Ontario Reducing Wait Times for Police Record Checks

As part of an upcoming legislative package, the Ontario government is proposing to amend the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 to reduce wait times for police record checks for people working or volunteering with vulnerable populations such as children, seniors and people with disabilities. The proposed changes would support efficient screening of potential employees and volunteers while maintaining robust standards that will protect those in the vulnerable sector.

“Delays in getting a vulnerable sector check should never stand in the way of someone getting a job or giving back to their community,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That’s why we are taking action to reduce wait times and improve how checks are being processed while ensuring the strongest safeguards remain in place.”

Vulnerable sector checks require more detailed screening than other police record checks, which can lead to longer processing times. The proposed amendments would allow designated police services to support periods of high demand by processing vulnerable sector checks for applicants who live outside their jurisdiction. This added flexibility is expected to reduce delays for applicants and improve overall efficiency.

Implementation of these changes would involve coordination with federal partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Public Safety Canada, to give designated police services access to federal databases.

Modernizing police record checks is part of the government’s ongoing work to keep streets and communities safe, strengthen enforcement, crack down on crime and protect victims and vulnerable people across Ontario.

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