If you apply for a federal Record Suspension in English, the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) requires that any French court documents or police checks from Quebec be officially translated. You must hire a certified translator to ensure your Cour du Québec documents are legally accepted without delaying your application.
Applying for a Record Suspension (formerly known as a pardon) is a major step toward clearing your criminal record in Canada. If you committed an offence in Montreal, Quebec City, or anywhere else in Quebec, your original arrest and court documents will almost certainly be in French. The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is a bilingual federal agency, but if you choose to submit your application package in English, strict rules apply to your supporting documents.
You cannot simply mix languages in your final submission. If your application forms are filled out in English, every single French document from the Cour du Québec or local police must be accompanied by an official English translation. Failing to provide certified translations is a common reason the PBC returns applications as incomplete, which forces you to start the process over and pay new fingerprinting fees.
Step-by-Step Process in Canada
Translating legal documents for a federal government agency requires following a specific protocol. You cannot translate the documents yourself, nor can you ask a bilingual friend to do it for you. Here is how you must handle your Quebec court records.
Step 1: Obtain the Original French Documents
Before you can translate anything, you need the official paperwork. You must request your Court Information documents (les dénonciations) and your proof of payment for any fines from the specific Cour du Québec where you were sentenced. You must also obtain a Local Police Records Check from the municipal police force that arrested you, such as the SPVM in Montreal.
Step 2: Hire a Certified Translator
The PBC strictly requires translations to be completed by a certified professional. You must hire a translator who is a member in good standing of a recognized Canadian provincial translation association, such as the recognized bodies under the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC). Keep their membership number handy, as the PBC may verify their credentials.
Step 3: Prepare the Translator’s Affidavit
If your translator is not officially certified by a provincial body, they must swear an affidavit before a Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths. This affidavit must state that they are fluent in both English and French and that the translation is an accurate representation of the original Quebec court document. However, using a certified translator avoids the need for this extra legal step entirely.
Step 4: Submit the Complete Package to the PBC
When assembling your final Record Suspension application, you must include both the original French documents and the English translations. Do not send only the English versions. The PBC officers need to compare the certified translation against the original Cour du Québec stamps and signatures to verify authenticity.
Document Requirements for Bilingual Applications
| Document Type | Can it be submitted in French? | Translation Required for English File? |
|---|---|---|
| Cour du Québec Information | Yes (if the whole file is French). | Yes, mandatory certified translation. |
| RCMP CPIC Printout | Printed bilingually by default. | No translation needed. |
| Local Police Check (SPVM) | Yes (if the whole file is French). | Yes, mandatory certified translation. |
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
Applying for a Record Suspension involves multiple administrative fees, and needing translations will increase your overall budget.
- PBC Application Fee: The federal processing fee is currently $50.00 CAD.
- Certified Translation Fees: Professional translators typically charge between $50 and $100 CAD per page. Court documents can easily span 3 to 5 pages.
- RCMP Fingerprinting: Usually costs between $25 and $85 CAD depending on the private agency you use.
- Quebec Court Fees: The Cour du Québec may charge a small fee, typically under $20 CAD, to print historical records.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Translating your documents adds a slight delay to gathering your paperwork. A certified translator will usually take 1 to 2 weeks to complete and stamp your court records. Once your entire package is submitted to the PBC, processing times are mandated by law. As of 2026, the PBC takes up to 6 months to process a pardon for summary convictions and up to 12 months for indictable offences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I just submit my whole application in French?
Yes. The Parole Board of Canada offers services in both official languages. If you are comfortable completing the application forms in French, you can submit your original Quebec documents without any translations.
What happens if the translation has an error?
If the PBC discovers a significant discrepancy between the original document and the translation, they may return your application. This is why it is critical to use an experienced, certified legal translator who understands Canadian criminal justice terminology.
Do I need to translate my provincial driving record?
If you have driving offences linked to criminal convictions (like a DUI), you must include your driving record (from the SAAQ in Quebec). If you are applying in English, this French document must also be translated by a certified professional.
Do I need a lawyer to translate these documents?
No, a lawyer cannot translate the documents unless they are also a certified translator. However, many Canadian pardon services or law firms will coordinate the certified translation on your behalf as part of their retainer.
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