Ontario proposes record check wait time reduction

A composite image of Barrie MPP Andrea Khanjin (left), Solicitor General Michael Kerzner (centre) and Barrie Chief of Police Rich Johnston (right) on May 7, 2026.

The provincial government says it’s aiming to reduce the wait times for police record checks specifically for those who work or volunteer with vulnerable populations such as children, seniors and people with disabilities.

The Ontario government is proposing changes to the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 to make screening of potential employees or volunteers more efficient, while maintaining “robust standards” to protect those considered vulnerable.

“Delays in getting a vulnerable sector check should never stand in the way of someone getting a job or giving back to their community,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner, in a statement shared Thursday morning.

The proposed amendments would allow designated dedicated police services to process sector checks for applications outside of their jurisdiction during times of high demand.

“Shorter wait times and more predictable processing will help hospitals like ours avoid staffing delays, reduce stress for new hires, and ensure the safeguards that protect patients remain strong,” said Gail Hunt, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre president and CEO.

According to the province, police services across Ontario process over one million police record checks annually, with over 70 per cent being vulnerable sector checks.

Typically, sector checks for those working in the vulnerable sector require more detailed screening than regular police record checks. The province says this added flexibly is expected to reduce delays.