One notable advantage of data centralization by the RCMP is that HR leaders can now access criminal record checks data on a national level. While these checks are standardized nationally, there are some provincial nuances to be aware of.
Explore our list of links to provincial criminal record check pages to learn how your business can leverage criminal background checks at the provincial level and understand any specific nuances that may apply to your province.
Most provinces offer four types of criminal background checks:
Name-Based Criminal Record Checks (NBCRC): A basic check for applicants seeking to work or volunteer in organizations not involving children or vulnerable adults. It uses names and birthdates to search the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) for a summary of criminal convictions and findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable disclosure period.
Certified Criminal Record Check (CCRC): Uses fingerprints when a name-based check cannot identify an individual based on name and birthdate alone. A fingerprint search of the National Repository of Criminal Records is conducted by the RCMP’s Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).
Police Information Check (PIC): Used for employment or volunteer services not involving children or vulnerable adults. It reveals criminal convictions, outstanding criminal charges, warrants, and other judicial orders. This check can also be applied for when outside of Canada by verifying identity with a local police force or the nearest consulate.
Police Information Check - Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS): Required for those seeking employment or volunteer roles involving children or vulnerable adults. It includes criminal convictions, outstanding charges, warrants, other judicial orders, non-convictions, and files where the applicant was a bona fide suspect in a substantiated offence. It does not include unsubstantiated allegations and is only valid within Canada.
While most provinces offer the above four types of checks, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador have specific differences.
Ontario offers:
Level 1: Police Criminal Record Check (PCRC): A basic check for those seeking employment or volunteer roles not involving children or vulnerable adults, including a criminal convictions summary and findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable disclosure period.
Level 2: Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC): Includes the PCRC and a search of outstanding entries and charges, such as judicial orders, peace bonds, probation, prohibition orders, and absolute and conditional discharges.
Level 3: Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVS): For those seeking employment or volunteer roles involving children or vulnerable adults, including information from the CRJMC and PCRC, and charges resulting in findings of not criminally responsible due to mental disorder and pardoned offences authorized under the Criminal Records Act.
Newfoundland and Labrador offer:
Criminal Record Screening Certificate (CRSC): Includes criminal convictions from CPIC and/or local databases, summary convictions for five years when identified, and findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable disclosure period.
Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): For those seeking roles involving children or vulnerable adults, including a check for convictions of sexual offences listed in the Criminal Records Act and pardoned offences.
No matter the type of CRC requested, customers can rely on us to provide complete, secure, and accurate data directly from the RCMP. Our CRCs are available 24/7 and online, allowing access from anywhere in Canada.
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