CA and MI Public Record/Court Access Information

Canada Council Resources

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PBSA in Action
Regulatory and legislative letters advocating for PBSA interests and responses to government organizations requesting PBSA input

News and Updates
Industry news to know about

Member Expertise
Volunteer-produced resources

Public Resources
Key web sites for those working in the industry, such as regulators (Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Canadian Human Rights Commission, etc.)

PBSA Member Resources
Information to help PBSA members get the most from their membership


PBSA In Action

October 24, 2022
Canada GRC Submission
Automatic Sequestering of Criminal Records
August 10, 2022
Canada Position Statements - August 2022
Data Privacy & Security and Responsible Use of Criminal Records
August 20, 2021
Canada GRC Submission - Alberta Privacy Reform August 2021
Canada GRC Submission - Alberta Privacy Reform August 2021
August 3, 2021
PBSA Canada Council Submission - Ontario Privacy Consultation
PBSA Canada Council Submission - Ontario Privacy Consultation
September 28, 2020
Ontario Privacy Reform
PBSA Canada Council's letter to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services regarding Reforming Privacy in Ontario's Private Sector
September 24, 2020
PBSA Canada Council Commentaires sur le Projet de loi no 64
PBSA Canada Council Commentaires sur le Projet de loi no 64
September 24, 2020
PBSA Canada Council's Comments on Quebec's Bill 64
English translation of the PBSA Canada Council's comments on Quebec's Bill 64

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News and Updates

May 17, 2022
Canada Council: Quebec Privacy Reform (Bill 64): Highlights for Background Screeners
Quebec's Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information, also known as Bill 64 (referred to here as the "Amending Law"), became law on September 22, 2021. It amends a number of laws, most notably the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (referred to here as the "Privacy Law"). Its provisions affecting private companies have a two-step implementation period, with the first set of changes taking effect on September 22, 2022, and the remainder taking effect on September 22, 2023. We have highlighted provisions that will take effect in 2022 and may impact the way PBSA members operate their businesses should they be subject to Quebec law, or if they have customers that are subject to Quebec law.
May 10, 2022
PBSA Canada Council: Government Relations Update on Bill 96
PBSA Canada Council: Government Relations Update on Bill 96, An Act respecting French, the official and common language of Quebec
January 20, 2021
PBSA Canada: Ontario Consumer Reporting Act Reform
The PBSA Canada Council's Government Relations Committee submitted comments on the Ontario Consumer Reporting Act Reform.
December 14, 2020
PIPEDA Bill C-11 Summary
The PBSA Canada Council Government Relations Committee has drafted on the recent changes proposed to PIPEDA under C-11.

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Member Expertise

May 22, 2023
Criminal Checks in Canada - Global Learning Center
Track: International | Presenters: Rhonda Fairweather, First Advantage Canada; Michelle Leblond, PlusOne Solutions | This program explores criminal checks in Canada and the laws surrounding them.
May 22, 2023
Criminal Checks in Canada - Handout - Global Learning Center
Handout for Criminal Checks in Canada.
January 30, 2023
PBSA Global Vocabulary
This document describes the common terms, abbreviations, and acronyms used in the background screening industry.
July 16, 2021
PBSA Canada: Policy Considerations for Background Screening Service Selection
The PBSA Canada Council has created a resource for members and their end users in Canada to refer to when creating or updating their screening programs. The document highlights considerations when building a background screening policy, determining which searches to include in a screening program and considerations when evaluating results, specifically adverse information.
August 6, 2020
Credit History Searches Canada - Global Learning Center
Track: International | Presenter: Lia Chan, First Advantage | This program explores the various different Credit History Searches in Canada.
August 6, 2020
Credit History Searches Canada - Handout - Global Learning Center
Handout for Global Learning Center: Credit History Searches in Canada
June 5, 2020
Driver Checks Canada - Global Learning Center
Track: International | Presenter: Lia Chan, First Advantage | This program explores Driver Checks in Canada and the laws surrounding them.
June 5, 2020
Driver Checks Canada - Handout - Global Learning Center
Handout for Global Learning Center: Driver Checks Canada
January 23, 2020
Use of the Driver's Licence Number in Background Checking (Canada)
Practical Guidance for Use of the Driver's Licence Number in Background Checking in Canada.
February 24, 2019
Use of the Social Insurance Number in the Employment Screening Industry (Canada)
Practical guidance for using Social Insurance Number in Canada
April 11, 2018
Verifications & References in Canada - Global Learning Center
Track: International | Presenter: Rhonda Fairweather, First Advantage | This program explores verifications in Canada and the laws surrounding them. | This webinar sponsored by PreemploymentDirectory.com
April 11, 2018
Verifications & References in Canada - Handout - Global Learning Center
Handout for Verifications & References in Canada.
September 25, 2015
Canada Chapter Useful Links and Resources
Canada Chapter links

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Public Resources

Federal Laws

May 16, 2023
Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-6)
Canadian Human Rights Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-6)
May 16, 2023
Criminal Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-46)
Criminal Code
May 16, 2023
Criminal Records Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-47)
Criminal Records Act
May 16, 2023
Identification of Criminals Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. I-1)
Identification of Criminals Act
May 16, 2023
Youth Criminal Justice Act (S.C. 2002, c. 1)
Youth Criminal Justice Act

Criminal Record Checks

May 18, 2023
PBSA Canada Info Sheet 2023 Vulnerable Sector Verification
educational resource for members, end users and the greater community related to one specific type of criminal record check which is available in Canada ? the Vulnerable Sector Verification (VSV). This search is often misapplied to situations and many are not sufficiently aware of the process, requirements and intended use of the search so an Info Sheet approach was taken to provide that information
May 16, 2023
British Columbia Criminal Records Review Program
Criminal Record Check BC
May 16, 2023
Canada Criminal Record Checks Fact Sheet
Canada Criminal Record Checks Fact Sheet
May 16, 2023
Criminal record checks
A criminal record check will determine if you have been charged or convicted of a crime. If a name-based criminal record check does not provide a definite way of confirming your identity, you may be asked to provide fingerprints. The use of fingerprints is the most accurate way to confirm a person's identity. They ensure that individuals cannot evade their criminal past, and protect individuals from being falsely associated with a criminal record that is not theirs.
May 16, 2023
Criminal records
The RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) maintains the national database of criminal records in Canada. Local police and other authorities across Canada contact CCRTIS to check the fingerprint records of people who have been charged or convicted of a crime. The database is also used for civil (non-criminal) purposes, specifically to confirm a person's identity in criminal record checks.
May 16, 2023
Criminal Records Act
Criminal Records Act
May 16, 2023
Criminal Records Regulations
Criminal Records Regulations
May 16, 2023
Dissemination of Criminal Record Information policy
Dissemination of Criminal Record Information policy
May 16, 2023
Framework for VS Checks
The RCMP's policies and practices for VS checks
May 16, 2023
INVESTIGATION REPORT F12-03
USE OF EMPLOYMENT-RELATED CRIMINAL RECORD CHECKS: GOVERNMENT OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
May 16, 2023
INVESTIGATION REPORT F14-01
USE OF POLICE INFORMATION CHECKS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA
May 16, 2023
Managing your criminal record
Managing your adult criminal record
May 16, 2023
RCMP ask employers to know when and when NOT to ask for a Vulnerable Sector Check
Record checks for employees has become an increasingly popular requirement and RCMP are asking that employers review their policies to ensure that Vulnerable Sector (VS) checks are only required when necessary. Unfortunately, many managers and employers ...
May 16, 2023
Services canadiens d'identification criminelle en temps r�el
Services canadiens d'identification criminelle en temps r�el
May 16, 2023
Steps for getting a certified criminal record check
From outside Canada To submit fingerprints to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) from outside of Canada:...
May 16, 2023
Types of criminal background checks
Name-based criminal record checks and Certified criminal record checks

RCMP

May 16, 2023
Accreditation of private fingerprinting companies
Accreditation of private fingerprinting companies
May 16, 2023
Private fingerprinting companies accredited by the RCMP
Private fingerprinting companies accredited by the RCMP
May 16, 2023
Steps for getting a certified criminal record check
rom outside Canada To submit fingerprints to the RCMP's Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services (CCRTIS) from outside of Canada:...
May 16, 2023
Types of criminal background checks
Types of criminal background checks

Privacy

May 16, 2023
10 Privacy Tips for Businesses - Canada
10 Privacy Tips for Businesses - Canada
May 16, 2023
10 Tips for a Better Online Privacy Policy and Improved Privacy Practice Transparency - Canada
Every organization subject to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) is required to make information available to individuals about its personal information management policies and practices. A good privacy policy is one of the important ways in which an organization can meet this obligation, foster public trust and strengthen customer loyalty.
May 16, 2023
Guidance on Inappropriate Data Practices: Interpretation and Application of Subsection 5(3)
Guidance on Inappropriate Data Practices: Interpretation and Application of Subsection 5(3)
May 16, 2023
Guide to BC's PIPA for Business and Organizations | oipc.bc.ca
Guide to BC's PIPA for Business and Organizations | oipc.bc.ca
May 16, 2023
Health Cards & Health Numbers
The Personal Health Information Protection Act
May 16, 2023
Investigation and Audit Reports ? Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (oipc.bc.ca)
Investigation and Audit Reports ? Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (oipc.bc.ca)
May 16, 2023
OPC - Privacy Guide for Business
What Canadian businesses need to know to comply with federal privacy law
May 16, 2023
P-39.1 - Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels dans le secteur priv� (gouv.qc.ca)
P-39.1 - Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels dans le secteur priv� (gouv.qc.ca)
May 16, 2023
Personal Information Protection Act | Alberta.ca
Personal Information Protection Act | Alberta.ca
May 16, 2023
Personal Information Protection Act | gov.bc.ca
Personal Information Protection Act | gov.bc.ca
May 16, 2023
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (justice.gc.ca)
Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (justice.gc.ca)
May 16, 2023
The PBC refuses to process requests for record suspension information
Complaint under the Privacy Act (the Act)

Consent

May 16, 2023
Guidelines for Obtaining Meaningful Consent
Guidelines for Obtaining Meaningful Consent
May 16, 2023
Guidelines for Online Consent | oipc.bc.ca
Guidelines for Online Consent | oipc.bc.ca
May 16, 2023
Obtain Meaningful Consent - Canada
Organizations must generally obtain meaningful consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

Other Screening Resources

May 16, 2023
Checking References: Guidelines for Public Bodies | oipc.bc.ca
Checking References: Guidelines for Public Bodies
May 16, 2023
Conducting Social Media Background Checks | oipc.bc.ca
Conducting Social Media Background Checks | oipc.bc.ca
May 16, 2023
Guidance Documents: Private Sector Landlord and Tenants | oipc.bc.ca
PRIVATE SECTOR LANDLORD AND TENANTS
May 16, 2023
Guideline E-17 - Background Checks on Directors and Senior Management of (osfi-bsif.gc.ca)
Background Checks on Directors and Senior Management of FREs
May 16, 2023
Requesting protected motor vehicle data | Alberta.ca
You can search for motor vehicle information under specific circumstances.
May 16, 2023
The Screening Handbook 2012 Edition
The Screening Handbook 2012 Edition

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PBSA Member Resources

July 3, 2018
Program Catalog - Global Learning Center
This provides a listing of programs available in the PBSA Global Learning Center. Instructions for accessing the Global Learning Center and searching by country are also included.
April 2, 2022
Volunteer Leader Service Agreement
Agreement to provide time, expertise and resources to PBSA and uphold the Mission and Purpose of the Association and the PBSA Global Advisory Council.

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Disclaimer: PBSA materials are often provided by industry subject matter experts. The information and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only and are based on current practice, industry related knowledge and business expertise. The practices may not have been independently vetted and are neither approved nor endorsed by PBSA.

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