What is Background Screening?

Background screening, or a background check as commonly referred to, is a service conducted on behalf of an organization to verify a candidate and their background for the purpose of employment, volunteer, or tenancy. Searches most commonly conducted include Criminal Record Checks, Employment Verification, and Reference Checks.

Is consent required for screening services?

Yes, consent is a requirement for background screening. A candidate must be of legal age (18+) and must provide informed consent for screening services to be conducted by an organization in compliance with Canadian regulations and privacy laws.

What is the difference between a Basic and an Enhanced Canadian Criminal Record Check?

A Canadian Criminal Record Check will determine whether a candidate has been charged or convicted of a criminal offense in Canada and/or if there are any outstanding conditions. A basic Criminal Record Check is a name and date of birth search of CPIC (Canadian Police Information Center), the National Repository of Criminal Records in Canada while an Enhanced Criminal Record Check is a more comprehensive search of CPIC, the National Repository of Criminal Records in Canada, and searches for Judicial Matters inclusive of local and PIP databases, any outstanding entries such as charges and warrants, judicial orders, peace bonds, probation, prohibition orders; and absolute and conditional discharges for one or three years, respectively.

How can screening help to mitigate threats?

The results of a Canadian Criminal Record Check are based on the date the search was conducted. While most organizations conduct screening prior to hiring, the results of a Canadian Criminal Record Check are based on the date the search was conducted. It is becoming more common for recurring or continuous background screening to maintain awareness and mitigate ongoing risk.

What privacy safeguards should be in place?

It is important for organizations to develop privacy policies and procedures outlining how personal information will be collected, used, and disclosed for screening purposes and implement the appropriate safeguards and best practices to keep the information secure.

What is considered discriminatory practice when hiring?

Organizations hiring for employment in Canada cannot discriminate against candidates based on their race, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, education, or pardoned /suspended criminal offenses.

How to determine if the candidate is qualified?

The evaluation of a candidate being considered for employment, volunteer, or tenancy is at the organization's sole discretion. An organization’s policies and criteria may differ based on need and fit.

What is the PBSA?

Founded as a non-profit trade association in 2003, the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) was established to represent the interest of companies offering employment and tenant background screening services. Just as importantly, however, the initial members wanted to establish and promote a high level of ethics and performance standards for the screening industry. Member companies range from Fortune 100 companies to small local businesses, conducting millions of employment-related and tenant background checks each year as part of the hiring and leasing process. Screend is an active member of the PBSA Canadian Chapter.