Employment

Only when you have authorized an employer or perspective employer in writing can someone undertake a criminal record search.

Employers in Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories cannot ask about conviction records nor can employers falling under federal jurisdiction. However, if information about a criminal record is legitimately needed for employment purposes the question can be phrased “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which a Pardon has not been granted?” In British Columbia, Quebec, PEI, and the Yukon, a record of criminal conviction is considered grounds for discrimination making even this question illegal.

Employers in Ontario, British Columbia, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories cannot ask about conviction records nor can employers falling under federal jurisdiction. However, if information about a criminal record is legitimately needed for employment purposes, the question can be phrased “Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence for which a Pardon has not been granted?” In British Columbia, Quebec, PEI, and the Yukon, a record of criminal conviction is considered grounds for discrimination making even this question illegal.

Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Nova Scotia do not offer protection against discrimination based on criminal records, pardoned or otherwise. Once a Pardon is granted, though, it is “sealed”; thus, it is not accessible by any employer.

It is illegal in all jurisdictions nationwide to ask applicants if they have ever been arrested.

With our premium service, we include “Pardon in Progress” letters when requested. These letters are signed personally by senior management and state that you have applied for a Pardon and that your application is being processed. In many cases, this is sufficient for potential employers. These letters are also available to our standard service customers for a nominal fee.