Ontario Reducing Wait Times for Police Record Checks

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Friday, May 22, 2026 Ministry Of The Solicitor General Ontario Reducing Wait Times for Police Record Checks News Release May 07, 2026 Proposed changes would support people seeking employment and volunteer roles BARRIE — As part of an upcoming legislative package, the Ontario government is proposing to amend the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 to reduce wait times for police record checks for people working or volunteering with vulnerable populations such as children, seniors and people with disabilities. The proposed changes would support efficient screening of potential employees and volunteers while maintaining robust standards that will protect those in the vulnerable sector. “Delays in getting a vulnerable sector check should never stand in the way of someone getting a job or giving back to their community,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That’s why we are taking action to reduce wait times and improve how checks are being processed while ensuring the strongest safeguards remain in place.” Vulnerable sector checks require more detailed screening than other police record checks, which can lead to longer processing times. The proposed amendments would allow designated police services to support periods of high demand by processing vulnerable sector checks for applicants who live outside their jurisdiction. This added flexibility is expected to reduce delays for applicants and improve overall efficiency. Implementation of these changes would involve coordination with federal partners, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Public Safety Canada, to give designated police services access to federal databases. Modernizing police record checks is part of the government’s ongoing work to keep streets and communities safe, strengthen enforcement, crack down on crime and protect victims and vulnerable people across Ontario. Quick Facts A police record check is a tool that helps organizations assess an individual’s suitability for employment, volunteer work, or licensing. Police services in Ontario process over one million police record checks annually, with more than 70 per cent being vulnerable sector checks. Quotes "In 2025, the Barrie Police Service provided just under 14,000 criminal record checks, of which 11,354 were vulnerable sector checks (VSC). These numbers have been increasing year after year. Our Records and Information Management Services Unit strives to complete all record checks, including vulnerable sector checks as soon as possible, however the proposed changes would make it even easier for applicants to apply for and receive their VSC in a convenient and timely manner. We look forward to being able to help more applicants give back and support their communities." - Rich Johnston Chief of Barrie Police Service "As one of the region’s largest employers and a hospital that relies heavily on vulnerable sector checks, modernizing police record checks will have a meaningful impact on our ability to hire and onboard staff quickly and safely. Shorter wait times and more predictable processing will help hospitals like ours avoid staffing delays, reduce stress for new hires, and ensure the safeguards that protect patients remain strong. These changes support both public safety and timely access to care, which is essential for the communities we serve." - Gail Hunt President and CEO, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre Additional Resources Police record checks Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 Related Topics Courts, justice and law Ontario’s laws and related information about our legal system, emergency services, the Ontario Provincial Police and victim services. Learn more Media Contacts Dakota Moniz Solicitor General’s Office Dakota.Moniz@ontario.ca Brent Ross Communications Branch SOLGEN.Media@ontario.ca
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