A record suspension (formerly a pardon) seals your criminal record in Canada, which generally allows you to become bondable again by insurance companies. The application is managed by the Parole Board of Canada, and the current federal filing fee is $50 CAD.
In Canada, many careers in finance, retail, and corporate management require you to be “bondable.” A fidelity bond is a type of insurance that protects an employer from financial losses caused by employee dishonesty, such as theft or fraud. If you have a criminal record for an indictable offence like forgery, insurance underwriters will almost certainly flag your background check, making it impossible for the insurance company to cover you. This can severely limit your employment opportunities, even if the offence happened decades ago.
Fortunately, the Canadian legal system offers a path forward. By obtaining a federal record suspension, your criminal record is sealed from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. Under the Canadian Human Rights Act, federally regulated employers and many provincial employers cannot discriminate against you for a pardoned offence. Taking the steps to clear your name proves to bonding companies that you have been rehabilitated and that the risk has been permanently mitigated.
Step-by-Step Process for Becoming Bondable in Canada
Whether you are applying for a management role in Toronto, a banking position in Calgary, or a retail job in Vancouver, the process to seal your record is federal. You must deal directly with the Parole Board of Canada and the RCMP.
Step 1: Completing the Waiting Period
Before you can apply for a record suspension, you must finish your entire sentence. This includes paying all fines, restitution, and completing any probation or parole. For an indictable offence like forgery, you must wait a strict 10 years after your sentence is completed before you are eligible to apply. If your forgery charge was processed as a summary conviction, the waiting period is 5 years.
Step 2: Obtaining RCMP Fingerprints
You cannot simply print your own record. You must visit an accredited fingerprinting agency or your local police detachment to obtain a certified criminal record check from the RCMP. The agency will take digital fingerprints and send them securely to the RCMP headquarters in Ottawa. Within a few weeks, you will receive an official document listing all your convictions.
Step 3: Gathering Court Documents and Police Records
With your RCMP record in hand, you must contact the specific courthouse where your forgery conviction occurred. You will request a Court Information Form, which proves that you have paid all your fines and served your sentence. Additionally, you must obtain local police records checks from every city or municipality where you have lived for the past five years.
Step 4: Submitting the Record Suspension Application
Once you have all your documents, you will fill out the official forms provided by the Parole Board of Canada. Because forgery is a crime of dishonesty, it is highly recommended that you draft a strong measurable benefit statement. This letter explains how a record suspension will help you become bondable and secure meaningful employment. You then mail your completed package and the federal fee to the Parole Board.
Step 5: Updating Your Employer and Underwriters
Once your record suspension is granted, the RCMP removes your forgery conviction from the public CPIC database. When an insurance company runs a standard background check for your fidelity bond, your record will come back clean. You can legally answer “no” if asked whether you have an unpardoned criminal record, allowing the underwriting process to proceed smoothly.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The government recently reduced the main application fee, but there are still several administrative costs involved in gathering your documents. All fees are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
| Service / Expense | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Parole Board Filing Fee | $50 | Mandatory federal fee paid to the Receiver General for Canada. |
| RCMP Fingerprinting | $25 – $85 | Paid to a local accredited agency or police station. |
| Court Documents | $20 – $100 | Varies by provincial courthouse for printing records. |
| Lawyer / Paralegal Fees | $800 – $2,500 | Optional, but highly recommended for complex indictable offences. |
Keep in mind that mistakes on your application can result in it being returned or denied, which means you may have to pay to gather new, updated documents all over again.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Patience is absolutely required. Gathering your fingerprints, court records, and local police checks generally takes 2 to 4 months depending on court backlogs. Once the Parole Board of Canada receives your complete application, they are bound by specific service standards. For an indictable offence like forgery, they have up to 12 months to process the application and issue a decision. For summary convictions, it takes up to 6 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to tell a bonding company about my pardoned offence?
Generally, you are not required to disclose a pardoned conviction. Standard background checks will come back clear. However, if a specialized insurance underwriter asks highly specific questions about “any past charges regardless of pardons,” you may want to consult a law firm before answering.
Can the Parole Board deny my application?
Yes. A record suspension is not automatic. The Parole Board must be convinced that granting you a pardon provides a measurable benefit to you and does not bring the administration of justice into disrepute.
What if my forgery charge was withdrawn or dismissed?
If you were never convicted, you do not need a record suspension. However, the arrest record may still show up on background checks. You must apply for a file destruction directly with the RCMP and the local police service to clear it.
Will this allow me to work in a Canadian bank?
Yes, most federally regulated banks in Canada rely on standard CPIC checks. Once your record is sealed, you generally meet their background screening criteria for bondability and employment.
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