Top 5 Reasons for Getting a Canadian Pardon: #JustDoIt
We hear a lot of different reasons for people wanting to get their Canadian criminal record pardoned, with more people than you’d expect doing it for a spouse (or their mother). Whatever your reason, it’s never a bad one. A Canadian pardon will change your life for the better.
If I had a dollar for every person who said “I should’ve done this years ago...!!” — It’s always a good time to start, even if you’re not yet eligible. If you’re just not sure how a pardon (aka. a record suspension) would benefit you, here’s a list of the most common reasons:
Canadian pardons for employment: Unfortunately, most jobs today require a criminal record check for applicants/new hires/promotions. Having a criminal record makes it difficult to find employment and can significantly limit the opportunities available to you.
Canadian pardons for volunteering: it could be for your kid’s soccer team/school trip, your local charity, or an event in your community. Many volunteer positions, especially those involving vulnerable populations like children or seniors, now require a clear criminal record check.
Canadian pardons for travel: U.S. border crossing can be restricted if you have a Canadian criminal record. Travel is a big motivating factor for many people to get a pardon; shopping trips, vacations, etc.
Canadian pardons for continuing education: many college and university programs require “on-the-job” placements/internships as part of your degree or diploma. Those positions, and frequently the educational institution, often ask for a criminal record check.
Canadian pardons for peace of mind: arguably the most valuable outcome of a pardon is the mental relief that comes with knowing that your criminal record is pardoned and unable to influence your life any longer. Many clients mention the weight that is lifted once their record has been sealed.
There are other reasons to get a pardon like immigration status, adoption/custody, and setting a good example as a parent, but the bottom line is that whatever your motivation for sealing your criminal record, it’s a good one.
Can we help you decide if now is a good time to move forward with your Canadian pardon application? We hope so! Consultations are free and we’d love to hear from you!