in Criminal Records, Pardon

The Pardons Backlog Continues

Have you ever thought finding a job was impossible? Most of us have at one time or another. But imagine looking for work with a criminal record holding you back? Then imagine knowing that Canadian law says you’re eligible to have that criminal record removed and that it should have been done years ago. NowRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Record Suspension

Clearing American Customs

When you travel to the United States from Canada you clear customs at the airport you depart from, rather than the airport you arrive in. In other words, you need to clear customs before you even get the plane or – obviously – leave the country. It probably seems obvious to most of you butRead More

in Uncategorized

What is the CPIC? A Look at Canada’s Police Information Database

In Canada, details of an individual’s criminal record are stored on a central database known as the Canadian Police Information Center, or “CPIC.” The database is maintained by the RCMP and is considered to be the chief source of information about criminal records in Canada. The CPIC database contains information on all persons who areRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Record Suspension, Uncategorized

Limitations of a Record Suspension

Please note that a pardon and a record suspension are the same thing. It is only the name and some specifics of the program that are different. The pardon program was changed to record suspension following the Conservative government’s omnibus crime bill C-10. Contrary to what you may have a heard a record suspension doesRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Record Suspension

The Proposals to Deny Pardons

Following Bill C10, the Parole Board of Canada introduced new steps in the record suspension application process. One is the “Measurable Benefit Letter”. Record Suspension applicants must explain their reason for applying and explain the circumstances of his offenses. They must also explain the efforts they have made to change since the incident(s). In someRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Record Suspension

The Measureable Benefit Letter

Part of the changes made to the Pardon system following Bill C10, the Conservative government’s omnibus crime bill was the additional requirement of showing a “measurable benefit” when applying for a pardon. In other words, if the pardon is not going to help you be a better, more law abiding citizen then you cannot haveRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Record Suspension

Bringing the Administration of Justice into Disrepute

Part of the Conservative government’s omnibus crime bill was legislation that changed the laws governing pardons in Canada. Among many measures, including changing the name from pardons to record suspension, was a strange one that allows the Parole Board of Canada to refuse to order a record suspension if it would “bring the administration ofRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Record Suspension

The 5 and 10 year waiting periods

Prior to the Conservative government’s omnibus crime bill people convicted of a crime in Canada would have to wait either 3 or 5 years for their eligibility for pardons. Then the waiting period was changed to 3, 5 or 10 years. Now it’s only 5 or 10 years. This should be confusing if you’re comingRead More

in Criminal Records, US Waiver Information

Crossing the border

I’m often amazed at how many people think honesty is the best policy at the US border. So let’s be clear: it is NOT. If you admit any illegal activity to a US border guard, particularly activity involving drugs, you will most likely be refused entry, fingerprinted, photographed, turned away. You will then be toldRead More

in Criminal Records, Pardon, Uncategorized

Parole Board’s authority to revoke a pardon challenged in Federal Court.

TORONTO — Revoking a criminal pardon solely on the basis that RCMP have accused a man of plotting to attack a passenger train is unfair and a violation of his right to remain silent, Federal Court heard Monday. This was the argument put forth in court by Jaser’s lawyer who I have exchanged emails with,Read More

The Pardons Backlog Continues

Clearing American Customs

What is the CPIC? A Look at Canada’s Police Information Database

Limitations of a Record Suspension

The Proposals to Deny Pardons

The Measureable Benefit Letter

Bringing the Administration of Justice into Disrepute

The 5 and 10 year waiting periods

Crossing the border

Parole Board’s authority to revoke a pardon challenged in Federal Court.

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