. In this uncertain market, it is advisable to not only have an updated resume, but take the time to have your record expunged so that you do not eliminate yourself from new or future opportunities or advancement.
"Spot checks" at the workplace
Companies are known to cull the heard. It is becoming more common for employers to do a criminal background check on their current employees. Overnight, you could lose your job. It happens. Get a pardon.
Volunteering
You may not be able to volunteer for many worthy causes with a criminal record. With a pardon, your record will be sealed and you will be able to maintain your social responsibilities.
International travel
Canada is a diverse nation of diverse people. While our country is truly fantastic, do not limit yourself from seeing the world! You may not be able to travel outside of Canada with a criminal record.
Now just think.
How many of things on this assorted list apply to you? You are not alone. Infact, 13% of all Canadians have a criminal record. Even if you do not have a criminal record, chances are that you know someone who does.
Either way, there is great news. Pardon Services Canada can help you. Actually, we guarentee that we can help you get your pardon - or your money back. Our success rate is 99%.
If you are serious about taking the next steps, or you just need a little more information, call us now. We have a specialist for you - no matter what your record. Call 1-8-NOW-PARDON. Let's remove your record!
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