Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the transformative benefits of a pardon. If you’ve ever found yourself burdened by a past criminal record, this article is here to shed light on the incredible ways a pardon can positively impact your life. From enhancing employment prospects to restoring personal liberties, we explore the seven key advantages that a pardon brings, empowering you to embrace a brighter future free from the limitations of your past. Discover how a pardon can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and rebuilding a life filled with hope and possibility.
7 Ways a Pardon Could Benefit Your Life
by Eugene Ohotnikov, Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada
A pardon can give you a new beginning. It can help you to move on from your past and to start fresh. A pardon can show that you have learned from your mistakes and that you are now a law-abiding citizen. Despite certain attempts to reduce discrimination, having a criminal record can still make life much more difficult. Fortunately, pardons in Canada provide a way out for those on file in the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) who have completed their sentences and shown themselves as law-abiding citizens. Here are 7 ways a Pardon could benefit your life by having your criminal record removed from CPIC.
No Discrimination At Employment & Financial Freedom
The provinces have individual legislation related to criminal record-related discrimination at employment. For example, according to the Human Rights Code of Ontario, an employer can refuse an applicant with an unpardoned criminal record. Meanwhile, in British Columbia, an employer can refuse to employ or continue to employ a person only if he or she was convicted of an offence that is related to employment. Since various provinces have different rules, it is essential to discuss each individual case with an expert. Meanwhile, getting a Pardon would ensure equal employment opportunities no matter the province.
Having a criminal record can limit employment opportunities, resulting in financial instability and hardship. However, a pardon can significantly improve your economic outlook. It removes the barriers that a criminal record presents when seeking employment, opening doors to better job prospects and higher-paying positions. With increased access to stable employment and higher wages, you can achieve greater financial stability. A pardon can provide the means to support yourself and your family, reduce financial stress, and pave the way for a brighter financial future.
Reducing the Risks when Crossing the U.S. Border
A criminal record can be a serious obstacle when travelling abroad and especially when crossing the U.S. border. A border patrol agent could refuse entry for travellers who have been fingerprinted and have a criminal record even if the criminal charges had been dropped. Although a Pardon in Canada does not guarantee legal access across the U.S. border, it is considered a positive reformative step by Customs & Border Protection. However, for most criminal records (whether Pardoned or not), a U.S. Entry Waiver may be required.
Removing Obstacles to Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Filing an application for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency includes many steps, including filling the forms and making required submissions. Meanwhile, having an unpardoned criminal record would decrease the chances of having the application approved. It is advisable to proceed with citizenship or permanent residency application in Canada only after a Pardon has been obtained.
Passing Rental Background Check
When renting a property, the prospective tenants are expected to fill in a rental application form. In most cases, such an application will presume to answer a question about a criminal record. The landlords, the condominium board, or the community may be reluctant to have a tenant with an unpardoned criminal record which would make the application not eligible. Getting a Pardon would provide the benefit of keeping the criminal record separate from other criminal records. When the Pardon is granted, the criminal record is removed from CPIC and becomes inaccessible to landlords and rental boards.
Better Chances to Receive Child Custody or Adoption
Criminal records are especially preventive when it concerns child custody or adoption. The presence of a criminal record may be considered evidence of the parent’s unlawful character and impede chances of obtaining custody rights or application for visitation. Having an unpardoned criminal record also seriously decreases the chances of getting adoption rights and becoming a foster parent. It is advisable to receive a Pardon before applying for adoption in Canada or considering child custody rights.
Improving Your Loan Profile
As borrowers are trying to cut down their risks, they are increasingly unwilling to issue loans and mortgages to lenders with criminal records. They may even refuse to provide a mortgage if a spouse of the applicant is on file with local police. Getting a Pardon would improve the loan profile and increase the chances of having the application approved.
Removal of Stigma in the Community & Restoring Your Right to Vote
Many of those with criminal records, especially when living or working in smaller communities, are concerned about criminal record-related stigma, and they have the grounds to do so. Other community members may be wary of those with a record on file, trying to avoid and exclude them. It may further prevent taking part in community activities and volunteer work, affecting the quality of life and ability to socialize. Having the criminal record removed after a Pardon is granted comes with the most important benefit of peace of mind, allowing the individual to participate in the community without looking back to the past. Also, in some cases, a pardon can restore your right to vote. This is especially important if you have been convicted of a felony, as many states disenfranchise felons from voting. A pardon can show that you have been rehabilitated and that you are now a law-abiding citizen.
The benefits of a pardon are truly transformative, offering individuals a chance to reclaim their lives and pursue new opportunities. By eliminating the burden of a criminal record, a pardon opens doors to better employment prospects, enhanced personal relationships, and increased peace of mind. It is a legal avenue that empowers individuals to leave their past behind and embrace a brighter, more promising future. Whether it’s restoring one’s reputation or regaining eligibility for certain privileges, a pardon provides a second chance at success and a fresh start. Explore the remarkable benefits of a pardon today and embark on a journey of personal growth and redemption.
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About the Author
Eugene Ohotnikov is a Research Analyst with Pardon Applications of Canada and legal copywriter on a broad array of subjects including family law, estate planning, immigration, taxation, real estate, conveyancing, startups, and more. Eugene holds a Master’s degree in law. During his career, Eugene has developed legal content for law firms and clients from the US, Canada, China, Singapore, and Malaysia.
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