Parole Board of Canada

We are a federal institution that is part of the Public Safety portfolio. We operate at arm’s length from the Government of Canada.

The Parole Board of Canada (PBC) is an independent administrative tribunal that, as part of the Canadian criminal justice system, makes quality conditional release and record suspension decisions, and clemency recommendations. The PBC contributes to the protection of society by facilitating, as appropriate, the timely reintegration of offenders as law-abiding citizens. Public safety is the primary consideration in all PBC decisions.

The PBC is headed by a Chairperson who reports to Parliament through the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

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Services and information

Parole in Canada

The PBC makes conditional release decisions and contributes to public safety through the controlled, timed and gradual release of offenders back into society. We operate under the authority of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA). Find out more about parole and how it works.

Victims and the parole process

By law, victims of crime have a right to information about the person who harmed them while that person is under the jurisdiction of the PBC. Victims can also submit information to the PBC, attend a hearing, and present a victim statement. Find out more about victim services at the PBC.

Board members

Our Board Members are the primary decision-makers in conditional release decisions. Their task is always challenging. They are required to make decisions that are consistent with the protection of society and that are limited to only what is necessary and proportionate to the purpose of conditional release. They do this by conducting a thorough assessment of the offender's risk to the community.

Decision Registry

The Corrections and Conditional Release Act (CCRA) requires the PBC to maintain a registry of its decisions along with the reasons for those decisions. Anyone may request, in writing, a copy of these decisions. Find out more about how to request a PBC decision.

Record Suspensions

Under the Criminal Records Act (CRA), the PBC may order, refuse to order, or revoke record suspensions (formerly pardons) for convictions under federal acts or regulations of Canada. Learn about the eligibility criteria for a record suspension and how to apply for one.

Expungement

Under the Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act (Expungement Act), the PBC will order to expunge – or have destroyed or removed – records of convictions for eligible offences involving consensual sexual activity between same-sex partners that would be lawful today. Persons convicted of an offence listed in the schedule to the Expungement Act may apply, as well as authorized representatives in cases where the person is deceased. Learn about the eligibility criteria for expungement and how to apply.

Clemency (Royal Prerogative of Mercy)

The Royal Prerogative of Mercy (RPM) is a monarch’s prerogative exercised in Canada by the Governor General or the Governor in Council, and granted in exceptional circumstances only. Find out more about Clemency and why it is rarely granted in Canada.