How long does the process take?

Depending on how quickly we receive requested documents from the RCMP, courts, local police and the Parole Board of Canada (PBC), the process to prepare your file takes approx. 10-24 months. Please remember that your file can only be submitted to the PBC once you have reached your statutory eligibility date.

Once a Pardon is granted, who can see that a criminal record existed?

All information pertaining to convictions will be taken out of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) and may not be disclosed without permission from the Minister of Public Safety Canada. This applies only to records kept within federal departments and agencies. However, many of the provincial and municipal law enforcement agencies cooperate by restricting access…

Am I able to challenge a denial?

If the Parole Board of Canada (PBC) proposes to deny your Pardon they will do so in writing and give you 60 days to provide written representation addressing the proposal (Pardons Canada will assist you in this process). The PBC will take your representation into account and the board will make a decision based on…