Grants and Contributions:

Title:
National Capital Region Record Suspension Program
Agreement Number:
22978
Agreement Value:
$1,115,889.68
Agreement Date:
Sep 29, 2022 - Mar 31, 2027
Description:
With this funding, the John Howard Society of Ottawa will establish and administer record suspension application support services for individuals with criminal records in the National Capital Region. The project will increase organizational capacity through dedicated staffing and provide direct financial and administrative assistance to clients, including support with documentation and application fees. By working in collaboration with provincial John Howard Society partners to increase awareness and outreach, the project aims to reduce financial, procedural, and systemic barriers faced by disadvantaged and underprivileged individuals. Ultimately, the project seeks to increase successful record suspension outcomes and support the safe reintegration of individuals into their communities through improved access to employment, housing, and social participation.
Organization:
Public Safety Canada
Expected Results:

The specific objective of the contribution stream is to provide funding to eligible recipients to create or expand application support services for individuals with criminal records looking to apply for a record suspension.

JHS Ottawa stated that the ultimate goal of the project is help increase the number of successful pardon applications by removing barriers which will allow facilitate the reintegration of people who have been incarcerated back into the community and lessen the likelihood of their reoffending. As presented by JHS Ottawa, helping more Canadians to successfully access record suspensions will positively contribute to reintegration efforts, improve public safety, and foster workforce participation.

JHS Ottawa proposes their project will add to the greater Ontario project which will provide the opportunity to disseminate knowledge and produce education materials to not only other JHS organizations but other organizations in general. Ultimately, they propose this dissemination of information will lead to increased knowledge and understanding of how Canada’s federal corrections and criminal justice system rehabilitates and reintegrates individuals.

Of the eligible outcomes listed in the terms and conditions, JHS Ottawa has indicated they intend on fulfilling the following:

Immediate Outcomes:
· Increased knowledge and understanding for decision-making in Canada’s criminal justice and corrections systems
· Shared knowledge and awareness leading to enhanced delivery of services, such as dissemination of information.
· Contribution recipients have the capacity to administer support services for pardon application assistance through program funding.

Intermediate Outcomes:
· Increased capacity NVOs to fulfill their mandates.
· Contribution recipients implement support services for pardon application assistance through program funding.

Long-Term Outcomes:
· Individuals with criminal records are using supports provided by government-funded projects.

Canada’s federal corrections and criminal justice system rehabilitates and reintegrates offenders.

Location:
Ottawa, Ontario, CA K1S 4K5
Reference Number:
088-2025-2026-Q4-00029
Agreement Type:
Contribution
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Type:
Not-for-profit organization or charity
Additional Information:

The purpose of this amendment is to extend the agreement date to March 31, 2027 and to increase the Public Safety Canada funding amount from $1,005,889.68 to $1,115,889.68.

Amendment Date
Feb 26, 2026
Recipient's Legal Name:
John Howard Society of Ottawa
Federal Riding Name:
Ottawa Centre
Federal Riding Number:
35079
Program:
(GCP-VO) Grants and Contribution Program to Voluntary Organizations
Program Purpose:

The Grants and Contributions Program to Voluntary Organizations (GCP VO) supports the development of public safety policies and delivery of services by providing funding to voluntary organizations to maintain a national structure and cover core operating expenses.

Amendments: