To contact the Canadian Senate, go to:
http://www.parl.gc.ca/SenatorsMembers/Senate/SenatorsBiography/isenator.asp

On February 8, 2012 Minister Toews signed off on the pardon user fee increase. This measure has been in the works for over a year.

Express Pardons Canada had the opportunity to speak out against this user fee increase to the Senate Standing Committee – The full pardon fee presentation is viewable here.

Ainsley Muller of Express Pardons had this to say in response: “We are extremely disappointed in the Conservative government’s decision to nearly quadruple the fees for pardons in Canada, in a rushed manner and without proper consideration for the significant public outcry against this. We understand the negative impact that this fee increase will have on millions of Canadians and pledge to work towards supporting them in adjusting to the new prices and getting the pardons that they deserve. We take the position that while the government has turned their back on the needs of 1 out of 7 Canadians, Express Pardons will continue to make it a priority to truly assist them.”

The bottom line on this fee increase? By the parole boards own numbers shown here, this user fee increase will serve to complete half as many pardons, at four times the cost, and up to six times slower than before! Express Pardons believes this to be counter-productive. An opinion, which has been supported by overwhelming statistics, including the fact that over 96% of pardons ever granted remain in effect. This means that the pardon system is a great incentive to not re-offend keeping Canada’s streets safe while allowing these individuals to once again positively contribute to society.

About Express Pardons Canada: Express Pardons provides the fastest pardons in Canada. Assisting Canadians to get a second chance, Express Pardons works with the Parole Board of Canada to petition for a pardon on a client’s behalf. With extensive knowledge of the pardon process and established relationships with Police and Court officials, the Express Pardons team delivers a rapid application process with a 99% success rate

When applying for work in the US as a Non-US citizen, there are two important questions to ask yourself. “Have I ever had any issues with US Immigration?”. “Do I have what I need to avoid complications at the border such as a Waiver USA?”

Let’s face it in today’s economic world, jobs are scarce and competition for employment is high. It’s no wonder so many un employed citizens are looking outside of their own country for job opportunities. That being said, it is vital to your job search that you consider the locations you are applying to carefully, and are prepared in advance for the request of an interview. This is especially so in the event that US immigration comes into play.

Learn from others misfortunes, do your research, and have a Waiver USA in hand if you need one. Imagine this scenario; After months of searching you finally get a call back and request your presence for an interview next week. The opportunity is amazing and the pay

Waiver USA: New Employment Possibilities

is great. You have planned your entire trip, rearranged your schedule, booked your hotel and flight and are ready to go. You check in at the airport and head straight through to US Immigration. As you approach the counter and hand over your passport, the US Immigration officer begins to ask you a series of questions. Before you know it they have directed you to their interrogation room for further questioning. You have no idea what this is all about until one of the officers bring up the DUI you received over five years ago which has left you marked with criminal record. Because of that small DUI charge, the officer on duty decides to deny you entry into the US today.

With a Waiver USA or perhaps a Pardon, also known as a record suspension, this would likely not have occurred. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence when travelling to the US, where border officials can deny you entry for any reason they see fit, justified or not. If you have ever had an issue with US Immigration and plan on traveling through again; even if only on a connecting flight, then it is highly recommended that you look into a Waiver USA. It could truly make the difference of landing and important job, or walking away empty handed.

Express Pardons specializes in USA Waivers and Pardon applications. To find out more simply call 1-866-416-6772 or visit www.expresspardons.com

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Have you ever been charged for an offense without conviction? Did you know that whether or not you were actually convicted, there may STILL be a police record of the incident on file that may appear during background checks? Fortunately, there is a way to have these records destroyed.

What you will need is a record purge. It approved, your record purge will clear your non conviction information from any searchable systems, including background checks. Any fingerprints and photographs previously submitted to the Canadian Police Information Centre are recalled to the originating police and destroyed. You will know once this process is approved and completed by way of written confirmation. Once your records are destroyed from the CPIC, the police and provincial courts are notified to close their corresponding files from public access. This process will ensure that once it is complete, you

Records Destroyed - An Important Step In Your Employment Search

will no longer need to worry about your non-conviction record turning up in any criminal record checks, including background checks during your employment search or any other clearances.

Why might someone want to have their records destroyed?

This is likely most common in the area of employment search where background checks have become increasingly popular among employers. In addition, background checks can also used during applications for volunteer work, work visas and sometimes even for rental housing. Someone may not even know they have a police file created until it appears during one of these checks.

The process of having your Records Destroyed

The initial process of applying for the purge only takes 5 minutes to complete and can be done over the phone or online. After some basic information is attained, the research can begin to develop the purge strategy that is right for you. With a specialty service like the one offered by Express Pardons, all required documents will be prepared for you and mailed or emailed to you for signature.

You will also be required to provide a photocopy of two pieces of ID; one which includes a photo, as well as a set of fingerprints.

Once received, Express Par dons will build a relevant petition on your behalf, and depending on the police, may require some further supporting documents from you. The petition will include the following two components: One to affect the recall and destruction of your Federal Identification file, and one to affect the closure of your local police file. Where appropriate, Express Pardons may also make a submission to the Provincial court to have a court record closed to the public.

Let Express Pardons help you get your records destroyed. Dial 1-866-416-6772 or visit www.expresspardons.com today.

Soon to be formerly known as a pardon, the newly labeled ‘record suspension‘ aims to achieve a similar result though certainly falls short. For starters, the term ‘Pardon’ suggests forgiveness or dismissal of a minor criminal act. It is suggested that the offender has in time ‘paid their dues’ and thus, should be able to free themselves of their past mistake(s). The term ‘record suspension’ does not. This reads well across the board when looking at the new regulations to be set in place regarding the soon to be ‘record suspension’, and the new legalities around how one can get a record suspension.

How easy is it currently to get a record suspension for your criminal record?

First you need to make sure you are eligible:

Currently, the waiting period for summary offenses are 3 years from the completion of your sentence, and 5 years for an indictable offense. The National Parole Board also considers fines to be apart of your sentence so the period of wait time eligibility begins once you have also paid all fines tied in with your sentence. In addition you will also need to show you have remained in good conduct. Once this period is complete and your fines are

Get A Record Suspension

paid in full, you are eligible to apply for the pardon of your criminal record.

What will the process to get a record suspension be like once the new omnibus crime bill passes into law?

Eligibility wait times to get a record suspension for a summary offense will increase from 3 years to 5 years, and the eligibility waiting period for an indictable offense will increase from 5 years to 10 years. Also, individuals whom have been convicted of 4 or more indictable offenses will no longer be eligible for a record suspension, and those convicted of a Schedule 1 offense will no longer be eligible for a record suspension at all.

The way things have been rolling, the new Bill C10 will become law by March.16 2012. The good news for you is there is still time to get your pardon application in before these changes take effect making clearing your criminal record a much harder task. To speed up this process we highly recommend contacting a pardon specialist such as Express Pardons to handle your pardon application. Gives us a call today at 1-866-416-6772 or visit www.expresspardons.com to find out more.

What exactly is a record purge and why would anyone consider applying for one?

A record purge removes any evidence of a charge on one’s Canadian Criminal Record when a person was charged for a crime, but in the end was never convicted. These are charges that will always come to light during background checks.

It is important to note that a record purge and pardon are very different as different government agencies are responsible for the removal of these records, thus the record purge application requires an entirely different process from a Canadian Pardon. The federal and local police services, as well as the provincial courts must all be contacted and petitioned with a formal request in order for the files and records to be destroyed.

When you allow a record purge professional to handle your application, a petition will be prepared on your behalf which aims to destroy:

• Fingerprints and Photographs
  

  The Record Purge

• Arrest Records/ Local Police Files

• Records of Withdrawn Charges or Stayed proceedings

• Records of Acquittals

• Conditional and Absolute Discharges given prior to July 1992

• Court Records of Conditional and Absolute Discharges

These types of records will often surface during record searches and background checks which can affect everything from ones employment search, to volunteer work and even travel.

Why get a record purge?

When a purge is complete, your non conviction information is removed from all searchable systems and destroyed, as well as any fingerprints and photographs submitted to the Canadian Police Information Centre including negatives, which are recalled to the originating police station for termination. Once the purge process has been completed you will receive a written confirmation of their destruction. This means you will no longer need to stress over the possibility of background checks.

Think of it this way, whichever way you cut it, when you were arrested the police took your fingerprints. Then, when you attended court the prosecutors, judge, clerks and anyone else involved in this capacity all generated documents with your name on them and even though you were not convicted, those files remain in the system long after the date of the incident. By the time your record has been purged there will no longer be a federal nor local police file of the incident, no court file and no trace of your photographs and fingerprints…All evidence will have been destroyed, and your name will be cleared! Your name will never again come up during background checks and no one will ever know of your incident again.

Not guilty = Not guilty. However let’s face it; whether we like it or not someone will still raise an eyebrow if they see you were arrested at all, and why bring attention to something like when it can clearly be avoided. Don’t sweat background checks again and feel the new freedom that comes along with applying for the job you want, traveling where you want and volunteering for whom you want.

Express Pardons has record purge specialists available right now to assist you with your application. simply call 1-866-416-6772 or visit www.expresspardons.com for further information

US border officials do not take this issue lightly, and neither should you. Whether traveling to the US for pleasure or work- Make sure you have the proper documentation that is required. A USA Waiver could be your ticket to hassle free travel in the US, especially if you have ever had a criminal record in Canada or the United states, you’ve been banned entry to the US for 5-10 years to life, you were ever deported, or denied entry to the US for whatever reason.

Why a USA Waiver?

First of all, a USA Waiver can only be granted by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency. It is a legal document which allows a person entry to the United States when they would otherwise be denied. Once your waiver package has been approved, you will receive a letter of affirmation and an I-194 document. Both documents constitute your U.S. entry waiver and must be presented when entering the United States. These legal documents

USA Waiver - Canadians and Travel in the US

are highly recognized by all US border officials and though you may be subject to a minor 5-10 minute inspection, by the end you will freely be able to enter the US.

You do not need to apply for a new USA Waiver every time you want to enter the US. The entry waiver is valid for multiple entries to the United States from 1-5 years and must be renewed before its expiry date to continue hassle free US travel.

Another great point in having a USA Waiver is that once you have been granted one, you may also then apply for a FAST or NEXUS Card which will make your ground travel into the US a much quicker affair. Long border lineups will no longer be an issue for you. Now that you have your FAST or NEXUS card you can easily bypass other travelers and take fast lane entry.

It is very important however that your entry waiver application be completed exactly. Any errors will result in the application being inadmissible, and will need to be completed again. This will be more costly and result in a much longer delay of receiving your entry waiver. This is why it is highly recommend to have a waiver professional handle your entry waiver application on your behalf. Express Pardons specializes in United States waivers and help you get your application started today.

For more information please visit www.expresspardons.com or call 1-866-416-6772 to speak to a Waiver representative.

Having a pardon granted can change the way you celebrate your holidays.

Have you ever dreamed of enjoying a warm Holiday season with your loved ones? Sitting on a beach instead of enduring the wet winter cold? Walking around in sleeveless shirts and board shorts instead of layers of sweaters and balaclavas? This is a common fantasy for many Canadian citizens though of course not everyone can create this reality. This especially holds true for those whom have yet to seal their criminal records; however having your pardon granted can get you one step closer.

For Canadians with criminal records, having a pardon granted can open an entire new scope of possibilities that were previously out of reach. Job searches made easier as well as your ability to be bondable, volunteer work with children or seniors, easier acceptance to many educational programs, and of course the ability to enter or travel through the United States. Plan your next holiday in Hawaii, Florida or Vegas! The ability to seal criminal

Pardon Granted: Happy Holiday Travel

records is a luxury that should not be taken lightly, as the option to do so may soon change so dramatically that many; by force of either financial strain under new associated costs or eligibility changes that will no longer allow them to, will find themselves left scratching theirs heads as to why on earth they didn’t apply when they had the chance.

Getting a pardon granted for a criminal record may never be as easy and accessible as they are right now. The Omnibus Crime Bill has recently passed in The House of commons, which means it has become one step closer to being finalized. This will mean heavy handed changes to the entire pardon system as we know it making it far more difficult for anyone trying to apply for a pardon. With the possibility of these changes taking effect as early as March 2012, we urge all Canadians with criminal records to begin their application as soon as possible.

Call Express Pardons today at 1-866-416-6772

Pardon Legislation Changes in Bill C 10

The following changes will be made to the Canadian pardon system once Bill C 10 is passed into law:

• Pardons will become Record Suspensions
• Eligibility wait time for a Record Suspension for a summary offence will increase from 3 years to 5 years
• Eligibility wait time for a Record Suspension for an indictable offence will increase from 5 years to 10 years
• Those individuals convicted of 4 or more indictable offenses will no longer be eligible for a Record Suspension
• Those individuals convicted of a Schedule 1 offence will no longer be eligible for a Record Suspension

To see the entire Bill C 10 go to: http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Docid=5124131&file=4

Contact Express Pardons to get your pardon application underway before any legislation changes are made. Call 1-866-416-6772 or visit www.expresspardons.com for more information.

Increase your chances of employment with record destruction.

With cutbacks, layoffs and company downsizing, many employees even after years of loyalty are now finding themselves in the unfamiliar territory of searching for new employment. And for those with a criminal record this can prove to be an unyielding experience.

Past convictions even from 5-10-15 years ago can resurface during background checks, which have become commonplace for employers hiring in today’s labor market. Without a

Record Destruction Can Bury Old Convictions

record destruction your criminal record will turn up in any search able database including background checks during a job application process; which for someone seeking new employment can be absolutely detrimental to your chances of being hired.

Why Record Destruction?

For anyone with a criminal record, record destruction is a means to new hope. A way out of the past into a future free of restriction. A way to begin living again without the risk of past convictions resurfacing to haunt you over and over again.

Enjoy the freedom of applying for jobs you truly want without the fear of your record appearing in background checks. Travel as you wish without running the risk of being stopped at the border due to a criminal record for and old conviction. Volunteer for positions that were out of your reach while your criminal record was search able. Be bondable to employers who require it.

Life becomes much simpler once your criminal record has been eradicated. Trust a professional service provider such as Express Pardons to handle the destruction of your record. Simply call 1-866-416-6772 to find out if you are eligible or visit www.expresspardons.com more information.