A pardon allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records.
To apply for a pardon you must have completed your sentence (including parole), have paid any fine or financial penalty, completed any probation period, have served a required waiting period, demonstrate that you are a law-abiding citizen, and other criteria may apply.
The completed pardon application must include a certified copy of the criminal record obtained through the Royal Canadian Mounted Police’s Criminal Records and Pardoned Criminal Records – Personal Information Requests program, a record checks performed by local police, proof of conviction, if a conviction does not appear in the criminal record, court records, which only apply to confirm pardon eligibility or provide proof of payment of all fines, and a certified military conduct sheet, if applicable. There is a user fee for processing a pardon of $150.
For more information and to obtain a pardon application form and guide visit the Parole Board’s web site at www.pbc-clcc.gc.ca