Does a Peace Bond Show on a Background Check in Canada? (2026)

Does a Peace Bond Show on a Background Check in Canada?

A peace bond (Section 810 of the Criminal Code of Canada) is one of the most misunderstood legal outcomes in Canadian criminal law. Many Canadians enter into a peace bond to resolve a criminal charge — often assault, harassment, or uttering threats — without fully understanding how it may affect their background check results.

What Is a Peace Bond?

A peace bond is a court order requiring a person to "keep the peace and be of good behaviour" for a specified period, typically 12 months. It is not a criminal conviction and does not involve a finding of guilt.

A peace bond is often offered as a resolution when:

• Criminal charges (usually minor assault, harassment, or threats) are withdrawn in exchange for the accused entering into a peace bond
• The Crown determines that a peace bond is a sufficient resolution
• Both parties agree to the terms

Types of Peace Bonds

There are two main types under the Criminal Code:

1. **Section 810 Peace Bond** — A general peace bond. Anyone who fears that another person will cause personal injury, damage property, or commit certain offences can apply.

1. **Section 810.1 / 810.2 Peace Bond** — Specialized peace bonds related to sexual offences against minors (810.1) or serious personal injury offences (810.2). These are more restrictive and carry additional conditions.

Common Peace Bond Conditions

• Not to contact the complainant
• Not to attend certain locations
• Maintain a specified distance from the complainant
• Not to possess weapons
• Report to a probation officer (sometimes)
• Attend counselling (sometimes)

Does a Peace Bond Appear on Different Types of Checks?

Standard CPIC Name-Based Check (e.g., SafeHire)

Generally, no. A standard CPIC check searches the RCMP's national database for criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, and judicial orders. Since a peace bond is not a conviction, it typically does not appear on a standard CPIC name-based check.:

However, there are exceptions:

• An **active** peace bond may be entered into CPIC as a "judicial order" while it is in effect
• After the peace bond expires, it should be removed from CPIC

Enhanced Local Police Check

May appear. Some police services conduct "enhanced" or "level 2" police checks that search both the CPIC database and the local police service's own records management system. Local records may include:

• Peace bonds (active and expired)
• Charges that were withdrawn (as part of the peace bond agreement)
• Police contact records

This type of enhanced check is most common in Ontario, where police services like Toronto Police offer both "criminal record check" (CPIC only) and "police record check" (CPIC + local records).

Vulnerable Sector Check

May be disclosed. A vulnerable sector check is the most comprehensive level of background check in Canada. The police service conducting the VSC has discretion to disclose relevant non-conviction information, which could include peace bonds.:

Peace Bond vs. Criminal Conviction — Key Differences

Impact on Employment

Since a peace bond is not a criminal conviction, it generally has minimal impact on employment. Most employers request a standard criminal record check, which typically does not include peace bonds.

However, there are situations where a peace bond could be relevant:

• Positions requiring enhanced police checks: : Some Ontario employers request "police record checks" that include non-conviction information
• Security guard licensing: : Provincial registrars may consider peace bonds when evaluating applications
• Working with vulnerable populations: : Enhanced checks for childcare, healthcare, and education may disclose peace bonds
• Government security clearances: : Comprehensive background investigations may uncover peace bonds

Impact on Travel

A peace bond is not a criminal conviction and should not affect your ability to travel internationally. Specifically:

• United States: : A peace bond should not make you inadmissible to the US, since it is not a conviction. However, if asked about "arrests" or "charges" on border forms, you may need to disclose the underlying charge
• Other countries: : Generally no impact, as there is no conviction to report

How to Check If Your Peace Bond Appears

If you want to confirm whether a past peace bond appears on a standard background check:

1. Order a criminal record check through [SafeHire.ca](https://www.safehire.ca) — results in 15 minutes ($64.99)
2. If the results come back clear, your peace bond is not on the CPIC database
3. Note: This only checks the CPIC national database, not local police records

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a peace bond the same as a criminal record?

No. A peace bond is not a criminal conviction and does not create a criminal record. It is a court order to keep the peace, not a finding of guilt.

Does a peace bond show on a police check for employment?

On a standard CPIC criminal record check (the type most employers request), a peace bond generally does not appear. On enhanced local police checks that include non-conviction information, it may appear.

How long does a peace bond stay on your record?

A standard peace bond lasts 12 months. After it expires, it should be removed from CPIC. However, local police services may retain records of the peace bond in their local databases for longer periods.

Can I travel to the USA with a peace bond?

Yes. Since a peace bond is not a criminal conviction, it should not make you inadmissible to the United States. However, be truthful if asked about past legal proceedings.

Can an employer reject me because of a peace bond?

In most cases, no. Since a peace bond is not a criminal conviction, it would be unusual for an employer to reject a candidate based on a peace bond alone. Human rights legislation in most provinces protects against discrimination based on criminal records — and a peace bond is not even a criminal record.

Do I need a pardon for a peace bond?

No. Since a peace bond is not a criminal conviction, there is nothing to pardon. You cannot and do not need to apply for a record suspension for a peace bond.