New Year New You? Why that Cliché is Meaningful

We’ve all heard the phrase “new year, new me” repeated come January like clockwork; generally associated with a laugh or an eye-roll. However, as we (hopefully) emerge from the covid-19 pandemic, this saying takes on a whole new and valuable meaning, especially for those with a criminal record.

The world that we live in has changed, and for many that change involved the loss of a job as the pandemic took a toll on Canadian businesses. Having to face a job search after years in the same position is now more common than ever, and criminal record checks in Canada are still a factor in employment vetting of applicants.

Over the years in the Canadian pardon field, we’ve often been asked “What kind of a job can I get with a criminal record?” or “Will I not get hired because of my criminal record?”. Unfortunately, the number of employers these days that do not require a background check are few and far between, and it is completely up to the discretion of the individual employer whether or not they are willing to look past your record once they become aware of it.

The best way around awkward questions, disappointment, and the stress associated with the stigma surrounding Canadian criminal records, is to let 2022 be the year that you embrace “new year, new me” and apply for a Canadian pardon to clear your criminal record.

Once you have a Canadian pardon your criminal record, for all intents and purposes, does not exist. Potential employers won’t see it, they won’t know that you’ve received a pardon, and you legally do not have to tell them about your criminal history. You have a clean slate, a fresh start, and can apply for jobs knowing that your past won’t stand in your way. You’ll be on an even playing field with other applicants, as nobody will know that you have an arrest or conviction from before.

New Year’s resolutions are usually BS, but make the one you’ve made to clear your Canadian criminal record a reality this year. Maybe you don’t need to seek employment currently, but you never know what the future holds. Be prepared and embrace a “new you” regardless of how corny that might sound; it’s better late than never.