To get a Record Suspension in Canada, you must prove to the Parole Board of Canada that sealing your record provides a “measurable benefit” and sustains your rehabilitation. Filling out the Measurable Benefit/Sustained Rehabilitation form correctly is essential. The federal application fee is currently $50 CAD.
Applying for a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) is a major step toward reclaiming your future. However, simply waiting for the mandatory timeframe to pass after your sentence is completed is not enough. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) requires applicants to actively demonstrate why they deserve a second chance. They do this through a specific document called the Measurable Benefit/Sustained Rehabilitation form.
This form is your opportunity to speak directly to the decision-makers in Ottawa. Whether you live in Winnipeg, Halifax, or a rural community, the board wants to see exactly how clearing your criminal record will improve your life and make you a more productive member of Canadian society. Because the phrasing of this document is so critical, many applicants choose to consult a local criminal defence lawyer or a pardons specialist from our directory to help craft a compelling narrative.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
The Record Suspension process is entirely federal, meaning the rules are exactly the same whether your historical offences occurred in Toronto, Edmonton, or Vancouver. You must gather your criminal record from the RCMP, but the most personal part is completing the Measurable Benefit form. Here is how to approach it effectively.
Step 1: Understand the Form’s Dual Purpose
The form asks two fundamental questions: How will a Record Suspension provide a measurable benefit to you, and how will it help sustain your rehabilitation? 🔍 You must address both. “Measurable benefit” refers to tangible outcomes, like getting a promotion or travelling for work. “Sustained rehabilitation” means explaining how these benefits will keep you on the right path and prevent you from re-offending in the future.
Step 2: Detail Your Employment and Education Goals
One of the most powerful reasons to request a pardon is career advancement. If you have been held back from jobs because you cannot pass a criminal background check, you need to state this clearly. Explain if you are trying to enter a specific trade, join a union, or apply to a university programme in your province. The more specific you are about your career goals, the more convincing your application will be.
Step 3: Explain the Family and Community Impact
The Parole Board of Canada also considers how your criminal record affects your loved ones. 👪 Perhaps you are unable to volunteer at your child’s school in Calgary, or you cannot chaperone their hockey team due to your historical summary conviction. Highlighting these family-oriented goals shows the board that you are deeply rooted in your community and have positive motivations to remain a law-abiding citizen.
Step 4: Draft, Review, and Refine
Never rush this form. Write a draft and ask someone you trust to review it. The tone should be humble, accountable, and forward-looking. Avoid making excuses for your past behaviour or blaming the police or the courts. A Canadian lawyer can review your draft to ensure you are meeting the exact legal threshold required by the Criminal Records Act before you submit your final package to the PBC.
| What to Avoid | What to Include | Why it Matters for the PBC |
|---|---|---|
| “I want to travel for fun.” | “I need to travel to the USA for my company’s conferences.” | Shows a professional, tangible need (Measurable Benefit). |
| “It wasn’t my fault anyway.” | “I take full responsibility for my past actions.” | Demonstrates accountability and emotional maturity. |
| “I need a job.” | “I am enrolled in an apprenticeship but need a clear check to be hired.” | Proves you are actively working towards rehabilitation. |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Obtaining a Record Suspension involves several expenses beyond the main government fee. You must collect documents from various police detachments and courts. All estimated amounts are in Canadian dollars (CAD).
- Parole Board of Canada Fee: $50 CAD (This fee was drastically reduced in recent years to make pardons more accessible).
- RCMP Fingerprinting Fee: $25 to $100 CAD (Depending on the private fingerprinting agency you use).
- Local Police Record Checks (LPRC): $30 to $80 CAD per police jurisdiction where you have lived in the past 5 years.
- Court Document Fees: $10 to $30 CAD per courthouse to prove your fines were paid.
- Lawyer / Agency Fees: Generally between $1,000 and $2,500 CAD if you hire a professional to assemble the complex application for you.
How Long Does the Process Take?
⌛ Gathering all your documents, fingerprints, and court records typically takes 3 to 6 months. Once the Parole Board of Canada receives your complete application, the legal processing times are strict: they take up to 6 months for an application involving only summary convictions, and up to 12 months for applications involving an indictable offence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I have to type the Measurable Benefit form?
While you can write it by hand, it is highly recommended to type your answers or print them very clearly. If the Parole Board cannot read your handwriting, your application may be delayed or returned to you.
What if I have no specific job lined up right now?
You do not need a firm job offer to show a measurable benefit. You can explain that a clear record will allow you to confidently apply for housing, volunteer positions, or general employment opportunities in your city.
Can I attach extra pages if I run out of room?
Yes. If your story requires more space than the official form provides, you can attach additional pages. Make sure to clearly label the extra pages with your full name and date of birth.
Will the Parole Board call my employer to verify?
Generally, the PBC relies on the documents and written statements you provide. They rarely call employers directly, but they do run extensive background checks to ensure the information you provided is truthful.
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