When I was in Canada, I kept seeing these commercials for “Pardon Services Canada” which informed me that…

“A criminal record limits your ability to travel. But it doesn’t have to.”

I’d never really thought about it before, but it turns out Canada has some pretty strict ideas about how fucked you get after you land a criminal record. Check it out:

Why Get a Pardon?

Not only does a criminal record affect your peace of mind and your reputation, it can also limit:

1. Career Advancement
2. Volunteer Opportunities
3. Ability to Rent
4. Child Custody
5. Adoption
6. Bonding
7. Educational Opportunities
8. Landed Status or Citizenship in Canada
9. Foreign Travel

Having a criminal record makes foreign travel illegal; this includes trips to the USA. If you are caught crossing the border illegally you risk being arrested, detained and/or deported. Foreign customs agents may also seize your property, including your vehicle. If you have been denied entry into the United States and/or have a criminal record in Canada, you will need to apply for a waiver for legal entry into the U.S.

This site claims that a full 10% of the Canadian population has a criminal record. That seems absurd. Especially since they all seem so goddamned friendly. It’s creepy that they play those ads on cable and prime time up there, just like it’s nothing. I say, go on with your bad selves, Canadians! Fight the power, eh?

Also, as a postscript, I wonder how much worse this problem must be here in the States, as far as criminal records haunting you forever and ever. I also wonder what kind of formal limitations it puts on you, besides just the obvious social stigma.