How does the oil sands downturn affect people with criminal records

Many people have found that their criminal record is not a major barrier to finding work in natural resources and the oil sands. There are also a number of related industries in Alberta that have benefited from the high oil prices we used to see.

Construction, driving trucks and providing services to communities in Alberta have created great opportunities for people from across the country.

Many people used the money they made in the oil sands economy to support families in BC, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.

Unfortunately, these days it’s harder and harder to find jobs in the oil sands. Companies have scaled back operations and are not investing as much in development.

This leaves people with criminal records wondering if they can still succeed as an Alberta oil sands worker or in the many related industries. What about the major pipeline projects under consideration? Bringing oil to overseas markets may be one way to boost the economy, but the provincial and federal governments are moving cautiously, especially on the Northern Gateway project.

What this means for people with criminal records

Meanwhile, people with criminal records are experiencing a double burden. As the economy drags, there are more candidates for fewer positions. Faced with multiple qualified candidates, employers become more interested in conducting background checks before hiring.

Unable to find work in the resource industry, many qualified workers start investigating retraining options or jobs in the service sector. Things like social work, security, trucking and law enforcement may all require background checks. Providing services to businesses and homeowners such as plumbing, electrical wiring, painting and landscaping may require you to be bondable.

What are the options?

If you are concerned about how the economic downturn might affect your future opportunities, you might want to consider a RecordSuspension. A record suspension will seal your record from employers so that it won’t turn up during background checks. This will allow you to qualify for any type of job or retraining program. You’ll be bondable, which means you can apply for jobs where trust is important, such as when entering people’s homes, driving trucks and company vehicles, or providing security to businesses.

If you think a Record Suspension can help you weather the economic downturn and apply for new opportunities, please contact us today for a free consultation. 

Can you be a truck driver with a criminal record?

If your goal is to become a truck driver, you don’t need to give up just because you have a criminal record in your past.

Truck driving school: Some truck driving schools will conduct a criminal record check before accepting your application, but most won’t. In many cases they will warn you that your possibilities might be limited by your past record.

Record checks: Many truck driving companies will tell you that they are going to do a criminal record check. This is very easy for them to do because there are companies that provide this service, so you should take this seriously. Often it will come up during the initial phone call, but it is more likely that it will be raised during the first interview.

Most companies will not do a background check unless they are seriously considering hiring you. That’s why it’s important to be honest and forthright with the interviewer about your past record. He or she will inform you when they are going to do a background check. This is when you should discuss the issue seriously with them. Tell them what happened and how your life has changed since the event. Avoid appearing angry and defensive about the past. Your job is to convince them that they can trust you and the events are behind you. Highlight other areas in your life where you have demonstrated responsibility, such as work and volunteer experience.

Unfortunately, in some cases a criminal record will appear to be an insurmountable barrier to some employers. While this could be due to stigma, it’s also important to remember that the employer may have financial pressures such as insurance. Truck drivers are responsible for carrying thousands of dollars of merchandise in one load. These could be items such as computers, designer goods and furniture. A truck driver needs to be bondable in order to do the job.

What does bondable mean?

Bondable means, basically, that you are able to be insured. Technically, everyone is bondable, but an insurance company may come back with a quote that’s far above what the employer is willing to spend if they find out you have a criminal record.

Applying for a pardon

If you are worried about criminal background checks and how they could affect your career, you should consider applying for a pardon. A pardon will seal your record and enables you to receive protection against discrimination under human rights legislation in some provinces. Keep in mind that a pardon will not seal your driver’s abstract. If you were convicted of impaired driving or another vehicle-related offense, it could still affect your or your employer’s insurance.  

Crossing the border

The other issue that could stand in your way as a driver is the ability to cross the border. Apply for an entry waiver to ensure that you are able to enter the United States. It is much easier to be approved for a waiver if you do it in advance of travel.

If you are serious about a truck driving career, a criminal record doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle. Contact us for a free consultation.