Pardon Me – Records Suspension Program
Is your old record making it hard to build a stable life?
EFry’s Pardon Me program may be able to help.
EFry’s Pardon Me is program created to help qualifying people navigate and afford the criminal record suspension process (also known as a pardon).
Who Qualifies?
Record suspension eligibility varies. You may be eligible if it has been at least 3 years since you completed your sentence. EFry will help you figure out if you qualify and move through the process if you do.
Pardon Me is a free program, supporting you in your record suspension application process.
When your record is suspended, you can truthfully reply “no” on job or housing applications that ask if you have a record.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a record suspension/pardon?
A pardon or record suspension allows individuals convicted of a crime, who have completed their sentence and conditions, and proven they are law-abiding, to separate their record from active criminal records. Issued by the Parole Board of Canada, it ensures that a CPIC search will not reveal the criminal record or the pardon/record suspension.
How do I know if I have a criminal record?
If you have been charged with a crime, even if found not guilty or never convicted, you still have a criminal record. If fingerprinted, a fingerprint number (FPS#) is assigned to your name and date of birth until you clear it. Regardless of fingerprinting, charges under the Criminal Code may still require a pardon/record suspension.
Who may apply for a record suspension/pardon?
A person convicted under a federal act or regulation of Canada may apply for a pardon/record suspension, even if not a Canadian citizen or resident. If it has been at least three years since you completed your sentence and/or conditions, you may be eligible for a record suspension.
What is the waiting period to apply?
The waiting period begins once all sentences have been completed (including all sentences of imprisonment, any probation orders and payment in full of any fines, costs, surcharges, compensation orders and/or restitution).
Important: If you were ordered to pay any fines, costs, surcharges, compensation orders or restitution as part of your sentence, you should pay it in full as soon as possible. The waiting period only starts once full payment has been made. Proof of payment must be provided with your record suspension application.
What are my chances of being granted a record suspension/pardon?
If you have waited the required 3, 5, or 10 years after completing your sentence (depends on date of first offence and offence type), have the proper documents, and have been of good conduct, the Parole Board of Canada will grant a pardon/record suspension. Pardons/record suspensions are not granted for sexual offences against minors or if you have more than three convictions with sentences over two years.
How long does it take to get a pardon/record suspension?
Acquiring the proper supporting documents takes between 3-6 months.
The Parole Board of Canada strives to process applications according to the following timelines:
- Summary offence: within 6 months of application acceptance.
- Indictable offence: within 12 months of acceptance.
- For applications where the Board is proposing to refuse a record suspension, it can take up to 24 months for a final decision to be made. If a proposal to refuse is being recommended in your case, you will be advised of this in writing by the PBC.
Contact
Email us at:
pardonme@efry.com
Or call us at:
604-520-1166
Sign up now
Please fill out the form below if you would like one of our staff to contact you about our Pardon Me program.
I am very pleased with the service and helpfulness that this program provided to me. Such an overwhelming feeling of trying to drive that on my own, that I just didn’t do it. Working with the Pardon Me Program helped me follow through. I am very grateful.
Having a criminal record made a huge difference in my life. Getting a pardon will make a big difference. It will close the door on my past and give me a chance to work and not worry about my record stopping me or holding me back. I have not been able to work for many years. – This client has now obtained a pardon and has shared that many new employment opportunities are available to her. This will place her in a
more financially stable position, positively impacting both her life and the well-being of her children.