New federal funding will help make record suspensions more accessible for New Brunswickers.
The John Howard Society New Brunswick will receive more than $1 million over four years.
Vice-president Ian Webster said his organization hopes to help more than 600 people with the funding.
“Over 45 per cent of those who have completed an application are sent back due to errors,” said Webster.
“Our staff knows the rules, requirements and the right people to communicate with to produce a thorough application on behalf of the applicant.”
A record suspension allows people convicted of a criminal offence who have completed their sentence and have been of “good conduct” for a certain number of years to have their criminal record kept separate from other criminal records.
Officials said the funding will not only support someone throughout the process but ensure all know that the service exists for them.
Webster said record suspensions, also known as pardons, help remove the stigma of a criminal record.
“Having a criminal record is increasingly becoming a barrier for people looking for employment, applying for an apartment rental, or applying for a visa to work in another country,” he said.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long said the money will also help reduce reliance on private, for-profit companies that can give misleading information and charge high fees.
Follow
