If a pardon or a discharge was granted

A candidate who was found guilty of an offence for which he was granted a pardon or a conditional or absolute discharge can be admitted to the Basic Training Program in Police Patrolling.

For the candidate to be admitted to the program following a conditional or absolute discharge, the record must have been sealed. The timeframes for sealing as set out in the Criminal Records Act are as follows:

  • More than one year has elapsed since the offender was discharged absolutely;
  • More than three years have elapsed since the day on which the offender was ordered discharged on the conditions prescribed in a probation order.

Decision rendered by the Quebec Court of Appeal on August 19, 2009, in École nationale de police du Québec v. Robert, 2009 QCCA 1557 (in French only) 

Decision rendered by the Supreme Court of Canada on August 1, 2008, in Montreal v. Quebec (Commission des droits de la personne et des droits de la jeunesse), [2008] 2 R.C.S. 698; 2008 SCC 48.

Youth Record

A candidate who was found guilty of an offence under the Youth Criminal Justice Act can be admitted to the Basic Training Program in Police Patrolling if

  • he has served his whole sentence (including the period of probation); and
  • if his youth record is sealed or destroyed (end of the applicable period provided for in section 119 of the Youth Criminal Justice Act).

This candidate is then deemed to have never been accused or found guilty. For more information on the matter, refer to the Department of Justice Canada. 

The above information is of general nature and is at your disposal without any warranty, notably in regard of its accuracy or its expiry. This information must not be construed as a legal advice or opinion.