Record Suspensions - An Overview

Last updated on December 18, 2018

A record suspension does not erase the fact that someone was convicted of a crime. But it does allow an offender who has completed their sentence and demonstrated they are a law-abiding citizen to have the record of a particular crime kept separate from other criminal records.

An offender may have to wait up to 10 years after their sentence has been completed before applying to the Parole Board of Canada for a record suspension. The exact waiting period depends on the sentence. The board can take a record suspension away if the offender no longer meets the requirements for a pardon.

More Information

Visit Record Suspensions (Adult Offender) for more information or see this Parole Board of Canada fact sheet.

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