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

Will Shoplifting Show on a Background Check in Canada?

Shoplifting in Canada is charged as theft under $5,000 under Section 334(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada. Whether it appears on your background check depends entirely on the outcome of your case — not just the fact that you were charged.

The Short Answer

Understanding Each Outcome

Conviction for Theft Under $5,000

If you were convicted of theft under $5,000 (shoplifting), this will appear on a standard CPIC background check. It will show:

• The offence: Theft Under $5,000 (Section 334(b) Criminal Code)
• The date of conviction
• The sentence imposed (fine, probation, conditional sentence, etc.)

A conviction remains on your record indefinitely unless you obtain a record suspension (pardon) from the Parole Board of Canada. For a summary conviction of theft under $5,000, you become eligible for a record suspension 5 years after completing your sentence (including any probation, fines, and restitution).

Conditional Discharge

A conditional discharge means the court found you guilty but did not register a conviction. Instead, you must comply with conditions (typically probation) for a set period. Once you complete the conditions:

• The discharge is **automatically removed from CPIC after 3 years**
• After removal, it will **not appear** on a standard background check
• You do not need to apply for a pardon — removal is automatic

Absolute Discharge

An absolute discharge is similar to a conditional discharge but with no conditions attached. The court found you guilty but felt that registering a conviction would not be in your best interest.

• Removed from CPIC **after 1 year** automatically
• After removal, does not appear on background checks

Withdrawn or Dismissed Charges

If the Crown withdrew the shoplifting charge or the court dismissed it, there is no criminal record. Withdrawn and dismissed charges do not appear on standard CPIC background checks.

However, in some jurisdictions, local police services may retain records of charges in their local databases. These local records may appear on enhanced police checks (police records checks that include non-conviction information), which are used by some employers in Ontario. Standard CPIC checks through SafeHire do not include local non-conviction records.

Diversion Programs

Many Canadian jurisdictions offer diversion programs (also called alternative measures or extrajudicial measures) for first-time shoplifting offenders. If you successfully complete the diversion program:

• The charge is typically **withdrawn**
• No criminal conviction is registered
• It does **not appear** on standard background checks

Diversion programs for shoplifting usually involve:

• Community service hours
• Writing an apology letter
• Making restitution to the store
• Completing an educational program

Impact on Employment

Will Shoplifting Affect My Job Search?

A shoplifting conviction on your record can affect employment, particularly in industries involving:

• Retail and customer-facing roles: — Employers in retail are particularly cautious about theft-related offences
• Financial services: — Banks, insurance companies, and investment firms
• Government positions: — Federal and provincial government roles
• Security work: — Security guard licensing may be denied

However, many Canadian employers evaluate criminal records contextually. A minor, old shoplifting conviction may not disqualify you, especially if:

• The offence occurred years ago
• You have been rehabilitated
• The role is unrelated to the offence

Your Rights as a Job Applicant

In most Canadian provinces, employers cannot refuse to hire you solely based on a criminal record unless the record is directly relevant to the job duties. Some provinces (Ontario, BC, Quebec) have human rights legislation that specifically protects against discrimination based on criminal records.

How to Check Your Own Record

If you are unsure whether a past shoplifting incident appears on your record, you can check by ordering your own criminal record check:

1. Visit [SafeHire.ca](https://www.safehire.ca) to get an online CPIC check (results in 15 minutes, $64.99)
2. The results will show whether any criminal convictions appear on the CPIC database
3. If nothing appears, you have a clear record

Getting a Record Suspension (Pardon)

If you have a shoplifting conviction on your record, you can apply for a record suspension (formerly called a pardon) through the Parole Board of Canada:

• Eligibility: : 5 years after completing your sentence for a summary conviction
• Cost: : $50 government application fee (plus preparation costs)
• Processing time: : 6–24 months
• Effect: : Removes the conviction from CPIC background check results

Use our Record Suspension Calculator to check your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a shoplifting charge from 10 years ago show on a background check?

If you were convicted, yes — it will still appear unless you have obtained a record suspension. If you received a discharge, it was automatically removed from CPIC (1 year for absolute, 3 years for conditional). If the charge was withdrawn, it never appeared.

Can I get a job with a shoplifting conviction?

Yes. Many employers evaluate criminal records in context. A minor, old shoplifting conviction is unlikely to disqualify you from most jobs. See our guide: Can You Work With a Criminal Record in Canada?

Does theft under $5,000 count as a criminal offence?

Yes. Theft under $5,000 is a criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. It can be prosecuted as either a summary conviction offence or an indictable offence, though it is almost always prosecuted by summary conviction for first-time shoplifting.

Will a shoplifting diversion show on my record?

No. If you successfully completed a diversion program, the charge is typically withdrawn and no criminal record is created. It will not appear on a standard CPIC background check.