In Canada every employer is currently doing criminal background checks before hiring employees or even for promotions within companies.
A criminal record will stay forever until you apply for a Canada Record Suspension.
Once the Record Suspension is granted then the criminal record is sealed from public viewing. This is particularly important if you are trying to gain employment or traveling to the US as you can get denied entry to the US with a criminal record.
Another benefit of having a Canada Record Suspension is the emotional relief that comes with removing the burden of having a criminal record.
Here is a thank you letter from a person who received a Canada Record Suspension for a theft conviction:
