Government running parallel pardon systems in two provinces

December 19, 2017
AllCleared has obtained a legal opinion that determines it is “legally unacceptable” to allow the residents of two provinces to apply for pardons under different rules than those in the rest of the country.
Individuals convicted prior to 2012 in BC and Ontario can apply under the rules that were in place prior to the passing of the “Safe Streets and Communities Act”. This means their wait time is reduced and they will receive a pardon instead of a Record Suspension. This was confirmed to us in an email sent by the Parole Board of Canada on October 27, 2017.
AllCleared has been a leading advocate for persons with criminal records since being formed (originally as Pardon Services Canada) in 1989. One in eight Canadians has a criminal record which impacts the ability to find work, volunteer in the community, apply to certain educational programs and travel. Most of these charges are relatively minor and, most often, they occur early in one’s adult life.
Many of our clients were affected when the law was changed retroactively in 2012. Azmairnin Jadavji, president and CEO of AllCleared, has issued letters to Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada (attached), Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety, and the Parole Board of Canada calling on the government to remove these transitional provisions and allow all Canadians affected by the retroactive changes, to move forward with their applications until such time as the government passes its anticipated reform to the system as a whole. The retroactive application of these changes has been found to be unconstitutional by two provincial superior courts.
About AllCleared: Originally formed in 1989, under the name Pardon Services Canada, AllCleared was the first company specializing in helping Canadians get back on track through pardons and US Entry Waivers. AllCleared has been an advocate on the national stage raising awareness about the importance of rehabilitation-focused public policy and working with non-profit organizations. In 2015, the Lift the Burden campaign was formed to encourage the government to act on pardon reform.

Read our letter to Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould