A Record Suspension (formerly a pardon) allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record sealed to the public. A Record Suspension can assist you in obtaining new employment opportunities and higher paying jobs. Many employers will not hire an individual who has a criminal record. If you obtain a Record Suspension you can apply for a Nexus card as individuals with a criminal record do not qualify. A Record Suspension can result in less scrutiny at the US Border.

As of March 2012, the Criminal Records Act was amended to longer issue Pardons. Pardons have now been replaced with the Record Suspension. The change was initiated by the tough on crime attitude of the Conservative government that Canadians should no longer be forgiven for their criminal activity.

• Record Suspension: Having your criminal record sealed and not visible to the public
• Pardon: Being forgiven for past criminal activity. Now known as a Record Suspension.

With the change of terms also came changes to the eligibility requirements to get what is now called a Record Suspension. Before applying for a Record Suspension in Canada you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Summary offences you must wait 5 years from the completion of your sentence
• Indictable offences you must wait 10 years from the completion of your sentence

Limits of a Record Suspension:

• Does not erase a criminal record
• Does not guarantee entry or visa privileges to another country;
• Suspended records of former sexual offenders are flagged in CPIC in order to conduct a vulnerable sector check should they apply to work or volunteer in such a sector.