Parole Board of Canada
Important: The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is taking measures to address COVID-19. Find out more.
We are a federal institution that is part of the Public Safety portfolio. We operate at arm’s length from the Government of Canada.
The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is an independent administrative tribunal that, as part of the Canadian criminal justice system, makes quality conditional release and record suspension decisions, and clemency recommendations. The PBC contributes to the protection of society by facilitating, as appropriate, the timely reintegration of offenders as law-abiding citizens. Public safety is the primary consideration in all PBC decisions.
The PBC is headed by a Chairperson who reports to Parliament through the Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs.
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Parole in Canada
The PBC makes conditional release decisions and contributes to public safety through the controlled, timed and gradual release of offenders back into society. We operate under the authority of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). Find out more about parole and how it works.
Victims and the Parole Process
By law, victims of crime have a right to information about the person who harmed them while that person is under the jurisdiction of the PBC. Victims can also submit information to the PBC, attend a hearing, and present a victim statement. Find out more about victim services at the PBC.
Board Members
Our Board Members are the primary decision-makers in conditional release decisions. Their task is always challenging. They are required to make decisions that are consistent with the protection of society and that are limited to only what is necessary and proportionate to the purpose of conditional release. They do this by conducting a thorough assessment of the offender's risk to the community.
Decision Registry
The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) requires the PBC to maintain a registry of its decisions along with the reasons for those decisions. Anyone may request, in writing, a copy of these decisions. Find out more about how to request a PBC decision.
Record Suspensions
Under the Criminal Records Act (CRA), the PBC may order, refuse to order, or revoke record suspensions (formerly pardons) for convictions under federal acts or regulations of Canada. Learn about the eligibility criteria for a record suspension and how to apply for one.
Cannabis Record Suspensions
Under the Act to provide no-cost, expedited record suspensions for simple possession of cannabis, individuals convicted only of simple possession of cannabis are eligible to apply for an expedited record suspension. Learn about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.
Expungement
Under the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act (Expungement Act), the PBC will order to expunge – or have destroyed or removed – records of convictions for eligible offences that would be lawful today. Persons convicted of an offence listed in the schedule to the Expungement Act may apply, as well as authorized representatives in cases where the person is deceased. Learn about the eligibility criteria for expungement and how to apply.
Clemency (Royal Prerogative of Mercy)
The Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) is a monarch’s prerogative exercised in Canada by the Governor General or the Governor in Council, and granted in exceptional circumstances only. Find out more about Clemency and why it is rarely granted in Canada.
PBC Outreach Program
The PBC outreach program supports our efforts to educate, engage and connect with community partners, organizations and the public around the Board’s mandate, programs and services.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The PBC’s commitments and initiatives to diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization.
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Attending a Parole Hearing
Learn how a parole hearing works, the role of Board members and other participants, and what to expect if you attend a hearing.
Parole Board of Canada: Victims and the Parole Process
This video provides information to victims of crime, including their rights, how to participate in the conditional release process and services available from the Parole Board of Canada.
Tips for Completing a Record Suspension Application
Get helpful tips on how to avoid commonly made mistakes when applying for a record suspension, which can delay its processing.
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