Every business wants to make sure their workers, customers, and the public are safe. One way this is done in Canada is through criminal record checks, which are an important part of the hiring process. Let’s talk about what these checks are and why they’re important, especially in important fields like transportation and healthcare.
Different Kinds of Background Checks for Criminal Records
In Canada, there are three main types of criminal record or background checks:
1. Check of Criminal Record (CRC): This is the most basic check that the local cops do. It lists the charges and sentences that a person has, which are part of their criminal record. It doesn’t, however, include details of charges that are still being considered or people who have not been convicted.
E-PIC stands for “Enhanced Police Information Check.” They are usually asked for jobs that need a lot of trust, like police or security jobs. An E-PIC has information about the CRC as well as ongoing charges, probation orders, and records of people who have not been convicted.
3. Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC): This check is only done for jobs that involve children, the old, or people with disabilities who are likely to be hurt. It includes details about the CRC as well as any records of sexual crimes the person has committed.
Businesses that need to check criminal records
Because of the nature of their job, the following fields are more likely to ask for criminal record checks:
1. Healthcare and Social Services: Because they work with sensitive people, nurses and social workers often need CRCs and sometimes VSCs.
2. Education and Childcare:
People who work directly with kids, like teachers and daycare workers, usually need CRCs and/or VSCs.
3. “Getting Around”: CRCs are generally needed for jobs that involve public safety, like driving long-haul trucks or running public transit.
4. Finance and banking: People who work with private financial data often have to go through CRCs.
5. Law enforcement and safety: For jobs in this field, thorough background checks, usually E-PICs, are the norm.
6. The government: Due to the secret nature of government work, workers may have to pass full CRCs.
Pay attention to the transportation and healthcare industries
These fields are very important to Canada right now, and they also offer a lot of job chances for people who want to move there. Healthcare and transportation jobs are in high demand across the country. Programs like category-based Express Entry draws try to bring in skilled immigrants who can help Canada’s job market.
For example, recent draws have given more weight to candidates with experience in healthcare or transportation jobs. This is because Canada is trying to fix worker shortages in these areas.
Criminal record checks are an important way to keep Canadian businesses and communities safe. Knowing how important they are, especially in fields like healthcare and transportation, not only makes sure that people follow the rules, but it also helps make places safer for everyone.
