Ontario Removing Fee For Police Record Checks For Some Volunteers

TORONTO – Some volunteers from Ontario will soon be able to receive free police records checks.
The abolition of the fee for criminal record checks and criminal record checks and court cases for volunteers was part of legislation passed by the government late last year and will take effect on April 1st.
The government says it will make it easier for Ontarians to volunteer at animal shelters, food banks and other community organizations.
Volunteers will be able to receive up to five copies of these file checks for free.
Police services will continue to charge fees for volunteers in need of vulnerability checks, which apply to work with children, the elderly or people with disabilities.
Attorney General Sylvia Jones says the abolition of the fees will benefit charities and other volunteer-based organizations.