Chapter 2 - What is a Record Suspension?
Chapter 2 - What is a Record Suspension?
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So, what is a record suspension? A record suspension allows a person convicted of a criminal offence, who has completed all of his or her sentences and demonstrated a law-abiding lifestyle, to have their criminal record set aside.
Record suspensions assist people to access employment and educational opportunities, and to fully reintegrate into society.
What does a record suspension do?
Well, it does not erase a criminal record, but instead sets it aside, by removing it from the RCMP's Canadian Police Information Centre database, also known as CPIC.
This means that a search of CPIC will not show that the person has a record or that they received a record suspension.
Most provincial and municipal criminal justice agencies also restrict access to their records once they are notified by the Parole Board of Canada that a record suspension has been ordered.
Now, there are some exceptions to this.
Records of persons convicted of a sexual offence remain flagged in CPIC even after a record suspension has been ordered, and the record set aside.
This allows a vulnerable sector check to be completed on the person if they apply to work or volunteer with a vulnerable sector group - for example, with children or the elderly.
There are also some things that a record suspension will not do.
A record suspension has no effect on a prohibition order.
For example, if you have had your license suspended, a record suspension will not cancel this prohibition.
A record suspension will also not guarantee you entry or visa privileges to another country.
Before traveling, you should contact the country's embassy, consulate or mission in your area to find out what you need to do to enter that country.
You can also visit their website for information.
Chapter Index
- Tutorial Home Page
- Chapter 1 - Introduction
- Chapter 2 - What is a Record Suspension?
- Chapter 3 - Who is responsible for Record Suspensions?
- Chapter 4 - Record Suspension Eligibility Criteria
- Chapter 5 - Before you Start your Application
- Chapter 6 - Overview of the 10 Steps to Apply for a Record Suspension
- Step 1 – Get Your Criminal Record
- Step 2 – Get Your Court Information
- Step 3 – Get Your Military Conduct Sheet (if applicable)
- Step 4 – Get Your Local Police Records Check
- Step 5 – Get Your Proof of Citizenship or Immigration Documents (if applicable)
- Step 6 – Get a Copy of your Documents to Support your Identity
- Step 7 – Complete the Schedule 1 Exception Form (if applicable)
- Step 8 – Fill in the Record Suspension Application Form
- Step 9 – Complete the Measurable Benefit / Sustained Rehabilitation Form
- Step 10 – Complete the Checklist
- Chapter 7 - Conclusion and contact information for more info
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