Vulnerable Sector Checks

It is the national policy of Canadian Adaptive Snowsports that volunteers undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check.  This is a straightforward process in which you complete and submit a form to your local police services department (or print it and deliver it in person).  Within the National Capital Division, this check is required once every three (3) years and you must attest to it annually.

What is the Vulnerable Sector Check?

This check is for persons seeking employment and/or volunteering in a position of authority or trust relative to vulnerable persons in Canada only.  It is a collection of offence information, including convictions, outstanding warrants, charges, judicial orders and sexual offence convictions for which the individual has received a record suspension where authorized by the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

The Vulnerable Sector Check WILL include the following information:

(a) Criminal convictions from CPIC and/or local databases.

(b) Summary convictions, for five years, when identified.

(c) Findings of Guilt under the Youth Criminal Justice Act within the applicable disclosure period.

(d) Outstanding entries, such as charges and warrants, judicial orders, Peace Bonds, Probation and Prohibition Orders.  As per CPIC policy, information obtained from the Investigative Databank must be confirmed and authorized for release by the contributing agency.

(e) Absolute and conditional discharges for 1 or 3 years respectively.

(f) In very exceptional cases, where it meets the Exceptional Disclosure Assessment, non-conviction dispositions including, but not limited to, Withdrawn and Dismissed.

(g) Not Criminally Responsible by Reason of Mental Disorder.

(h) All record suspensions as authorized for release by the Minister of Public Safety.

The Vulnerable Sector Check WILL NOT include:

(a) Convictions under provincial statutes.

(b) Local police contact.

(c) Ministry of Transportation information (PARIS).

(d) Special Interest Police (SIP) category of CPIC.

(e) Family Court Restraining Orders.

(f) Foreign information.

(g) Any reference to incidents involving mental health contact.

(h) Diversions will not be released as police contact and no reference to the occurrence is permitted (CC S. 717.4).

(i) Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) information beyond the applicable disclosure period.

(j) Any reference to contagious diseases.

If you live outside of Ottawa, you CANNOT request a records check from the Ottawa Police Service.

 

What does “Vulnerable Sector” mean?

As defined by the Criminal Record Act: “vulnerable sector” means persons who are in a position of dependence on others or are otherwise at a greater risk than the general population, of being harmed by persons in authority or trust to them.  A person’s age, disability, or other circumstances (whether temporary or permanent), can make someone vulnerable. Children, as defined by the Criminal Record Act, means persons who are less than 18 years of age.

(Source: Ottawa Police Service)

Waiver or Reduction of Fees

In some locales, there is a significant fee to make application for a Vulnerable Sector Check.  This is often waived or reduced for volunteers on the production of a letter from the volunteer organization.  The CADS-NCD letter can be downloaded HERE.

Where to Apply

Vulnerable sector checks must be conducted by the local Canadian police service where an applicant lives, or by Sterling Backcheck.

Ottawa Police Service

Ontario Provincial Police

Sterling Backcheck (navigate to your Snowline profile and select the “CRIM CHECK” tab.  A fee applies.)