Types & Levels of Background Checks in Canada – What Do They Reveal?

What Are Background Checks?

If you’re looking for a background check in Canada, it’s important to understand that not all background checks are the same. From basic employment screening to more advanced investigative searches, the level of detail you receive can vary significantly depending on the type of background check you choose.

In Canada, there are several different types of background checks, and this is where many people get confused.

Some people search for:

• background check Canada
• criminal record check
• police check online
• free background check

…but not all background checks are the same.

The level of information you receive depends entirely on the type of check you request.

The Different Types of Background Checks in Canada

Employment-Level Checks (CRJMC)

A CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) is one of the most commonly requested types of employment background check in Canada.

This type of criminal record check is typically required for:

• Employment opportunities
• Licensing applications
• Volunteer positions

It is designed to provide a quick and standardized result, confirming whether an individual has a criminal record or outstanding judicial matters.

Below is an example of what a CRJMC looks like:

As you can see, a CRJMC is very straightforward. It will either show that an individual is cleared or, if applicable, indicate the presence of a record or judicial matter.

This makes it ideal for situations where a basic level of screening is required.

However, it’s important to understand the limitations.

A CRJMC does not provide a full picture of an individual’s background. It does not include deeper insights such as civil litigation, financial issues, reputation indicators, or broader investigative findings.

In other words, while a CRJMC is an essential and appropriate tool for many employment and compliance purposes, it is considered a basic-level background check.

If you require a more detailed background search, such as for hiring decisions, tenant screening, or personal due diligence, a more comprehensive investigation may be necessary.

At The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., we help clients determine the right level of background check based on their specific needs, ensuring they get the information required to make informed decisions.

Police-Level Checks (Vulnerable Sector Check)

A vulnerable sector check is a more advanced type of criminal background check required for positions involving trust, authority, or interaction with vulnerable individuals.

This includes roles such as working with children, healthcare positions, volunteer placements, and other situations where an individual is in a position of authority relative to vulnerable persons.

Unlike a standard criminal record check or CRJMC, a vulnerable sector search goes further and provides a deeper level of screening.

What a Vulnerable Sector Check Includes

A vulnerable sector check may include information from multiple sources, such as:

• RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records
• Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC)
• Outstanding charges, warrants, and judicial orders
• Probation, prohibition orders, and peace bonds
• Absolute and conditional discharges (within applicable timeframes)
• Certain non-conviction information (as permitted by legislation)
• Pardoned sexual offence checks where authorized

This level of detail is what makes it one of the most thorough forms of criminal history check available in Canada.

Important: Required Letter for Application

If you are applying for a vulnerable sector check, especially for employment or volunteer purposes, you must provide a valid agency letter during the application process.

If this letter does not meet the required criteria, your application may be declined, and no refund will be provided.

Your letter must:

• Be on official agency or organization letterhead
• Be dated
• Include the applicant’s legal name
• Clearly state whether the position is for employment or volunteer purposes
• Describe the role you will be performing
• Confirm the role involves authority or trust relative to vulnerable persons in Canada
• Explain how the position involves working with vulnerable individuals
• Be signed by authorized agency personnel

Important: Offers of employment are not considered valid agency letters.

Before You Apply

Before submitting your application, take a moment to confirm:

• Does your letter clearly explain your role and responsibilities?
• Does it show how your position relates to vulnerable persons?
• Is it properly signed by an authorized representative?

Missing any of these details is one of the most common reasons applications are delayed or rejected.

Faster Processing Through RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting

Through our sister company, Smith Security Inc., vulnerable sector check fingerprinting is completed at our Orillia office using RCMP-accredited processes.

This allows for significantly faster turnaround times compared to traditional police services, with many clients receiving their results in a fraction of the time.

Who Needs a Vulnerable Sector Check?

A vulnerable sector check is typically required for:

• Teachers and education staff
• Healthcare and support workers
• Volunteers working with children or vulnerable populations
• Caregivers and community workers
• Any role involving trust or authority over vulnerable individuals

Why This Level of Background Checks Matters

While a basic criminal record check or CRJMC may be sufficient for general employment, a vulnerable sector check is required when safety and trust are critical.

It provides a deeper level of screening and helps organizations make informed decisions when placing individuals in sensitive roles.

Investigative Background Checks (Deep-Dive Checks)

This is where most people underestimate what a background check can actually reveal.

A professional private investigator background check goes far beyond what you’ll find in a basic criminal record search or online background check.

At The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., our background check services are designed for situations where you need real insight—not just a yes or no result.

These due diligence investigation services may include:

• Criminal history and arrest-related information
• Open and closed court records (civil and criminal)
• Bankruptcy and financial issues
• Employment history and verification
• Business affiliations
• Social media and digital footprint analysis
• Reputation and behavioural indicators

This level of background search is commonly used for:

• Hiring decisions
• Business partnerships
• Dating safety
• High-value transactions
• Tenant screening services and background check for renters

The Truth About “Free Background Checks”

If you’ve searched for:

• free background check
• free criminal background check
• public data check free
• best background check site

…you’ve likely seen dozens of websites offering instant results.

Here’s the reality.

There is no such thing as a truly free background check that provides accurate and complete Canadian data.

Most of these platforms:

• Require payment to unlock results
• Use outdated or incomplete information
• Rely heavily on U.S. databases
• Do not reflect accurate Canadian records

This is why many individuals and businesses turn to professional background check companies when the information actually matters.

What a Private Investigator Can Legally Find

A professional background check conducted by a licensed investigator can uncover information that is not available through standard checks.

This may include:

• Civil court records and litigation history
• Business ownership and affiliations
• Employment verification
• Social media and OSINT analysis
• Reputation indicators and behavioural patterns

This type of personal background check provides context and insight—not just a checkbox result.

What We Cannot Access (And Why That Matters)

Transparency is important.

A private investigator cannot access:

• CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) databases
• Protected law enforcement systems
• Unauthorized police records

This is why services claiming instant access to full criminal background check Canada databases online should be viewed with caution.

Working with a licensed professional ensures your background check services are conducted legally and properly.

Who Needs Background Checks?

Different people require different types of background checks, depending on their situation.

Employers

Use employment background check services to verify candidates before hiring

Landlords

Rely on tenant screening and background check for renters to reduce risk

Business Owners

Conduct due diligence investigation before partnerships or investments

Individuals

Request a personal background check for dating, safety, or verification

Organizations & Volunteers

Require vulnerable sector check or criminal record check for compliance

Red Flags Background Checks Can Reveal

A professional background check can identify issues such as:

• Undisclosed criminal history
• Ongoing or past litigation
• Financial instability or bankruptcy
• Misrepresented employment history
• Suspicious online behaviour

These are details that a basic online background check or free background check will often miss.

Why Not All Background Checks Are Equal

Not all background check Canada services provide the same level of information.

A basic criminal record check or police check online may only confirm whether a record exists.

A professional investigation provides:

• Context
• Verification
• Deeper insight

Choosing the right level of background search depends on what decision you’re making.

When to Hire a Private Investigator

You should consider a professional background check when:

• The decision carries financial or legal risk
• You need more than a basic criminal history check
• Online searches and background search tools are not enough
• Accuracy and verification are critical

At The Smith Investigation Agency Inc., we tailor each background check to your specific needs—whether that’s a simple check or a full investigative deep dive.

Protect Yourself Before Making a Decision

If you need a background check, the most important step is choosing the right level of investigation.

Whether you require a CRJMC, a vulnerable sector check, or a full private investigator background check, we can help guide you through the process and ensure you get accurate, reliable information.

Contact The Smith Investigation Agency Inc. today for professional background check services you can trust.