[dropcap]S[/dropcap]ometimes people make dramatic mistakes that hold intense consequences, such as a criminal record or history that drags them down for life. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way, thanks to national pardons and record suspensions.
Your Past Doesn’t Define You
It is a given that everyone makes mistakes, and some of these errors can have dire consequences. A national pardon from the Canadian government is a way to have the slate somewhat wiped clean so that you don’t have your past transgressions hanging over your head or pinned to your chest like a scarlet letter. With a pardon, you can be placed in a more positive light by shedding your “criminal” status and proving yourself to be a citizen with upstanding morals and good behavior. While the crime(s) of your past won’t be ultimately forgiven, they will be pardoned in a way that allows you to live a freer life and not suffer the negative effects of judgment due to a criminal record or history.
Have Your Records Suspended
Speaking of a criminal record, national pardons can also help you have your records suspended so that they no longer define who you are or how you live your life (or how other dictate your life.) In recent years, national pardons have been transformed into record suspensions, which essentially do the same thing. While a record suspension is basically the same exact thing as a pardon, with the name change came an alteration in the way residents apply for it. Technically, you could apply for this process yourself, but with all of the application documents and fees, the fingerprinting, and other procedures, it would be in your best interest to have a professional help you out.
Changes Coming to the Pardon Process
Finally, it has recently been revealed that the government of Canada is making some pivotal changes to the national pardons and record suspensions. The Public Safety Minister is currently reviewing said changes, which could take place shortly and would involve a drastic price hike in the application fee, and maybe some tweaks to the application process and eligibility requirements as well. It is important that you keep track of these changes and stay up to date, especially if you are going to apply for a pardon or record suspension in the future. Keep these things in mind and remember that the National Pardon Centre in Canada has its own website to help you along.
