The Ontario government is proposing changes to streamline vulnerable sector police record checks in an effort to reduce wait times for people seeking jobs or volunteer positions working with children, seniors and people with disabilities.
The proposed amendments, announced as part of an upcoming legislative package, would modify the province’s Police Record Checks Reform Act to allow designated police services to process vulnerable sector checks for applicants who live outside their local jurisdiction.
“Delays in getting a vulnerable sector check should never stand in the way of someone getting a job or giving back to their community,” Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said in a news release.
Barrie's News Delivered To Your Inbox
By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Central Ontario Broadcasting, 431 Huronia Rd, Barrie, Ontario, CA, https://www.cobroadcasting.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Vulnerable sector checks require more detailed screening than standard police record checks, often leading to longer processing times for applicants.
Under the proposed changes, designated police services would be able to assist with processing during periods of high demand, regardless of where the applicant lives in Ontario.
The province said implementation would require coordination with federal partners, including the RCMP and Public Safety Canada, to provide designated police services with access to federal databases.
Ontario police services process more than one million police record checks each year, with more than 70 per cent categorized as vulnerable sector checks.
In Barrie, a total of just under 14,000 criminal record checks were processed in 2025, with 11,354 of them categorized in the vulnerable sector.
Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston said the proposed amendments could help improve convenience and turnaround times for applicants.
“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.”
Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) president and CEO Gail Hunt said modernizing the system could help hospitals, among other large operations, reduce hiring delays while maintaining safety standards.
“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,” she said in a release
Kerzner along with Barrie-Innisfil MPP and Red Tape Reduction Minister Andrea Khanjin are set to speak at a news conference about the legislation on Wednesday morning at Barrie Police headquarters.
