5 Facts You Might Not Know About Doing a Background Check in Canada

Getting an offer for your dream job in Canada is excellent news. But, first, the business might need to do a background check.

A background check in Canada is the process of an employer verifying information, such as:

• Criminal record
• Employment history
• Credit checks
• Identity verification

Many people get nervous about this and even head to Reddit for a quick solution:

“Very worried about a criminal background check for my dream job with a third party company.” – Reddit.com

Well, you’re in the right place to know all about Canadian record checks.

Here are five facts you need to know, before doing background checks in Canada.

This ensures the process is respectful to both you and your employer.

Fact #1: There Are 3 Common Types of Background Checks

Background checks have a significant effect on hiring. In Toronto alone, over 60% of employers need record checks for their employees.

The three common types of background checks are as follows:

Criminal Record Checks

The RCMP maintains the National Repository of Criminal Records, and criminal record checks examine that repository to see if you have a criminal history.

Searching for a criminal history is not always necessary — some instances may disqualify you from standard checks.

The table below sums up these situations for you:

If your situation calls for these record checks, then get verified fingerprints from an accredited fingerprinting company and send them to the RCMP with a request letter for a criminal background check.

Criminal record checks take either:

• Three business days or less, if there is no criminal record match.
• 120 business days, if there is a possible criminal record.

You can contact Instant Record Check to facilitate the process.

The RCMP issues a certified Clearance Letter once the search is complete, showing:

• A summary of your criminal convictions (if any).
• Outstanding warrants, charges, or probation orders.
• Findings of guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
• Absolute and conditional discharges.

Lastly, send your results to your local Canadian police station for final verification.

Police Information Checks

Your local police station does these types of checks. It gives information on any non-conviction criminal information — including charges, warrants, and probation orders.

Get your Police Information Checks (PIC) done online by:

1. Visiting your local police station website.
2. Filling out the form and submitting it in person with your national identification documents.

It takes up to 10 business days for a complete PIC.

Did you know? PIC and criminal background checks are the same. RCMP criminal background checks are certified and valid for almost every situation.

Vulnerable Sector Checks

Working in the vulnerable sector involves providing essential services in places such as a:

• Hospital
• Daycare
• Elderly Care Facility

These services are voluntary, so an employer needs your permission to do any record checks.

By doing so, they can ensure that you’re a trustworthy candidate during the hiring process.

Here’s what shows up in a vulnerable sector criminal record check.

Fact #2: Canadian Background Checks Can Be Done From Abroad

Background checks shouldn’t stop you from applying for your dream job.

You need to visit your local police station or a verified company to get a copy of your fingerprints, and submit them to the RCMP’s Canadian Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS).

You should:

• Have your fingerprints taken and submit a copy to CCRTIS.
• Verify your information and pay the processing fee.
• Provide information on where you’re a candidate for employment or volunteering.

Fact #3: When it Comes to Who Pays for Criminal Record Checks in Canada, Know that it May Not Have to Be You

Depending on where you apply for your criminal record check there will be different price points. Typically you will have to pay for your own criminal record check but there are some circumstances such as volunteering where you may be able to get the fee waived.

Fact #4: A Criminal Record Check Should Be Non-Discriminatory

Canadian law protects you from discrimination during background checks based on the following:

• Pardoned or suspended criminal offences
• Race
• Gender
• Age
• Ethnicity
• Marital status
• Disability
• Sexual orientation

During the interview, you should only answer questions relating to the job and your capacity as a candidate.

Any questions touching on the above topics should be avoided.

Here’s how to respond to record checks when you have a criminal history:

Legal experts recommend that this is how you respond to these questions as a potential candidate:

“Can you please explain to me how this applies to my performance of the job?”

“My [family status] does not affect my ability to perform this job.” 

“I’d prefer not to answer this question unless there is a particular reason why it is relevant.”

Fact #5: Your Right to Privacy Matters at All Times

A criminal background, police check, and credit check are all invasive processes. So, when you give out your information for background checks, it should be completely protected.

To safeguard your privacy during this process, ensure that:

• You know your future employment role and what it involves.
• You give written consent to use your information for background checks only.
• The questions interviewers ask relate to the job position.

Complete Your RCMP Criminal Record Check Today

Conducting criminal history checks is easier than it looks. However, police service websites may not give you the instant outcome you need.

Our brand name says it all — Instant Record Check provides immediate, convenient, and reliable background check solutions.

We pride ourselves on getting your background checks done without any delay. After sending your information to the RCMP, we do everything we can to lessen the burden and update you along the way.

Get your criminal record check done today with our affordable services.

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