Frequently Asked Questions - LawCheck Canadian Background Checks
What is a CPIC Level I background check?
A CPIC Level I background check is a basic criminal record search conducted through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). It verifies whether an individual has any criminal convictions in Canada. This check is commonly used for employment screening, licensing applications, and tenant verification. It returns information about convictions only and does not include pending charges or court orders. Results are typically delivered within 30 minutes to 72 hours.
What is the difference between CPIC Level I and Level II checks?
CPIC Level I is a basic criminal conviction check that searches for convictions only. CPIC Level II is a comprehensive enhanced check that includes criminal convictions, pending charges, probation orders, and judicial court actions (such as restraining orders and conditional discharge orders). Level II provides a more detailed background report and is often required for sensitive positions, professional licensing, or when dealing with vulnerable populations. Level II costs slightly more but provides significantly more comprehensive information.
How long does a background check typically take?
Most LawCheck background checks are completed within 30 minutes to 72 hours. Our fastest results are available for CPIC Level I and Level II checks, which can be delivered within minutes in many cases. Credit reports are available instantly. Processing time may vary depending on the specific service requested and the completeness of the information provided. Rush services may be available upon request. All results are securely delivered online through your account.
What information do you need from me to perform a background check?
To perform a background check, we typically require: full legal name, date of birth, and current address. For driver's abstract checks, you may also need to provide your driver's license number and province of residence. For credit reports, a social insurance number (SIN) may be required for verification purposes. For LSO compliance checks, facial recognition verification is conducted through our secure digital platform. All information is handled with the highest level of security and confidentiality in compliance with privacy regulations.
Is my personal information secure with LawCheck?
Yes, security is our highest priority. LawCheck uses 256-bit encryption to protect all data transmitted through our platform. We are compliant with Canadian privacy laws including PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and follow strict data protection protocols. Our systems are regularly audited and updated to maintain the highest security standards. Your information is only used for the purpose of conducting your requested check and is never shared with third parties without your explicit consent. We maintain secure facilities and restricted access to sensitive data.
Can I use LawCheck for employment screening?
Yes, LawCheck is widely used for employment screening across Canada. Our CPIC Level I and Level II checks are ideal for verifying the criminal record of job candidates. Many employers use our services for positions involving vulnerable populations, financial responsibilities, or positions of trust. We also offer comprehensive B2B solutions for larger organizations that need to screen multiple candidates. Always ensure you have proper consent from candidates before conducting background checks, and follow all employment law requirements in your province. Our team can guide you through the compliance process.
What is LSO By-Law 7.1 and why does it matter?
LSO By-Law 7.1 is a regulation by the Law Society of Ontario that requires all licenced legal professionals to conduct virtual verification of client identity before providing legal services. LawCheck is fully compliant with this requirement and offers dedicated LSO compliance services including facial recognition verification and credit file authentication. This regulation ensures consumer protection and helps prevent fraud and money laundering. If you are a legal professional in Ontario, our LSO-compliant services provide an efficient way to meet this obligation while maintaining client privacy and security.
Do you offer background screening services across all Canadian provinces?
Yes, LawCheck provides background screening services across all 13 Canadian provinces and territories. Our CPIC checks (Level I and II) are available nationwide as they access the federal criminal database. We also offer driver's abstract checks for all provinces and territories, each with authentic formatting specific to that region. Credit reports are available across Canada through our TransUnion partnership. Whether you're screening individuals in British Columbia, Quebec, or any province in between, LawCheck has you covered with comprehensive, nationwide coverage.
What is included in a credit report from LawCheck?
Our credit reports are provided through TransUnion and include a complete credit score and summary of your credit history. The report shows your credit accounts, payment history, credit inquiries, and any negative items such as delinquencies or collections. This is a 'soft pull' which means it does not negatively impact your credit score. Credit reports are useful for employment screening, rental applications, and lending decisions. Results are delivered instantly upon request. The report is easy to understand and clearly displays your creditworthiness.
Can I check my own background?
Yes, absolutely. You can request a background check on yourself for any reason. Many individuals use our services to see what potential employers or landlords might discover about them, allowing them to address any issues proactively. You can order a CPIC check, driver's abstract, or credit report for yourself directly through our online platform. Your information will be kept confidential and secure. This is a great way to identify any errors or discrepancies in records that may need to be corrected with the relevant authorities.
What happens if I find errors in my background check report?
If you discover errors in your background check report, we recommend contacting the appropriate authority directly. For criminal record errors, you can contact the RCMP or your local police service. For driver's abstract errors, contact your provincial Ministry of Transportation. For credit report errors, contact TransUnion directly to dispute inaccurate information. LawCheck provides accurate reports based on official government and third-party databases, but we are not responsible for errors in the underlying records. Our team can provide guidance on how to dispute errors and provide documentation for your dispute.
Do you provide support if I have questions about my results?
Yes, we're here to help! If you have questions about your background check results, simply visit our Contact Us page or call us at 1-833-243-3336 (toll-free). Our knowledgeable team can explain what different sections of your report mean, help you understand criminal codes, clarify driver's abstract information, and answer any questions about your credit report. We provide support Monday through Friday during business hours, and our 24/7 online portal allows you to access your results anytime. We want to ensure you understand your results completely.
What security clearance or background check do I need?
The type of background check you need depends on your specific situation. For employment, CPIC Level I is typically sufficient for most positions, while Level II may be required for sensitive roles like working with children or vulnerable adults. For legal professionals, LSO By-Law 7.1 compliance is mandatory in Ontario. For landlords, a combination of criminal background check and credit report is common. For immigration or professional licensing, requirements vary by province. Our team can help you determine which check is appropriate for your needs. Contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Where is my data stored?
All your data is stored securely in Canada. LawCheck maintains secure facilities and data centers within Canada to ensure compliance with Canadian privacy regulations and data protection laws. Your personal information is protected with industry-leading security measures including 256-bit encryption, restricted access protocols, and regular security audits. We never store your data on servers located outside of Canada, ensuring your information remains under Canadian jurisdiction and protection. This commitment to Canadian data storage demonstrates our dedication to protecting your privacy and meeting the highest standards of data security.