CCLA's Report on Police Records Checks

This press release provides a summary of CCLA’s 2014 report False promises, hidden costs: the case for reframing employment and volunteer police record check practices in Canada. The report argues that Canadians are being needlessly excluded from educational, volunteer and work opportunities based on irrelevant information disclosed on police record checks. The report questions the value of widespread police record checks and shines a light on the damaging individual and societal consequences of current practices. search report that examines current questions on the topic of religious freedom and its intersection with equality. The report first sets out a framework that guides the analysis before focusing on three specific areas: religious freedom and the rights of LGBT individuals, religious freedom and reproductive rights, and religious freedom as expressed in appearance. Through the examination of a sampling of key cases, the authors strive to articulate principles and recommendations that can guide advocates and policymakers towards a rights-based resolution of these debates.

What Is Disclosed In a Record Check? 

Record checks are increasingly used in the hiring process, and gaps in legislatures allow these checks to disclose information well beyond criminal convictions. This information may include:

  • Mental health apprehensions
  • Police records of suicide attempts
  • Complaints where charges were never laid
  • Withdrawn charges
  • Acquittals
  • Victim and witness information
Press Release

Download a copy of our press release, with a summary of our recommendations.

DOWNLOAD THE PRESS RELEASE
Report Recomendations

Governments should:

  • Introduce legislative and policy measures to prohibit the disclosure of non-conviction records;
  • Establish a centralized, evidence-based vulnerable sector screening process that incorporates human rights and privacy safeguards;
  • Recognize that it is in the public interest to support individuals with criminal records to find employment, and eliminate unjustifiable record check requirements mandated by legislation, government contracts, government policies, funding agreements, etc.; and
  • Amend legislation to ensure all Canadians enjoy the same levels of privacy and human rights protection in the workplace.

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