Derek Krause made a decision to turn away from a life of crime while serving time in jail back in 2009. Currently residing in Duncan, B.C., the 49-year-old is happily married and has a young son. Krause now works as a full-time truck driver delivering milk, having expressed to the judge his desire to break free from the cycle of criminal behavior. Since that moment, he has stayed clear of any further transgressions.
Krause is now in the process of applying for a record suspension with the assistance of the 7th Step Society of Canada, an organization that aids ex-offenders in navigating the procedures and costs involved. However, this crucial support may soon dwindle as the federal funding allocated to organizations facilitating pardon applications is set to cease by the end of March.
The organizations involved are concerned about the impact of this funding cut, citing the vital role they play in helping individuals with criminal records overcome barriers to employment, housing, and education. A pardon or record suspension, granted after a certain period of clean conduct, shields past offenses from being disclosed during background checks, thus enhancing the chances of ex-offenders reintegrating into society.
Commencing in 2022, the Trudeau government allocated $22.2 million to 18 non-profit organizations nationwide to aid pardon applicants and raise awareness about available support services. However, this funding, as outlined in the 2021 federal budget, is slated to end in the upcoming year. Public Safety Canada, when questioned about the potential renewal of this funding, did not provide a direct response but emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring fairness and accessibility in the record suspension program.
The John Howard Society of B.C.’s Executive Director, Mark Medgyesi, expressed uncertainty about the future of their pardons program despite the escalating demand for their services. Laura Day, a program supervisor at the Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver, mentioned that their organization plans to continue supporting individuals through the pardon process post-funding cut but anticipates challenges in meeting associated costs.
Statistics from the Parole Board of Canada indicate a rise in pardons and record suspensions following the infusion of additional funding in 2022. Over the years, more than 596,000 Canadians have obtained pardons and record suspensions, with 95% still in effect, showcasing the success of these programs in reintegrating individuals into society.
The process of record suspension proved to be a daunting task for Krause, who received invaluable assistance from Mehmed Duska at 7th Step. After a history of criminal activities related to theft, Krause reformed his life post-release in 2009, attributing his transformation to the support received from Narcotics Anonymous. He is now eager to clear his record to fulfill his aspiration of traveling to the United States and appreciates the wholesome life he has built for himself.