The short version
- A background check only shows what the employer orders.
- A criminal record check contains no employment information, so it won't show that you were fired.
- Withdrawn or dismissed charges generally don't appear. Pending charges can appear on an enhanced check.
- A record suspension won't show up on a standard criminal record check.
- You can order your own criminal record check and see the result before an employer does.
Nobody types "will a background check show I was fired" into Google at 2pm with their manager in the next room.
You got the offer. Then the email arrived asking you to complete a background check. Now it's late, you can't sleep, and you're searching for answers you'd never ask your recruiter out loud.
This post is for you. Here's what a background check will show in Canada, and what it won't, in plain language.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you're facing criminal charges, speak to a lawyer.
What does a background check show in Canada?
Only what the employer orders. There's no single background check file on you. Each employer picks the checks that fit the role. The most common are:
- a criminal record check
- identity verification
- reference checks
- employment or education verification
A standard criminal record check searches the RCMP's national database for criminal convictions that haven't been suspended. An enhanced check also searches local police records, which can surface things like outstanding charges, warrants and court orders.
If the employer didn't order it, it's not in your report. A criminal record check won't show your credit, your social media or your driving record.
Will a background check show that I was fired?
A criminal record check won't. It contains no employment information.
An employment verification may confirm your job title and dates. Whether a former employer explains why you left is up to them, and many only confirm dates and title.
Reference checks are where that context usually comes up. With Credibled, you choose your referees. Nobody is asked for a reference that you didn't name.
If you left a job on bad terms, pick referees who saw your best work. Be ready to explain the exit in 1 or 2 calm sentences.
Will pending charges show up on a background check?
It depends on the type of check. A standard criminal record check shows convictions, so a charge that hasn't been decided generally won't appear. An enhanced check also searches local police records, so outstanding charges and warrants can show up.
A charge is not a conviction. If one comes up, a fair employer will give you the chance to explain.
Do withdrawn or dismissed charges show up on a background check?
Generally no. In Ontario, the Police Record Checks Reform Act limits what police can disclose about charges that were withdrawn, stayed or dismissed, or that ended in an acquittal. They don't appear on the criminal record checks used for most jobs.
The narrow exception is the vulnerable sector check, required for some jobs with children or vulnerable adults. In rare cases, police can disclose non-conviction information on those checks after a strict review.
I got a discharge. Will it show?
A discharge means you were found guilty but not convicted. Under federal law, it's removed from the national police database automatically: 1 year after an absolute discharge, and 3 years after a conditional discharge.
Before those dates, a discharge can appear on an enhanced check. After them, it shouldn't appear at all.
I have a pardon. Am I in the clear?
The official name is now a record suspension. It keeps your record separate from other criminal records, and it won't show up on a standard criminal record check.
There are 2 things to know. A vulnerable sector check can still flag a suspended record for certain sexual offences. And in Ontario, the Human Rights Code protects you from being refused a job because of a conviction you've been pardoned for.
Will they call my current boss?
Not without your permission. Standard practice is to verify past employers, and to contact a current employer only if you agree, usually after an offer.
On a Credibled reference check, you enter your referees' names and contact details yourself. Your current manager won't hear from us unless you put them on the list.
Is my old criminal record check still good?
Criminal record checks don't have a legal expiry date. Each one is a snapshot of the day it was run.
The employer decides how recent it needs to be. Many accept a check from the last 6 to 12 months. Some regulated sectors ask for a new one every year. If you're not sure, ask the recruiter what date they need.
Why is my background check taking so long?
Most delays come from 1 of 4 places:
- Your part isn't finished. Check your inbox and spam folder for the consent or ID verification email.
- Your ID verification didn't go through. A blurry photo or an expired ID is the usual cause.
- Your name and date of birth partly match someone with a record. Fingerprints are then needed to confirm it isn't you. A possible match does not mean you have a record.
- A referee hasn't answered. A quick text to your referee usually fixes it.
A vulnerable sector check takes longer because it has to go through your local police service, and timelines vary by service.
Can I check my own criminal record first?
Yes. You can order your own Canadian criminal record check and see the result before an employer does. It's also useful before renting, volunteering or applying for your next job.
Credibled's personal check, MyCheck, uses the same ID verification as our employer checks. Most results come back in about 15 minutes.
One last thing
A background check isn't looking for a perfect person. It confirms that you are who you say you are, and that what you told the employer is true. If something might come up, telling the employer first is almost always better than letting them find it.
Want peace of mind before your next application?
Run your own check with MyCheck. It uses the same ID verification as our employer checks, and most results come back in about 15 minutes.