Resource collection

Applying for a Cannabis Record Suspension/ Pardon in Canada – a legal literacy activity

With the support of the Canadian Bar Association Law for the Future Fund, the Community Law School (Sarnia-Lambton) Inc., in cooperation with the Organization for Literacy in Lambton, has created a series of Legal Literacy Activities. This legal literacy activity, one in a series on criminal law, covers the application process for a record suspension […]

Understanding Cannabis Record Suspensions/ Pardons in Canada – a legal literacy activity

With the support of the Canadian Bar Association Law for the Future Fund, the Community Law School (Sarnia-Lambton) Inc., in cooperation with the Organization for Literacy in Lambton, has created a series of Legal Literacy Activities. This legal literacy activity, one in a series on criminal law, covers basic information for a record suspension or […]

Street Law Smarts

Street Law Smarts fact sheets are intended to assist staff working at agencies serving street youth to help young people with their legal problems. Fact sheet topics include Where to Get Legal Help, Evidence Tips, Leaving Home, Ontario Works & ODSP, Shelters, and more.

Criminal Records and Your Employment

This resource looks at what a criminal record is and how it affects your getting a job, what absolute and conditional discharges are, and what a record suspension is. It includes links to further resources.

How to Apply for a Record Suspension – Video Tutorial

This video tutorial explains how to complete an application for a record suspension step-by-step. Applicants should follow along with a copy of the official Parole Board of Canada Application Guide – there is a link to the guide in this resource.

Record Suspension Self-assessment Tool

This self-assessment tool is meant to help you find out if you are eligible (or need) to apply for a record suspension. It explains eligibility requirements, which offences are not eligible for a record suspension, and whether you need a record suspension at all.

Record Suspensions

On this website, you can learn how to apply for a record suspension (formerly called a pardon), find out who gets to apply and how much it costs, and get other relevant information.

The 10 steps to apply for a record suspension

If you are eligible, have completed all of your sentences, and it is past the waiting period, you can apply for a record suspension. Each of the steps here provides links and instructions.

Tips for Completing a Record Suspension Application (Video)

This video explains that many applications for record suspensions are returned before they can be processed because of missing or incomplete information. It has simple steps to follow to ensure that your application is complete before you submit it. Text of the video is included.

Who can conduct a Criminal Records Check?

This section of the RCMP website explains and lists who can conduct criminal record checks, including police services, companies that perform name-based checks, and accredited fingerprinting companies.