Criminal Record Check Canada: A Guide for HR Professionals
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If you’re an HR professional, you must create a safe and trustworthy workplace for your team. However, navigating the screening regulations and requirements in Canada can take time and effort.
We’ve created this guide to help you stay compliant when screening so you can build a reliable team the right away. In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from background checks’ importance to HR professionals’ role in ensuring safe workplaces.
What is a Criminal Record Check (CRC)?
A criminal record check, commonly shortened to a CRC, is a formal process that involves obtaining information from government databases about an individual’s criminal history. In Canada, this kind of screening is often mandatory for specific positions like education, health care, law enforcement, and when volunteering.
While the procedures may differ from country to country, a CRC in Canada aims to ensure the safety of people and provide employers with relevant information to make more informed hiring decisions. However, all this extra screening must be done with privacy in mind – there are laws and regulations that govern accessing and using this information.
Can I check my criminal record online in Canada?
If you’re a citizen of Canada, you can access your own criminal record. Fortunately, accessing it has become even more accessible thanks to technology. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) maintains an online service called the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) that stores all criminal record records.
This platform holds current information about convictions, charges, and pardons nationwide, and the type of check you run will disclose all or some of this. It’s worth noting that this service only covers offences in Canada. To extra information from this source you must be a Canadian citizen or have permanent residency.
If you want to skip a manual record retrieval, online platforms like MyCRC provide a reliable and secure option for individuals looking to review their history.
When should employers in Canada conduct CRCs?
The CRC is one of the most common background checks run. You’ve likely been asked to complete a background check as part of a condition for employment. Depending on the field you’re in, some employers must conduct this check on employees by law.
Whether mandated or not, by performing these background checks, employers can make more informed hiring decisions and prevent potentially harmful situations.
Who is eligible for a CRC, and how do you apply for one?
Canada is a country that takes great pride in upholding the rule of law and protecting its citizens from prohibited activity. Various measures, including CRC, have been implemented to screen individuals for past unlawful behaviour. Again, anyone can apply to access their CRC, but the process differs depending on the purpose of the review.
It’s crucial to follow the proper procedures and provide all necessary documentation to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the application.
What are the potential implications of not completing a CRC as an HR Professional?
As a human resource (HR) professional, it’s crucial to understand that your role is not only critical to the success of your organization but also comes with significant legal responsibilities. Chief among these is the requirement to complete a Canadian CRC on all job candidates before hiring.
Failure to do so can have severe implications for you as an HR professional and the organization you represent.
At the same time, on the job, whether minor or severe, the lack of a proper CRC could result in lawsuits, lost clients, and damaged reputation. Therefore, taking the Canadian CRC seriously and ensuring completion with each hiring decision should remain a top priority for any HR professional.
Critical Considerations for Compliance Concerning CRCs in Canada
Maintaining compliance with Canadian regulatory requirements is a serious consideration for businesses in today’s ever-changing regulatory landscape. When it comes to conducting clinical research, this is particularly true.
Conclusion
Ultimately, HR professionals must know the expectations when it comes to running a CRC in Canada. While anyone can request their CRC in-person or online, when used for employment purposes, it’s extra important to understand the rules and requirements.
From navigating laws around hiring individuals with a criminal history to ensuring that all data collection policies and procedures are compliant is essential for businesses.
