Delays in pardons process affects job prospects

Community Action, Sept 20, 2004

OTTAWA -- The National Parole Board refuses almost a third of the applications for pardon mainly because of incomplete paper work errors or ineligibility, according to the National Parole Board Performance Monitoring Report.

Many applicants complain that the process takes longer than the eight to 10 months for routine applications; 20 to 30 months for individuals with multiple or serious Convictions. The delays affect the applicants ability to obtain work or change jobs and to travel.

The NPB, according to National Parole Board Performance Monitoring Report 2002-2003, is placing an even greater burden on applicants requiring a pardon on an emergency basis. Employment purposes, or job-hunting ordinarily does not qualify as an emergency (there are exceptions). A job offer with confirmation from an employer that receipt of a Pardon is a condition of employment is usually accepted. However, attempts to obtain this proof often results in the loss of a job offer once an employer learns an applicant has a criminal record.

A Canadian Pardon, may be granted five years after the end of a sentence seals a Canadian criminal record and protects against discrimination affecting employment, bonding, licensing, certification, travel, volunteering, enrolment in educational institutes and more. A pardon does not guarantee legal entry into the United States--a United States Waiver of Inadmissibility (Travel Waiver) may be required.