Category Archives: Criminal Record Check

What Vacation Destinations Are Off Limits If You Have a Criminal Record?

Express Pardons talks about the different vacation destinations that are off-limits if a person has a criminal record in Canada.  Some vacations destinations to avoid if you have a criminal record include LA, the Hawaiian Islands, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Miami, Alaska and Phoenix.  If you do not have a pardon for your criminal record then you cannot travel to these vacation destinations.  Getting a pardon for your criminal record is the only way that you can ensure that you can travel to all the vacation destinations that you want to.

Why People Can’t Find a Job with a Crimina Record

Express Pardons explains why some people cant find a job with a criminal record.  Many employers are now seeking background and criminal record checks for all potential employees. Anyone with a criminal past would have that information show up during a criminal record check.  Many employers will not hire someone who has a criminal record.  Certain jobs require clear back ground checks and criminal record checks in order to work in that particular field or industry.

Criminal Record Life

Living life with a criminal record can hold a person back from doing many things that they may want to.  As Express Pardons explains, life with a criminal record in Canada can be difficult as having a criminal record restricts a person and can affect their ability to travel freely to other countries, specifically the US.

Canadians could be living a life with a criminal record based on something as simple as just one impaired driving charge.  This charge will follow them for the rest of their lives unless they do something about.  Applying for a pardon is the only way to remove a criminal record in Canada.  Just one impaired driving charge could make it difficult to travel, to find employment, to volunteer and to move forward in life.

Whats it Like Living with a Criminal Record in Canada?

Living with a  criminal record in Canada is more common than one may think.  Currently it is estimated that one in ten Canadians have a criminal record. That means that more than 3 million Canadians are living with a criminal record today.  As Express Pardons explains, chances are, everyone knows someone that has some kind of a criminal record.  A criminal record will never go away on its own.  The only way to have a criminal record removed is to apply for a pardon.

Human Resource Information on Criminal Record Checks

According to Express Pardons, Human Resources should be informed and educated about what criminal record checks are and what they mean for hiring procedures.

A criminal record check cannot be completed by Human Resources unless the potential or current employee have given their consent.   Human Resources can also only conduct a criminal record check if the Human Rights Legislation in their province permits discrimination based on a criminal record check. Certain occupations also meet requirements that make criminal record checks both necessary and required.

Human Resources should be aware of when criminal record checks can be performed and when it is permitted to screen a potential employee based on their criminal record check.

Making Better Hiring Decisions Part 1

As Express Pardons explains individuals with a criminal records have limited opportunities to:

Seek Gainful Employment – As criminal record checks become the norm, more and more qualified individuals are being denied employment because of a past indiscretion. Travel Freely Wherever They Wish – The US for instance does not allow individuals with a criminal record into the US. Be Educated or Apply to School Programs – Many tertiary education options require criminal record checks as part of the application process. Compounding the employment problem as those with criminal records can’t better their employment situation through education. Volunteer – All volunteer organizations across Canada now require criminal record screening. A great idea to keep out sexual offenders, however, a DUI from 20-years ago is hardly the same level of offence! Adopt – Again, important to prevent those with violent crime histories from adopting, but should a basic possession charge from the 70’s really be considered a disqualifying offence?

How long does it take to complete a criminal record check?

Express Pardons discusses how long a criminal record check can take.  These time lines vary depending on the type of criminal record check.

  • A criminal record check can be done for volunteer or employment
  • A simple criminal record check for volunteering or employment usually doesn’t take very long to complete
  • A certified criminal record check from the RCMP can take several weeks to months to complete

Top 10 Reason to Get a Criminal Record Check

Express Pardons explains why someone would need to get a criminal record check done.

1. A criminal record check is required for a Canadian pardon application

2. A criminal record check may be needed when applying for employment

3. Some school programs may require a criminal record check

4. People who want to adopt will require a criminal record check

5. A criminal record check is part of the process for a US entry waiver application

6. Many people who want to do volunteer work will need to do a criminal record check

7. Anyone who works with children, the elderly, or the disabled with require a criminal record check

8. Many foreign work visas require a criminal record check

9. Some extended stay travel visas will need a criminal record check

10. A criminal record check will show what, if anything, is on a person’s criminal record

Facts about How to Get a Criminal Record Checks

Express Pardons explains how to get a criminal record check.  A criminal record check is done to show what, if anything, shows up regarding an individuals criminal history.  In order to get a certified criminal record check in Canada, fingerprints must be submitted to the RCMP.

• A criminal record check shows criminal charges and convictions in Canada

•  An official certified criminal record check comes from the RCMP in Ottawa

•  A record check can also be done at the local police level

•  In order to get a certified criminal record fingerprints must be done

•  Fingerprints can be done by any local police agency or private service

•  Fingerprints must be sent to the RCMP in Ottawa in order to complete the criminal record check