This bill changes how criminal records are managed in Canada. It introduces rules for when and how a criminal record can expire or be removed. People convicted of crimes may be able to have their records expire after a certain time, which can help them move on from their past. The bill also updates rules about record suspensions, pardons, and how records can be shared or kept private. It affects various laws and government agencies, including the Criminal Records Act, the Criminal Code, and others. The goal is to give people a second chance after they have rehabilitated, while keeping public safety in mind.
If you have a criminal record, this law might help you have it expire after a period of good behavior. For example, if you were convicted of a crime, you could apply after a certain number of years to have that record removed from official systems. This could make it easier to get jobs, housing, or travel abroad because your past conviction might no longer show up. The bill also protects your privacy by limiting who can see or use information about expired records. For young people and those who committed minor offences, there could be shorter wait times before records expire. Overall, if you or someone you know has a criminal record, this law could change how long it stays active and how it is used.
The fiscal note states that the government expects some costs for implementing the new rules about record expiry and suspensions. These costs include updating systems, training staff, and processing applications. The bill will likely require extra money to manage the change but specific total costs are not provided in the available information.
Supporters say this bill helps people rebuild their lives after serving their sentences. It allows criminal records to expire, which could reduce barriers to employment and social reintegration. They argue it promotes fairness and rehabilitation, giving individuals a chance to fully move on from past mistakes when they demonstrate good conduct. Supporters also believe that updating rules for record sharing and privacy protects people's rights and improves the justice system's fairness.
Opponents raise concerns that making records expire might make it harder to keep the public safe. They worry that expired records could be used to hide past dangerous behaviour. Some also fear that the bill could lead to inconsistencies in how records are managed across different agencies. Critics note that the government has not provided detailed costs, and there are questions about whether the changes will be properly enforced. They argue that the safety of the community should come before allowing records to expire.