In Canada, criminal background checks are categorized by levels based on the depth of information they reveal. A Level 1 check, officially called a Criminal Record Check, is the most basic. A Level 2 check, known as a Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check, is more comprehensive.
Is a Vulnerable Sector Check Necessary?
A Vulnerable Sector Check includes a Basic or Standard criminal record check, along with a search for any relevant record suspensions (formerly known as “pardons”) related to sexual offences.
However, as of March 13, 2012, changes introduced by Bill C-10 to the Criminal Records Act made individuals convicted of sexual offences against minors ineligible for record suspensions.
As a result, the Vulnerable Sector Check may not be a reliable tool for screening individuals working with vulnerable populations, since one of its key components—sexual offence pardons—no longer exists.
Feature |
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
Convictions shown |
Yes |
Yes |
Pending charges |
No |
Yes |
Judicial orders |
No |
Yes |
Discharges |
No |
Yes |
Pardoned offences |
No |
No |
Primary uses |
General screening |
Enhanced screening |
Vulnerable sector adequate |
No |
No |
Method |
Name-based via police/online |
Name-based via police/online |
Below is a summary table of which type of background check is typically required for various roles in Canada. Please note these are guidelines only— Employers will determine the specific check required.
Position or Occupation (Employer may set different requirements) | Criminal Record Check (CRC) | Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) | Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) |
---|---|---|---|
School Teacher or Teaching Assistant (on hire or placement) | ✔️ | ||
Office worker | ✔️ | ||
Social Worker | ✔️ | ||
Daycare Worker | ✔️ | ||
School Bus Driver | ✔️ | ||
Taxi Cab Driver | ✔️ | ||
Taxi Licensing | ✔️ | ||
Municipal Licensing | ✔️ | ||
Ride-sharing | ✔️ | ||
Retail Worker | ✔️ | ||
Personal Support Worker | ✔️ | ||
Factory Worker | ✔️ | ||
Food Vendor | ✔️ | ||
Minor Sporting Coach | ✔️ | ||
Scout Leader | ✔️ | ||
Hospitality (bars, restaurants, hotels) | ✔️ | ||
Tenant for rental property | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Youth Worker | ✔️ | ||
Nursing/Retirement Home Worker | ✔️ | ||
School Crossing Guard | ✔️ | ||
Landlord/Superintendent | ✔️ | ||
Security Guard | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Bank Teller | ✔️ | ||
Immigration/Permanent Resident | ✔️ |
CRC = Criminal Record Check
CRJMC = Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check
VSC = Vulnerable Sector Check
Note: The above is a guideline only. Requirements may differ based on province, organization, or employer policy.
The Level 1 Criminal Record Check provides a basic overview of conviction history, suitable for general screening. The Level 2 Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check adds pending charges, judicial orders, and recent discharges, making it ideal for higher-trust roles and professional licensing. Neither includes pardoned offences; those are only revealed through a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) when legally required.