Jobs With No Background Check (Second Chance Careers)

In Canada, roughly 4 million people have a criminal record. That is 1 in 9 Canadians.

If you are one of them, you know the sinking feeling of seeing "Successful candidate must pass a Vulnerable Sector Check" on a job posting. It feels like the door is constantly being slammed in your face.

But here is the truth: Not every industry cares.

While sectors like Healthcare, Banking, and Childcare must run strict checks by law, the vast majority of the "Blue Collar" and "Tech" economy is unregulated in this regard. In construction, manufacturing, and the gig economy, employers are often desperate for reliable workers. They don't care about what you did 5 years ago; they care if you show up on time tomorrow.

If you are looking for a fresh start, here are the best jobs in Canada that typically do not require a criminal background check.

1. Residential Construction (Framing / Roofing / Drywall)

• The Check: Rare.
• The Vibe: "Can you lift this? Good. You're hired."
• Why it fits: Residential contractors (small businesses building houses) almost never run background checks. They need bodies.
• The Pay: $22.00 – $35.00 per hour.
• The Strategy: Avoid massive commercial sites (like building an airport) which require security clearance. Stick to Residential Subdivisions.
• Related: This pairs perfectly with our Easiest Jobs to Get guide.

2. Skilled Trades (Welder / Electrician)

• The Check: Mixed.
• The Vibe: "The Weld holds or it doesn't."
• Why it fits: The trade unions (like Ironworkers or Boilermakers) are famous for being "Second Chance" organizations. If you are a skilled Welder, your skill is more valuable than your record.
• The Pay: $30.00 – $45.00 per hour.
• The Exception: You cannot work at Nuclear Plants or Airports (requires clearance), but you can work in factories, fabrication shops, and private sites all day long.
• Internal Link: See our Jobs for Men Guide for more "Dirty Jobs" that pay well.

3. Long-Haul Truck Driver (Canada Only)

• The Check: Driving Abstract (Yes) / Criminal (Maybe).
• The Vibe: "Just keep the wheels turning."
• Why it fits: The shortage of drivers is so severe (20,000+ vacancies) that many fleets have relaxed their hiring rules.
• The Catch: You CANNOT cross the US Border. The USA will deny entry to almost anyone with a record. You must apply for "Canada Only" or "Domestic" routes.
• The Pay: $60,000 – $80,000 per year.

4. Kitchen Staff (Line Cook / Chef)

• The Check: Almost Never.
• The Vibe: Kitchens are the island of misfit toys.
• Why it fits: The restaurant industry is notoriously open-minded. Anthony Bourdain famously said that kitchens are filled with people running from their past. If you can handle the heat, you are family.
• The Pay: $18.00 – $24.00 per hour + Tips.
• The Growth: You can become a Head Chef ($70k) without anyone ever asking to see a police check.

5. Freelance Tech / Graphic Design

• The Check: Zero.
• The Vibe: "Here is my portfolio."
• Why it fits: When you are a freelancer on Upwork or working for private clients, nobody asks for a background check. They only care about your portfolio.
• The Roles: Web Developer, Copywriter, Video Editor.
• The Pay: $30.00 – $60.00 per hour (Self-Employed).
• Internal Link: Learn how to start in our Online Jobs Guide.

6. Waste Management / Sanitation

• The Check: Low.
• The Vibe: "It's a dirty job, but it pays."
• Why it fits: Many private waste companies (like GFL or Waste Connections) are willing to hire people with records for roles like Sorter or Loader.
• The Pay: $20.00 – $26.00 per hour.
• The Benefit: It is often unionized, meaning you get health benefits and job security quickly.

7. Warehouse Associate (General Labour)

• The Check: Varies (Avoid Amazon).
• The Vibe: "Move this box."
• Why it fits: While Amazon often runs checks, smaller 3PL (Third Party Logistics) warehouses usually don't.
• The Strategy: Apply through smaller staffing agencies. Tell them upfront: "I have a record, please place me at a site that doesn't require a check." They will have a list of clients who don't care.
• Internal Link: Check our Daily Pay Guide for agencies like PeopleReady that are often lenient.

Comparison Table: The "Red Light" vs. "Green Light" Sectors

Knowing where not to apply saves you time and heartbreak.

Practical Questions Answered

"Should I lie on the application?"

NO.

• The Risk: If you lie and they check, you are fired for dishonesty (Cause). You get no EI and a bad reference.
• The Strategy: Leave the box blank if you can. If asked directly, be honest: "I made a mistake 5 years ago, I have served my time, and I am just looking for a chance to work hard."

"What is a 'Vulnerable Sector Check'?"

The deepest check.

• The Detail: This checks for everything, including pardoned offenses. It is only legal for jobs working with kids, the elderly, or disabled people. Construction companies are not legally allowed to ask for this.

"Is getting a Pardon (Record Suspension) worth it?"

Yes, it changes your life.

• The Cost: It costs ~$650 (government fee) + paperwork.
• The Result: It seals your record. You can then work in Banking, Government, and cross the border. Start the process as soon as you are eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work for the Government?

Sometimes.

While the Federal Government is strict, some Municipalities (City jobs) have "Fair Chance Hiring" policies for roles like Parks Labourer or Road Maintenance.

Do staffing agencies run checks?

They follow the client's rules.

If you go to Randstad or Adecco, they have 50 clients. 20 might require checks, 30 might not. Be honest with your recruiter so they don't waste time sending you to a "Check Required" client.

What if my record is for theft?

Avoid Retail and Warehousing.

Employers are most scared of "Theft" in roles where you handle product. Stick to Construction or Landscape where there is nothing to steal.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur. He tracks real-time labour market data, government hiring trends, and entry-level opportunities to help newcomers and students navigate the Canadian job market.

Sources

• Parole Board of Canada (Record Suspensions): https://www.canada.ca/en/parole-board/services/record-suspensions.html
• John Howard Society (Employment Support): https://johnhoward.ca/
• ZipRecruiter (No Background Check Jobs): https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/No-Background-Check/-in-Canada

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.