Contract Security Program Screening Process to Include Mandatory Electronic Fingerprinting

Currently, the Contract Security Program (CSP) conducts criminal record checks using criminal record name checks with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The RCMP, as the lead agency responsible for law enforcement inquiries, is retiring the name-based criminal record check process in favour of mandatory electronic fingerprinting.

The use of mandatory fingerprinting will eliminate the chances of mistaken identity resulting from variances in spelling of names, common surnames, the use of nicknames and name changes. This change is already in place for employees of most government departments including Public Services and Procurement Canada but has not yet been implemented for industry clearances. The CSP expects the new process to be launched in fall 2016.