Record Suspension (Formerly Pardons)

A record suspension, issued by the Parole Board of Canada, allows eligible individuals to have their Canadian criminal record kept separate from public criminal record databases once all sentences have been completed and a law abiding period has passed.

The Saanich Police Department can assist with one step of the record suspension process by completing a Local Police Information Check, when required.

Do You Need a Lawyer or Representative?

You do not need a lawyer or paid representative to apply for a record suspension. Using one does not speed up the process or give your application special consideration.

The Parole Board of Canada reviews all applications the same way.

For step by step instructions, refer to the Record Suspension Application Guide on the Government of Canada website.

Overview of the Record Suspension Process

There are several steps involved. In general, the process includes:

  1. Confirming your eligibility through the Parole Board of Canada
  2. Obtaining your certified criminal record from the RCMP in Ottawa
  3. Completing a Local Police Information Check in each police jurisdiction where you have lived during the last five (5) years
  4. Submitting your application to the Parole Board of Canada

The Saanich Police Department is involved only in Step 2, if applicable.

Step 1: Obtain Your Criminal Record from the RCMP

If you are eligible to apply, your first step is to obtain a certified copy of your criminal record from the RCMP in Ottawa.

Once processed, the RCMP will mail you your certified criminal record (or a confirmation of no criminal record).

Step 2: Local Police Information Check – Saanich Police

You must complete a Local Police Information Check for each police jurisdiction where you have lived in the past five (5) years.

The Saanich Police Department completes Local Police Information Checks only for files located within the District of Saanich.

Required Documents

To request a Local Police Information Check for a record suspension, you must submit all of the following:

  • A completed Local Police Information Check Form (available in the Record Suspension Application Guide)
  • A clear photocopy of your certified criminal record issued by the RCMP in Ottawa
  • One piece of government issued photo identification
  • A contact phone number for the applicant
  • The required processing fee (by MasterCard, Visa, Debit, Cheque or Cash)
  • If using a representative:
    • Written consent allowing us to communicate with them
    • A direct contact phone number for the representative

IMPORTANT: Applications received without all required documents cannot be processed.

Identification Requirements

Acceptable government issued identification includes:

  • Driver’s licence (any province)
  • BC Services Card or provincial ID card
  • Passport (any country)
  • Citizenship card
  • Military ID
  • Status card
  • Birth certificate
  • Health care card

Submitting Your Application to Saanich Police

Completed Local Police Information Check applications may be dropped off in-person or mailed.

IN-PERSON DROP OFF:

Applications can be dropped off at the Saanich Police Front Desk, between the hours of 0830 to 1130 and 1230 to 1530, Monday to Friday, exclusive of statutory holidays.

MAIL:

Applications can be submitted via mail to:

Attention: Records
Saanich Police Department
760 Vernon Ave
Victoria, BC
V8X 2W6

After Your Local Police Information Check Is Complete

Once you have received completed Local Police Information Check, you must submit it to the Parole Board of Canada for final review.

The Saanich Police Department does not make decisions on record suspension approvals.

More Information

For eligibility requirements, application forms, and detailed instructions, please visit:

Parole Board of Canada – Record Suspensions
1 800 874 2652
https://www.canada.ca/record-suspensions

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