Record Suspension Just a "Funky Name" for Pardon: CEO

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 24, 2013) -

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Despite recent legislative changes which resulted in the word "pardon" becoming "record suspension", Canadians aren't likely to adopt the new terminology in their everyday language, a pardon and waiver CEO said Thursday.

"It's just a funky name for pardon," said Chris Heringer, CEO of Pardon Applications of Canada, a private firm which processes pardon & U.S. waiver applications for Canadians. "The change in terminology has only caused confusion," he added.

On March 13, 2012, the Conservative government passed a controversial Omnibus Crime bill, more formally known as the Safe Streets & Communities Act, which among other changes tweaked the name of a pardon to a "record suspension". The new terminology is supposed to better represent the actual result of a pardon, which is the suspension of a criminal record held separate from publicly visible charges.

But some feel the true reason for the change was an attempt to show more respect to the victims of a crime, who may not feel that their offender should ever be "pardoned", a term which implies complete exoneration.

Whatever the reason, Heringer noted that the term "pardon" is likely to remain the common vernacular, whereas the meaning of a "record suspension" is somewhat ambiguous.

"Canadians understand the concept of a pardon. It suggests forgiveness -- a fresh start," said Heringer. "And those are two of the most common reasons that an individual with a criminal record decides to take this step."

Other changes in the pardon process as a result of the 2012 Crime bill included stricter eligibility criteria and longer wait periods. For example, an individual with a criminal record containing a summary conviction must now wait a minimum of five years following completion of any court imposed penalty (such as fines, jail time or probation) before applying. Previously, it was three years.

In addition, offenders of a sexual nature against minors are now permanently ineligible to apply for a record suspension, with only a few exceptional circumstances.

Heringer suggested that french speaking Canadians have proven a change in pardon terminology won't necessarily be integrated into everyday language, even after the passing of time. As evidence, the most correct french term for a pardon is "demande de rehabilitation", but instead it's more commonly referred to as "demande de pardon".

"Sometimes in an effort toward political correctness in our language, I wonder if we go too far," said Heringer.

It is estimated that more than 5 million Canadians have a criminal record. Individuals can find out whether they qualify for a record suspension by obtaining a free qualification email report, available on the Pardon Applications of Canada website, http://www.pardonapplications.ca.

"Call it a pardon, or call it a record suspension. Whatever your choice, it still remains an important opportunity for closure and peace of mind for Canadians seeking forgiveness and a second chance at their criminal record," said Heringer.

"But we still think the word pardon is simple, concise language."

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