The criminal record and the record suspension (the “pardon”)
The essentials
- A criminal record is the list of convictions.
- A record suspension is an administrative process with the Parole Board of Canada, governed by the Criminal Records Act.
- You have to have completed your sentence and wait out a period set by law (as a general rule five years for an offence punished on summary conviction, ten years for an indictable offence).
In short, from this page. Every statement is sourced below.
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A criminal record can weigh on you for a long time (jobs, travel, volunteering). There is a mechanism to reduce its effect: the record suspension, which used to be called a “pardon.” Here is the general picture of the process.
What a record is, and what isn't one
A criminal record is the list of convictions. A discharge is not a conviction (see the guide on discharges). A charge that ends in an acquittal or is withdrawn does not create a record of conviction, even if traces can remain elsewhere.
The record suspension, in general
A record suspension is an administrative process with the Parole Board of Canada, governed by the Criminal Records Act. Once granted, the record is set apart and becomes inaccessible in RCMP files, except in special circumstances.
Eligibility and waiting periods
You have to have completed your sentence and wait out a period set by law (as a general rule five years for an offence punished on summary conviction, ten years for an indictable offence). The exact conditions, forms and time limits are the Board's: that is where to check, because they change.
Where this guide stops
It describes the general process. It does not tell you whether you are eligible or how to fill out your application for your case: follow the Board's official guide, and if you need advice on your situation: legal aid (eligibility based on income), a community justice centre, Juripop, or the Barreau's referral service.
Official sources (consulted July 18, 2026)
Every statement in this guide is backed by an official source. How we verify and correct.
- Parole Board of Canada, “Record Suspension,” on canada.ca
- Criminal Records Act (RSC 1985, c. C-47), on laws-lois.justice.gc.ca
- Éducaloi, article “La suspension du casier judiciaire : obtenir un pardon”
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Reminder: this is general information; it is not information for anyone in particular.