Will an Assault Charge Show on a Background Check in Canada? (2026)

Will an Assault Charge Show on a Background Check in Canada?

Assault offences in Canada range from common assault (Section 266) to aggravated assault (Section 268) under the Criminal Code. Whether an assault charge appears on your background check depends on the outcome of your case and the type of background check being conducted.

Assault Levels in Canada

The Criminal Code of Canada defines three levels of assault:

Level 1: Common Assault (Section 266)

• Applying force without consent, or threatening to apply force
• The least serious assault charge
• Hybrid offence: : Can be prosecuted as summary conviction or indictable
• Most common in domestic disputes, bar fights, minor altercations

Level 2: Assault Causing Bodily Harm / Assault with a Weapon (Section 267)

• Assault causing bodily harm, or assault with a weapon or threat of a weapon
• More serious than common assault
• Hybrid offence:

Level 3: Aggravated Assault (Section 268)

• Wounding, maiming, disfiguring, or endangering life
• The most serious assault charge
• Indictable offence only: (always prosecuted on indictment)
• Maximum penalty: 14 years imprisonment

What Shows on Your Background Check?

Conviction

An assault conviction appears on the RCMP CPIC database and will show on any standard criminal record check. The record includes:

• The specific offence (e.g., "Assault — Section 266 Criminal Code")
• The date of conviction
• The sentence imposed

A conviction remains on your record permanently unless you obtain a record suspension (pardon). Eligibility depends on the conviction type:

• Summary conviction: : Eligible for record suspension 5 years after completing your sentence
• Indictable offence: : Eligible 10 years after completing your sentence

Conditional Discharge

If the court found you guilty of common assault but granted a conditional discharge, the record is automatically purged from CPIC after 3 years from the date of the order. During those 3 years, it will appear on background checks. After removal, it does not appear.

Absolute Discharge

An absolute discharge (more rare for assault) is removed from CPIC after 1 year. After removal, it does not appear on standard background checks.

Peace Bond (Section 810)

A peace bond is not a conviction or a finding of guilt. It is an agreement to keep the peace and comply with certain conditions. In theory, a peace bond should not appear on a standard CPIC name-based check. However, some local police services may retain peace bond records in their local databases, which could appear on enhanced local police checks.

Withdrawn or Dismissed Charges

If the assault charge was withdrawn by the Crown or dismissed by the court, there is no criminal record. These outcomes do not appear on standard CPIC background checks.

Impact on Employment

Which Industries Are Most Affected?

An assault conviction on your record can particularly affect employment in:

• Healthcare: : Nursing, personal support work, paramedics
• Education: : Teachers, educational assistants, childcare workers
• Security: : Security guard licensing may be denied
• Government: : Federal and provincial government positions
• Working with vulnerable populations: : Any role requiring a vulnerable sector check
• Transportation: : Truck driving, public transit operators

Your Legal Rights

Canadian human rights legislation in most provinces prohibits discrimination based on a criminal record unless the record is directly relevant to the job. An old common assault conviction may not disqualify you from all employment. However, positions involving vulnerable populations, positions of trust, or security-related roles will scrutinize assault records more closely.

How to Check Your Own Record

Unsure whether a past assault charge appears on your record?

1. Get an online criminal record check through [SafeHire.ca](https://www.safehire.ca) — results in 15 minutes ($64.99)
2. The results will confirm whether any convictions or outstanding matters appear on the CPIC database
3. If your record shows clear, the charge is not on the national database

Getting a Record Suspension (Pardon) for Assault

If you have an assault conviction on your record, you can apply for a record suspension:

• Summary conviction assault: : Eligible 5 years after completing your sentence
• Indictable assault conviction: : Eligible 10 years after completing your sentence
• Cost: : $50 PBC application fee (plus preparation costs)
• Processing time: : 6–24 months

Use our Record Suspension Calculator to check your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a domestic assault charge show on a background check?

If convicted, yes. Domestic assault is charged under the same Criminal Code sections as other assault charges. A conviction will appear on a CPIC background check. If the charge was withdrawn or resolved with a peace bond, it generally will not appear on a standard check.

Can I work in healthcare with an assault conviction?

It depends on the regulatory body and the specifics of the conviction. Provincial nursing colleges and other healthcare regulators review criminal records individually. A recent or serious assault conviction will likely create challenges. An old, minor conviction may be evaluated in context with evidence of rehabilitation.

How long does an assault conviction stay on your record?

An assault conviction stays on your criminal record permanently unless you obtain a record suspension (pardon). You become eligible to apply 5 years (summary) or 10 years (indictable) after completing your sentence.

Will a withdrawn assault charge show on a police check?

No. A withdrawn charge does not appear on a standard CPIC criminal record check. However, some local police services may retain records of the charge in their local databases, which could appear on enhanced local police checks.

Can I get a discharge for assault?

Yes, it is possible for first-time offenders charged with common assault (Level 1). Courts may grant a conditional or absolute discharge if they determine it is in the interest of the accused and not contrary to the public interest. Discharges are less common for Level 2 and very rare for Level 3 assault.