Record Suspension Program

Provides support and assistance to individuals with a criminal record to apply for a record suspension/pardon with the Parole Board of Canada.

We assist you with gathering and completing the documents and forms to complete your Record Suspension/Pardon Application. We will help you find out if you are eligible to apply for a record suspension or pardon with the Parole Board of Canada. If you are eligible, we will help you understand each step of the application process, from getting your criminal record check to the final decision from the Parole Board of Canada.

Who can access our program?
Anyone 18 years or older with an adult criminal record who lives in northwestern Alberta.

How much will this cost me?
Our program is free, and we may be able to support you with costs associated with getting your criminal record check, court documents, and local police record check, as well as the application fee.

What is the Record Suspension Program?
We assist you with gathering and completing the documents and forms to complete your Record Suspension/Pardon Application. We will help you find out if you are eligible to apply for a record suspension or pardon with the Parole Board of Canada. If you are eligible, we will help you understand each step of the application process, from getting your criminal record check to the final decision from the Parole Board of Canada.

The Record Suspension Program is client driven, meaning we guide you through the process of you taking the steps needed to complete your application. Our data shows that the average application takes nine to twelve months to complete if the client is completing the steps in a timely manner. Each application is different and time frames can vary greatly depending on one’s criminal record and the client’s effort to complete each step. Some time frames are within your control, and some are due to delays in systems, such as waiting for court records.

We are pleased to support or start to support your application. And we want you to be aware that the Record Suspension Program will end on March 31, 2027. Depending on when we start to work with you, we may not be able to assist you through the whole process of document collection and completion. You may still be in the middle of the process when the program wraps up. If so, we will return any of your original documents that we have in our files. After March 31, 2027, we will no longer be able to assist you. We encourage you to process your application as quickly as you can, so we are able to support you.

Convicted of simple possession of cannabis?
If you were convicted only of simple cannabis possession, the Cannabis Record Suspension is an expedited or faster process for applying directly to the Parole Board, and our program will support you through each step.

Where can I access services?
We offer support in person at our office in Grande Prairie, or by phone or online.