Good News: the $50 Canadian Pardon Application is Back

UPDATE **As of January 1, 2022, the Pardon filing fee has been reduced to $50.00**

Maybe.

Here we go again. The government wants to be the “good guys”; smells like an upcoming election to me. Regardless of their motives however, this is GOOD NEWS (if it actually happens, I won’t hold my breath). An affordable pardon is so very necessary, especially as it relates to rehabilitative efforts. Once pardoned, individuals can get back to work with an increased number of job opportunities, enrol in education programs involving workplace internships (placements), and experience the improved mental health the associated peace of mind allows. Cheaper Canadian pardons benefit everyone.

When we talk about affordable Canadian pardons we are referring to the Parole Board (government) processing fee. The fee has increased exponentially over the years, to its current cost of $657.77. This fee has unfortunately made it financially impossible for many potential applicants to apply BUT, the federal government is tabling legislation to make it not only less expensive, but also easier, to apply. The goal? To undo some of the damage done by Stephen Harper’s Conservatives and roll-back recent fee increases put into place by the Liberals (they’re not innocent in this).

Bill C-31 would return the filing fee to “as low as” $50 again, as well as shorten the required waiting periods (following your conviction) to be eligible to file for the pardon. My fingers are crossed that accessibility to pardons is prioritized, and this bill passes. In the meantime, we aim to keep our application costs low in comparison to others in the industry and will do our best to guide you in the right direction if you choose to proceed on your own.

Let’s hope for the $50.00 Canadian pardon making its return.

It’s about damn time.

The Suspend This Team