What is a Record Suspension

A Record Suspension (formerly called a pardon) does not erase the fact that you were convicted of a crime, it only stops that information from being shared. This helps people with criminal records access employment and educational opportunities. All information about the conviction will be taken out of the Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) and cannot be released without approval from the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness of Canada.

A Record Suspension has no effect on prohibitions such as restraining orders, firearm restrictions, and driving restrictions. Most provincial and municipal criminal justice agencies also limit access to their records once they are told that a Record Suspension has been ordered.