Pardons

A pardon allows people who were convicted of a criminal offence, but have completed their sentence and demonstrated they are law-abiding citizens for a prescribed number of years, to have their criminal record kept separate and apart from other criminal records.

Under the Criminal Records Act (CRA), the National Parole Board (NPB) may issue, grant, deny, or revoke pardons for convictions under federal acts or regulations of Canada. [more]

Clemency

The Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) is a Queen's prerogative exercised in Canada by the Governor General or the Governor in Council. It relates to forms of clemency, granted in exceptional circumstances in deserving cases involving federal offences.

The Governor General or the Governor in Council grants clemency upon recommendation from the Minister of Public Safety or at least one other minister. [more]