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Pardons/Record Suspensions

Have you ever had difficulty with any the following?

  • Employment

  • Obtaining tenancy

  • Career opportunities

  • Canadian immigration/Citizenship

  • Child Custody

  • Education Opportunities

  • Volunteer Work

  • Obtaining Employment Insurance

A Pardon (Record Suspension) allows those with a criminal history who have completed all their sentences and have proven to be law-abiding citizens to have their criminal record kept separate from public records.

This option removes the obstacles that may be limiting an individual’s daily life by having a criminal record, including seeking employment, career advancements, obtaining tenancy, and so forth.

We help people who want to change their lives by giving them the hope and resources they need. Many people have made mistakes, but those no longer involved in criminal activity have a real opportunity for positive change if given a chance to do so.

Pave the Way can initiate, oversee, and complete all necessary steps to get your Pardon/Record Suspension application approved. Our mission is to promote the redevelopment of individuals back into the Canadian community without the stigma and limitations of a criminal record.

FAQs

  • The Parole Board of Canada has exclusive jurisdiction to grant, refuse or revoke a Pardon/Record Suspension.

  • You may apply for a Record Suspension if you:

    • were convicted of an offence in Canada under a federal act or regulation of Canada as an adult; and/or

    • were convicted of a crime in another country and were transferred to Canada while serving that sentence under the Transfer of Offenders Act or International Transfer of Offenders Act.

    To apply for a Record Suspension, you must have completed all of your sentences, which include:

    • all fines, surcharges, costs, restitution, and compensation orders;

    • all sentences of imprisonment, conditional sentences, including parole and statutory release;

    • any probation order(s).

    You DO NOT need to apply for a Record Suspension if you:

    • have only received an absolute or conditional discharge*; or

    • were only convicted in a youth court or youth justice court

  • The waiting periods:

    10 years: an offence prosecuted by indictment

    5 years: an offence that is punishable by summary conviction

    You must complete the appropriate waiting period listed above prior to applying. The waiting period starts after you have completed all your sentences.

  • In the unlikely circumstance that the application is denied, the applicant has 90 days to appeal the decision. If the 90 days have passed, a new application in full is required. To avoid this outcome, full and honest disclosure on the application is crucial from the applicant.