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 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 support you through each step of the application process, from getting your criminal record check to the final decision from the Parole Board of Canada.
Record Suspension Program
- Available to adults who live in northwestern Alberta
- In person, phone and online support, or through outreach in rural and remote communities
- Free support through all the steps to obtain a record suspension/pardon
- Financial assistance for fees involved in collecting your records and applying to the Parole Board of Canada
Connect with the Record Suspension Program
More information:
Grande Prairie and Area
780-228-5329
rspgp@johnhowardgp.ca
Northern Alberta
780-228-6162
rspnorth@johnhowardgp.ca
Download our Record Suspension Program Information Brochure
Our program’s goal is to reduce financial and other barriers to record suspension applications for eligible applicants.
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 will 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 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 support you through each step of the application process, from getting your criminal record check to the final decision from the Parole Board of Canada.
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 or virtually from our offices in Grande Prairie and Peace River, or through outreach to your home community, including First Nation and Metis communities.
Waiting Periods, Criteria and Eligibility
Waiting Periods
- 5 Years – Indictable offence(s)
- 3 Years – Summary offence(s)
Waiting Periods
- 10 Years – Serious personal injury offence (within meaning of Criminal Code), an offence with a sentence to a prison term of 2 years or more, and an indictable Schedule 1 offence (within the Criminal Records Act)
- 5 Years – any other indictable offence and a Summary Schedule 1 offence
- 3 Years – Summary offence (excluding Schedule 1 offences)
Waiting Periods
- 10 Years – Indictable offences
- 5 Years – Summary offences
- *No wait periods for individuals convicted of only simple possession and cannabis