Ontario aims to reduce delays for vulnerable sector screenings
Proposed amendments would allow police services to process checks across jurisdictions
The Ontario government is moving to reduce wait times for police record checks, particularly vulnerable sector screenings required for people seeking employment or volunteer opportunities involving children, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
The proposed amendments, announced Thursday as part of a broader legislative package, would update the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 to allow designated police services to process vulnerable sector checks for applicants living outside their local jurisdiction. The province says the changes are intended to improve efficiency during periods of high demand while maintaining safeguards designed to protect vulnerable populations.
“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. “That’s why we are taking action to reduce wait times and improve how checks are being processed while ensuring the strongest safeguards remain in place.”
Vulnerable sector checks involve more comprehensive screening than standard police record checks and are commonly required for positions in health care, education, social services and volunteer organizations. Because of the additional review process, these checks often take longer to complete, creating delays for employers and applicants alike.
Under the proposed reforms, designated police services would be able to assist other jurisdictions by processing applications from outside their geographic area. The government said the added flexibility is expected to reduce bottlenecks and shorten processing times across the province.
Coordination with federal agencies required
Province says reforms will maintain public safety protections
The province said implementing the changes would require collaboration with federal agencies, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Public Safety Canada, to ensure designated police services can securely access federal databases needed to complete screenings.
Ontario processes more than one million police record checks annually, according to government data, with vulnerable sector checks accounting for more than 70 per cent of the total volume.
The government framed the proposal as part of its broader public safety agenda, which includes efforts to strengthen enforcement, crack down on crime and protect victims and vulnerable individuals across Ontario communities.
A police record check is commonly used by employers, volunteer organizations and licensing bodies to assess whether an individual is suitable for a particular role or responsibility. Delays in processing can affect hiring timelines for hospitals, schools, charities and other organizations that depend on timely onboarding of staff and volunteers.
Police and hospital leaders back proposed reforms
Stakeholders say shorter wait times could ease staffing pressures
Local police and health-care leaders welcomed the proposed changes, saying they could improve operational efficiency and reduce delays for applicants.
“In 2025, the Barrie Police Service provided just under 14,000 criminal record checks, of which 11,354 were vulnerable sector checks (VSC). These numbers have been increasing year after year. Our Records and Information Management Services Unit strives to complete all record checks, including vulnerable sector checks as soon as possible, however the proposed changes would make it even easier for applicants to apply for and receive their VSC in a convenient and timely manner. We look forward to being able to help more applicants give back and support their communities.”
- Rich Johnston
Chief of Barrie Police Service
The comments highlight the growing demand facing police services across Ontario as more employers and organizations require vulnerable sector screenings.
Health-care organizations, which frequently rely on vulnerable sector checks for new hires, also said the proposed reforms could help address staffing challenges and improve patient care timelines.
“As one of the region’s largest employers and a hospital that relies heavily on vulnerable sector checks, modernizing police record checks will have a meaningful impact on our ability to hire and onboard staff quickly and safely. 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. These changes support both public safety and timely access to care, which is essential for the communities we serve.”
- Gail Hunt
President and CEO, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre
The proposed legislative amendments have not yet been passed and would need approval by the Ontario legislature before taking effect. If implemented, the government said the changes would modernize the current system while preserving the integrity of vulnerable sector screening standards across the province.