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.