r/canadaguns • u/Silver_Ad2286 • May 28 '26

Application / Regulation advice Pal wait times

​

I submitted my PAL and RPAL application in January 2025 and I'm still waiting for a decision.

For full transparency, I disclosed on my application that I received a conditional discharge for assault and robbery charges 16 years ago. The conditional discharge was completed over 15 years ago.

It's been 13 months with no update, so I contacted my MP for assistance, but they weren't able to help. I then emailed the Premier's Office, and shortly after, I received a call from the OPP. They advised that someone would reach out within a month.

That was 3 months ago, and I still haven't heard back. Every time I call for an update, I'm told the file is "on the area officer's desk" and that they'll email the officer.

Has anyone dealt with a similar delay involving older charges and a conditional discharge? What would you recommend as the next step to get a response or move the file forward?

Edit: im in ontario

0 Upvotes

33% Upvoted

20 comments sorted by

View all comments

5

u/KorporalKarnage May 28 '26

You will always have a "flag" on your file until you go to the arresting detachment in person and request the Destruction of Non-Conviction Form.

You will need to write out all the charges in your own handwriting on the form and they will sent it to Ottawa. If you are approved they will destroy all fingerprints, documents and files from the database and send you a letter stating as such. This generally stops the flagging. Helps when approving transfers as well.

Keep in mind all public documentation on your arrest will still be available from the court you were processed in and can be requested by anyone. Unless you were in the news it would be pretty hard to guess what to request from them which brings up the internet. The net never forgets...

You can also make a separate request to "hide" online details on your court appearances. This can also flag you. Banks and other financial institutions use online court records to see if you're a liability and can deny or expel you from their bank. Each province has different guidelines to restrict access to court documents. Best to email your provincial court authority on that one.

I won't judge you on your past. It looks like the system already did that. Good luck.

1

u/Silver_Ad2286 May 28 '26

Thank you for this. I didnt know this existed