A conviction for making or using forged documents (Section 368) severely damages your ability to secure administrative or finance jobs in Canada. To obtain a federal Record Suspension, you must prove sustained rehabilitation to the Parole Board of Canada (PBC). The current federal processing fee is $50 CAD.
Trust is the cornerstone of any office environment. 📍 Whether you are applying for a bookkeeping role in Calgary, an executive assistant position in Ottawa, or an administrative job in Toronto, human resources departments routinely conduct background checks. If an employer discovers a conviction for forging documents, uttering forged documents, or falsifying employment records, the job offer will almost certainly be revoked.
Crimes involving dishonesty—often referred to as “crimes of moral turpitude”—are highly stigmatized. Securing a federal Record Suspension (pardon) under the Criminal Records Act is the only way to legally seal this history from standard employment background checks. However, the Parole Board of Canada does not grant pardons automatically. For offences involving dishonesty, you must heavily rely on the “Measurable Benefit / Sustained Rehabilitation” form to prove you are no longer a risk. Hiring an experienced lawyer from our directory can ensure your application tells a compelling story of reform.
Step-by-Step Process for Proving Sustained Rehabilitation
Applying for a Record Suspension is not just about filling out administrative forms; it is an advocacy process. You must convince the PBC adjudicators that you have completely turned your life around.
Step 1: Finish Your Sentence and Waiting Period
Before you can even apply, you must complete your entire sentence (jail, probation, and all fines). ⏱ Uttering forged documents is a hybrid offence. If the Crown proceeded by summary conviction, you must live crime-free for 5 years after your sentence ends. If it was an indictable offence, the mandatory waiting period is 10 years.
Step 2: Collect Your Mandatory Legal Records
You must obtain your digital RCMP fingerprint record and all court documents related to the forgery charge. Additionally, you must request a Local Police Records Check from the local police department in every municipality you have lived in for the past 5 years. If the local police note any recent suspicious behaviour, your application could be denied.
Step 3: Draft the Measurable Benefit Statement
This is the most critical step for administrative professionals. ✍ You must complete the PBC’s Sustained Rehabilitation form. You must take full accountability for the forgery offence—do not make excuses. Explain clearly how the conviction has held back your administrative career, and detail the measurable benefits a pardon will bring to your family (e.g., higher earning potential, ability to be bonded for financial roles).
Step 4: Secure Strong Character References
Because your offence involved dishonesty, you need objective proof of your current integrity. Gather letters of recommendation from current employers, volunteer coordinators, or community leaders. These letters should explicitly state that they are aware of your past conviction, but they trust you completely in your current responsibilities.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
As of May 2026, the federal fee is highly accessible, but building a robust application requires investment in document retrieval.
| Action Item | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| PBC Application Fee | $50 | The official processing fee paid directly to the Receiver General for Canada. |
| RCMP & Local Police Checks | $100 – $200 | Combined costs for digital fingerprints and municipal police background checks. |
| Court Document Retrieval | $15 – $40 | Required to prove you have paid all fines and victim surcharges related to the forgery. |
| Lawyer / Pardon Specialist | $1,000 – $2,500 | Highly recommended to help draft the critical Sustained Rehabilitation arguments. |
💰 Always pay your PBC fee via certified cheque, money order, or credit card directly to the government. Beware of predatory websites charging exorbitant fees for free government forms.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once your waiting period is complete and you mail the application, the PBC follows strict service standards. For a summary conviction, they will process the decision within 6 months. If the forgery was an indictable offence, expect the review to take between 12 to 24 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will a Record Suspension allow me to be bonded?
Yes. Many administrative and financial jobs require employees to be bonded by an insurance company. A Record Suspension removes the conviction from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC), generally allowing you to pass the background check required for bonding.
Can an employer fire me if they find out while I am waiting?
In many provinces, yes. Unless specifically protected by provincial human rights codes (like in British Columbia or Quebec, which have strong protections), an employer in places like Alberta or Ontario can terminate your employment if they discover an unpardoned criminal record.
Does a pardon erase the conviction completely?
No. A Canadian Record Suspension seals the record; it does not erase or “expunge” it. The record is separated and kept completely confidential by the RCMP. It will not show up on a standard criminal background check for an office job.
Do I need to disclose my pardoned record in a job interview?
Generally, no. Under federal and most provincial human rights laws, once a Record Suspension is granted, you can legally answer “No” if an employer asks if you have a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.
What if the PBC denies my application?
If the PBC intends to deny your application because they do not believe you are rehabilitated, they will send you a “Proposal to Deny.” You will have 30 days to submit additional written representations and reference letters to change their mind before the decision becomes final.
Leave a Reply