OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 21, 2021 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to removing barriers to the safe and successful reintegration of people with criminal records who have served their sentences and are living law-abiding lives.
Today, the Minister of Public Safety, the Honourable Marco Mendicino, announced that the Government will make record suspensions (formerly known as "pardons") more affordable by significantly reducing the application fee. Starting January 1, 2022, the cost of applying for a record suspension will be $50, reduced from the current cost of $657.77.
The significantly lower fee will improve access to record suspensions, especially for people with lower incomes. Obtaining a record suspension helps to remove the stigma of a criminal record so that people can access housing, employment, education and volunteer opportunities, which are key to their safe and successful reintegration as productive members of society. In this way, record suspensions improve public safety through reduced re-offending and victimization.
In addition, as announced on June 10, 2021 the Government will:
In an effort to further remove barriers to safe and successful reintegration, the Government will continue exploring the automated sequestering of some criminal records for those living crime-free, in consultation with provinces, territories and municipalities, as well as other key criminal justice stakeholders.
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"By lowering the high cost of applying for a record suspension, we are removing a barrier to the successful reintegration of people with criminal records who have completed their sentences and are living law-abiding lives. This is yet another measure the Government of Canada is putting in place to make our criminal justice system more fair and effective, and our communities a safer place for all."
- The Honourable Marco Mendicino, Minister of Public Safety
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SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada