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Pardon service in Brandon

Pardon service in Brandon

Bugman
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Bugman
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Pardon service in Brandon
7/22/2019 at 1:08 PM

Is there any Pardon service in Brandon?
KCTurf
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 81

KCTurf
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 81

Pardon Service
7/22/2019 at 1:59 PM

All the info you are looking for can be found here:

https://www.commissionaires.ca/en/manitoba/service/individual/record-suspension-pardon
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Brandon Pardon Service
7/22/2019 at 3:14 PM

Hi,
Yes we can help you out with that. How long has it been since your conviction? Over 5 years?

www.brandonjohnhoward.ca
Bugman
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Bugman
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Pardon service in Brandon
7/22/2019 at 4:31 PM

Yes it's over 5 years
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Next question! :)
7/23/2019 at 8:49 AM

OP,
This might get too personal for this forum but I will keep my answers as generic as possible.

After completing all of your sentences, you must have completed a waiting period:
• 5 years for a summary offence (or a service offence under the National Defence Act).
• 10 years for an indictable offence (or a service offence under the National Defence Act for which you were fined more than $5,000, detained or imprisoned for more than 6 months)

And not all convictions are eligible for a Pardon (official term is a records suspension)

www.brandonjohnhoward.ca for more information
Bugman
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Bugman
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Pardon service in Brandon
7/23/2019 at 10:14 AM

My waiting period of 5 years is already completed. its tough getting all the forms and other relevant papers together so I need professional help.
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Bugman - I know it!
7/23/2019 at 4:24 PM

Yes, there is a lot to it. Its like taxes, sometimes getting all the right stuff together in the right order is the biggest challenge!

Like life - its simple just not easy

Bill C-93 made that easier for people with simple cannabis possession charges - some things were streamlined in the "expedited" side of the bill.

Take a look at our website - it has some more info and you can connect with us. Dont let a little hard work getting a pardon separate you from a better job or travel opportunity.

https://brandonjohnhoward.ca
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

US Entry Waiver
7/24/2019 at 8:38 AM

Great point Ghostid.

Yes as a sovereign nation the US has their own standards and processes - frustrating for sure. They require an Entry Waiver. Customs and Border Protection have a ton of info on the process ( https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/760/~/applying-for-waiver-person-entering-into-the-united-states-with-criminal)

We can help people in applying for an Entry Waiver in addition to a Pardon. When you read the above citation (looooong I get it) you can see the value in getting a Pardon prior to applying for an entry waiver.

This is not an over night solution - in fact CBP calls it lengthy.

http://brandonjohnhoward.ca
Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Good to know there are resources right here....
7/24/2019 at 5:13 PM

It is very good to know that there are resources right here in Brandon to assist with the pardon process.

So many times its a challenge if programs like this are 2 hours away.

Is there an office I can steer people towards where they can meet with someone in person to learn more or a session or seminar people can sign up for?
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Interesting thought!
7/25/2019 at 8:54 AM

With the passing of Bill C-93 ( https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/news/2019/06/bill-c-93-no-fee-expedited-pardons-for-simple-possession-of-cannabis.html )

We anticipated a greater need - but had never considered a seminar or open advertising per se.

Usually everyone's situation is different and might not be something they wish to discuss openly in a public session, but we will consider it.

Yes, we are the only service between Regina and Winnipeg for this. I'd suggest you tell anyone interested to give us a call 204.727.1696 or check out our website http://brandonjohnhoward.ca
G_Reid
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

G_Reid
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Costs
7/26/2019 at 10:44 AM

So a two part question:
1) what costs are involved in getting a pardon?
2) what if someone can’t afford the fees? Is there anyway these costs can be absorbed?

A neighbour in my small community can not cross the boarder due to an impaired driving record. We are 20 minutes from services in the States, but 70 minutes from services such as groceries and medical etc in Canada
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Hey G_Reid
7/26/2019 at 4:19 PM

There are costs associated when you apply for a Records Suspension (Pardon) with the Parole Board of Canada, currently the rate is $631.00. With Bill C-93 in place this fee is waived.

Before you get to that stage what ever jurisdiction you live in may charge for completing a Criminal Records check, Finger Printing and/or court documents.

To apply with the US CPB is $585 USD.

The private companies in Regina and Winnipeg will set their own rates to assist you in completing your application - I do not know exactly how they come up with their fees so you will have to check with them.

Because we are a not for profit we have chosen to adopt the cost recovery model considered fair and used by other John Howard Society offices, 250

If a criminal record is an obstacle to employment for your friend EIA may entertain this expense on a case by case basis. But contact them first before starting on the process.
Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

can you tell me
7/26/2019 at 4:34 PM

RossRobinson said "OP,
This might get too personal for this forum but I will keep my answers as generic as possible.

After completing all of your sentences, you must have completed a waiting period:
• 5 years for a summary offence (or a service offence under the National Defence Act).
• 10 years for an indictable offence (or a service offence under the National Defence Act for which you were fined more than $5,000, detained or imprisoned for more than 6 months)

And not all convictions are eligible for a Pardon (official term is a records suspension)

www.brandonjohnhoward.ca for more information "
can a person who committed murder get a pardon?
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

JasonBisonBear, this should generate conversation!
7/27/2019 at 7:23 AM

A person convicted of murder CAN APPLY for a pardon is the short answer. There is no guarantee of one being granted.

I took a look at the last two years and the Parole Board reports that no Pardon (records suspension) were granted for murder.

The long answer is:
You can apply for a records suspension after 5 years waiting period for a summary offence, 10 years for a indictable offence (murder falls in this category) This article explains it with more context ( https://www.lawintoronto.com/record-suspension-eligibility-procedure-benefits/ ).

Note:
An person is not eligible for a pardon if they were convicted for:

· a Schedule 1 Offence (offence involving a child) under the Criminal Records Act: or

· more than three (3) offences prosecuted by indictment, each with a prison sentence of two (2) years or more.

There is no guarantee of a pardon being granted, and an applicant has the right to one appeal of the decision.

http://brandonjohnhoward.ca for more info

Edited by RossRobinson, 2019-07-27 07:24:03
Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

Johnbisonbear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 4183

that's disgusting!
7/27/2019 at 8:38 AM

RossRobinson said "A person convicted of murder CAN APPLY for a pardon is the short answer. There is no guarantee of one being granted.

I took a look at the last two years and the Parole Board reports that no Pardon (records suspension) were granted for murder.

The long answer is:
You can apply for a records suspension after 5 years waiting period for a summary offence, 10 years for a indictable offence (murder falls in this category) This article explains it with more context ( https://www.lawintoronto.com/record-suspension-eligibility-procedure-benefits/ ).

Note:
An person is not eligible for a pardon if they were convicted for:

· a Schedule 1 Offence (offence involving a child) under the Criminal Records Act: or

· more than three (3) offences prosecuted by indictment, each with a prison sentence of two (2) years or more.

There is no guarantee of a pardon being granted, and an applicant has the right to one appeal of the decision.

http://brandonjohnhoward.ca for more info

Edited by RossRobinson, 2019-07-27 07:24:03"
To me there should be no pardon for someone who murdered a human being but we do have a lot of bleeding hearts in this country!! It's as bad as Tori Stafford's killer going to that healing lodge. How do you heal after you murder someone? Especially a young girl like Tori?

To me, a murderer has to ask forgiveness every single day they are still living on this earth.
G_Reid
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

G_Reid
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Pardon service in Brandon
7/27/2019 at 9:39 AM

Is it true that regardless of having a pardon the US boarder security does not have to let you in?

I’ve heard that people who have admitted to cannabis use are being denied entry into the US even though it’s legal in Canada
RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

G_Reid,
7/28/2019 at 9:08 AM

A pardon doesn't mean that your conviction has been swept under the table it just means that its record is no longer accessible (the new name Records Suspension speaks to that). It still exists, as does the record of the conviction on the databases with those who the Canadian Government shares information with. A record suspension removes a person's criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means that a search of CPIC will not show that the individual has a criminal record or a record suspension. This helps them access employment and educational opportunities and to reintegrate into society.

So.... Canada might share conviction information with the US, and vice versa A records suspension will not impact the US database. Other nations may maintain databases based on what you have declared previous times crossing the border - or in other venues.

If you told CBP that you had been convicted of cannabis possession and been denied entry previously, you can be pretty much guaranteed that CBP has maintain a record of that. Always best to tell the truth at the Border as the agent has absolute discretion of permitting or not permitting entry. If you lie, and they know it - I cannot see the agent waving you in and welcoming you to America.

http://brandonjohnhoward.ca

Edited by RossRobinson, 2019-07-28 09:12:16

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Advantages of a Pardon?
7/30/2019 at 11:15 AM

In light of the comments about the border process it sounds like for those who are needing/wanting to cross the border a pardon would be a positive thing.

I am curious as to what other advantages or benefits there might be to working through the process of getting a pardon?

Bass-ic
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 217

Bass-ic
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 217

My take...
7/30/2019 at 1:17 PM

A pardon and a waiver are 2 simple procedures to do if done correctly. One has to be patient as thy do take quite awhile to process. You basically need a pardon before the USA will process a waiver application.
If the pardon and or the waiver are not granted there is no refund. To answer your question as to why to get it done...it will simply change your life!

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Well said Bass-ic
8/2/2019 at 6:14 AM

"it will change your life"

People say that receiving their pardon increased/improved their ability to get work, or to improve their work situation. Some jobs need you to be bonded and a criminal record will impact that. Most professional bodies will not permit membership if you have a criminal record.

Landlords in Brandon are now asking for a criminal record check when they are considering tenants. With Brandon's current rental property shortfall, Landlords call the shots.

On the "softer" side of life, a criminal record could impact in family court - so child custody consideration are impacted. Foster parenting and adoption are also impacted by a criminal record. And some times unwise decisions while we are growing up can be pretty embarrassing to explain to our children or others.

Often people think about the ability to travel to the US which is pretty trivial when you consider some of those ideas I have listed above. You dont have to drag along your history every where you go like a badge of dishonour. The Record Suspension (Pardon) process gives us all an opportunity to move on.

The only draw backs are the hassle and the price tag. We can help with the hassle side of things.

Like Bass-ic said so succinctly, IT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE

http://brandonjohnhoward.ca

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

New online Pot Pardon?
8/4/2019 at 7:27 AM

With the new online Pot Pardon process having been announced this week does this change anything for the program at John Howard Society?

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Expedited Cannabis Pardons...
8/5/2019 at 4:04 PM

Hi Mike,
Great point. This link explains what its all about.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/uwindsor-prof-says-canadians-shouldn-t-expect-more-cannabis-possession-pardon-changes-1.5235480

The Federal Government has implemented recommendations arising from Bill-C93 where people convicted of a simple Cannabis possession ( AND NOTHING ELSE can apply online for their pardon. After researching we determined that there are very few simple possession convictions out there as in the last 10 years +, law enforcement agencies didn't pay too close attention to that charge. But heck, if thats you go online.

All other convictions need to go through the standard process - which is where we feel we can help out the most anyway.

Anyway, keep the questions coming or go online at http://brandonjohnhoward.ca

Every situation is unique.

G_Reid
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

G_Reid
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 3

Process
8/8/2019 at 10:38 AM

How long does the process take?

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

Time......
8/9/2019 at 10:51 AM

Hi,

We break it down in to three bits:

Preparation - This is the applicant getting all the appropriate documentation together. Depending on how organized they are this could take approx 10 hours spread out over visits to the courthouse and police service for criminal records checks and finger printing.

Execution:
We will need approx 4 hours broken down into 2 separate visits

Deliberation:
The Parole Board of Canada says it is 5 months for a summary conviction, for an indictable offence it is 12 months.

Simple Cannabis possession charges are now done online - we have no experience with that but it sounds pretty fast . It is Canada's expedited process.

for more information click on
http://brandonjohnhoward.ca and we might have answers to other questions there.

Getting a pardon is very very doable. And it will change your life - as mentioned above.

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Mike Waddell
Joined: This month
Posts: 70

Helping a friend understand......
8/16/2019 at 9:48 AM

As I read and re-read the information at the links you have shared I am working to assist a friend who has questions about the difference between a pardon and a record suspension. I am having a challenge understanding and explaining the difference if there is any? Thanks in advance.

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

RossRobinson
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 15

asking for a friend, cute :)
8/19/2019 at 8:49 AM

Hi,
So, there was a gigantic shift if pardons in 2013 in response to public opinion. No longer will a record be cleaned as the term pardon infers,

“Changes to the federal pardons system all stem from the 2010 revelation by The Canadian Press that serial predator Graham James, a former junior hockey coach, was quietly granted a routine pardon in 2007. Mr. James has since been convicted of historic assaults on two other young hockey prospects under his influence, and his pardon galvanized public opinion behind changes to the pardons system.

Parliament quickly and unanimously agreed in June 2010 to more thorough investigations of applicants to ensure a pardon would not "bring the administration of justice into disrepute."

Globe and Mail, 13 January 2013 New Rules make for massive drop in Pardons.

To replace pardons and ensure people are able to move on from their poor decisions Parliament introduced "records suspension"

"A record suspension removes a person's criminal record from the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. This means that a search of CPIC will not show that the individual has a criminal record or a record suspension."

So when applying for jobs, professional designations, volunteer work or any occasion which would trigger a criminal records check, convictions which previously would be revealed would no longer be view-able.

For more info you can go to
http://brandonjohnhoward.ca or
https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board.html

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