Criminal Record Checks

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Not all background checks are created equal. Obtaining a complete picture of a candidate’s criminal history is more difficult than you may think. As a leader in the background screening industry, Sterling Backcheck conducts thorough criminal record checks for corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals to promote a culture of trust and safety across Canada.

What is a Criminal Record Check?

A criminal record check is a crucial part of a robust screening program for many organizations. This is particularly the case where a role involves working with vulnerable populations or positions of trust, and may include roles for employers within education, healthcare, financial services, and government organizations. In Canada, there are three levels of criminal record checks available.

Types of Criminal Record Checks

Finding the right candidates that fit your organization’s culture can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get in touch with our experts to create a program tailored to your company’s unique needs and industry requirements.

The Standard Canadian Criminal Record Check refers to a search of one or more criminal convictions in the National Repository of Criminal Records, which is managed by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The National Repository stores adult convictions for which no pardon or record suspension has been granted.

Also known as a Police Information Check or Judicial Matters Check, the Enhanced Police Information Check provides a deeper dive into candidates’ criminal history. This service includes both a level 1 criminal record check and a Local Police Information (LPI) search of other criminal convictions and judicial matters as reported by local police jurisdictions.

The Vulnerable Sector Check includes both level 1 and level 2 searches, as well as a search for sexual offences listed in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act subject to a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon). Organizations may require it to fill positions that involve working with children and other vulnerable persons. View whitepaper.

Simple and Secure Criminal Record Checks

Criminal record checks are processed in three easy steps.
  1. Place an order securely and easily through our online platform, an integrated API, or your applicant tracking system (ATS).
  2. The candidate receives an email invitation to complete a background check and provides the required consent and personal information, then verifies their identity online.
  3. Sterling Backcheck processes the criminal record check through our police partners, with forgery-proof results typically available within minutes.

Flexible ID Verification Options

Identity verification is required to complete a Canadian Criminal Record Check. Help your candidates complete this step quickly and easily with our convenient and flexible identity verification options.
  • Candidates’ verification can be done electronically (from any computer) by answering a few knowledge-based authentication (KBA) questions.
  • Developed by Canada’s major credit bureaus, eIV is used by most major financial institutions, and even by Canada Post.
  • Recognized under the “Know your Customer” regulations, eIV is a suitable countermeasure against fraud and money laundering.
  • Information is cross-referenced with personal details provided by the candidate, such as their date of birth and address history.
  • Should they fail the process (often due to limited credit history), the candidate will be directed to Sterling Backcheck’s offramp identity verification options.
With this simple and convenient biometric solution, candidates can verify their identity anytime, anywhere, from any device.
Our advanced technology is combined with our background screening expertise to authenticate candidates remotely.
Candidates follow simple step-by-step instructions to upload a picture of themselves and their ID. Facial recognition technology then matches the candidate’s selfie to the photo on the identity document. An algorithm is used to analyze and authenticate the proof of identity.
Verified anywhere in Canada by visiting the nearest participating Canada Post location.
  • Candidates can print the form or download it on their phone, and visit the nearest Canada Post outlet.
  • Canada Post scans the barcode located on the form and verifies the candidate’s identity using two pieces of appropriate ID.
  • Once verified, the Canada Post clerk sends confirmation directly to Sterling Backcheck.
  • Sterling Backcheck then conducts the Criminal Record Check and delivers results securely to your password-protected account.

Global Criminal Background Checks

Sterling Backcheck is able to provide International Criminal Record Searches in over 240 countries and countless jurisdictions worldwide. The process, turnaround time, and cost will vary depending on the jurisdiction.
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Compliance Considerations

Privacy by design
Our processes are designed to facilitate compliance with federal and provincial privacy and human rights legislation. Our criminal record checks are provided in partnership with numerous Canadian police services and based on information maintained by the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC).
Thought leadership
Sterling Backcheck’s team of in-house experts provide white papers, webinars and other resources to help you navigate a complex and always-evolving regulatory landscape. Check out our Compliance Hub to stay up-to-date on the latest compliance updates.
Industry involvement
Sterling Backcheck is a member of the Digital ID & Authentication Council of Canada (DIACC) and the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA). Our experts regularly weigh in on public policy questions involving privacy and industry best practice.

Have additional questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Criminal Record Check Questions.
Read our FAQs

Get Started with Criminal Record Checks

Get a complete picture of your candidates’ criminal histories with our compliant and customizable criminal record check solutions. Click the option that best describes you.

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