Level 1 vs Level 2 Criminal Record Checks in Canada: Key Differences & Uses

Criminal Record Checks in Canada: Level 1 vs Level 2

Overview

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.


Level 1: Criminal Record Check (Basic)

Information Included

  • Adult convictions that have not been pardoned.
  • Youth findings of guilt within the retention period.
  • Excludes pending charges, withdrawn charges, acquittals, and pardoned offences.

Typical Uses

  1. General employment screening (non-vulnerable roles).
  2. Basic volunteer roles not involving vulnerable populations.
  3. Immigration and travel police certificates.
  4. Other purposes like rental applications.

Level 2: Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (Enhanced)

Information Included

  • All information from Level 1.
  • Pending charges and outstanding warrants.
  • Judicial orders (peace bonds, probation, prohibitions).
  • Recent discharges (absolute ≤1 year, conditional ≤3 years).
  • Excludes pardoned offences and most non-conviction records.

Typical Uses

  1. Positions of trust or public safety concern.
  2. Professional licensing and permits (e.g., taxi drivers, security guards).
  3. Non-profit roles requiring enhanced screening.
  4. Not acceptable for vulnerable sector roles.

Vulnerable Sector Checks (Level 3)

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.


What does a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) include?
Vulnerable Sector Checks include all Level 2 information plus pardoned sexual offence records when permitted and potential non-conviction disclosures under exceptional disclosure criteria. They are required for positions working with vulnerable populations and involve additional procedures, including fingerprint confirmation.

Comparison Summary

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✔️

Legend

  • 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.


Conclusion

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.


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