Background Checks & Screening Services

Simplify onboarding with all-in-one screening software

Finding the right people starts with the right screening. We offer a full suite of Canadian background check services in our eScreener  to help you confidently hire the best fit for your team.

Get started
Screenshot of eScreener webpage on a tablet, with a video play button.

Full list of background checks for every hiring need in Canada

From Criminal Record Checks and Employment Verifications to Credit Checks and Social Media Screening, our services are fast, accurate, and fully compliant — giving you a complete view of every candidate before they join your team.


Request a demo today

Black shield with white checkmark, indicating security or verification.

Standard Criminal Record Checks

A Standard Criminal Record Check in Canada searches the RCMP’s Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database for adult criminal convictions without a pardon or record suspension. It provides a reliable overview of a candidate’s criminal history for general employment screening.


Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing security and validation.

Enhanced Criminal Record Checks

Also known as a Police Information Check (PIC)— this check includes the national CPIC search plus a Local Police Information (LPI) review. This offers additional insight into local convictions, charges, or judicial matters for positions requiring higher security or trust.


Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, indicating security or verification.

Vulnerable Sector Checks

The Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) includes both Level 1 and Level 2 searches, along with a review for sexual offences under Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act that are subject to a record suspension (formerly a pardon). VSCs cannot be obtained from Hire Performance and are only available directly from the police.

Shield icon with a checkmark.

Employment Checks

We contact previous employers to confirm the validity of the applicant's past employment history including dates, the position held, status upon termination, income, reason for leaving, eligibility for rehire and fill any gaps that may be present in the applicant's resume.



Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, indicating security or verification.

Education Checks

Education Verification checks authenticate a candidates education claims directly with registrars and administration offices. We compare claims made by your candidate with verified information from the official files and alert you of inconsistencies within the eScreener.


Learn more

Black shield with white checkmark, indicating security or verification.

Social Media Checks

Identify potential risks or red flags that may not appear in traditional background screenings. This check reviews publicly available online content across major social media platforms to assess a candidate’s professionalism, conduct, and alignment with your company values.



Learn more

Black shield with a white checkmark, representing security and validation.

Reference Checks

Our third-party approach allows for complete objectivity with references. You can enhance our Reference Checks with custom, position specific questions. Ensure that thorough and consistent references are taken every time.



Learn more

Shield icon with a check mark inside.

Credit Checks

Hire responsible, organized, and trustworthy employees for job positions that involve handling money with our comprehensive credit report. Our credit check helps you protect your business from potential liability while reducing employee turnover.



Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing security and validation.

Drivers Abstracts

Confirm the validity of an applicant's Driver's License and indicate any Highway Act infractions over a 3-year history. This is essential information for companies where driving is an essential job duty and employees are responsible for corporate vehicles.



Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing security.

Fingerprinting

We provide RCMP-accredited fingerprinting services to verify identity and ensure accurate, compliant background screening. This process adds an extra layer of security when a more detailed check is required beyond a standard criminal record search.



Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, indicating security or verification.

Credential Checks

This check confirms that candidates hold the required certifications, licences, or memberships for their roles. It helps ensure compliance with regulations while protecting your organization from falsified or misrepresented qualifications.


Learn more

Black shield icon with a white checkmark.

Exit Interviews

Gain valuable insights from departing employees with our Exit Interview service. We uncover meaningful feedback to identify areas for improvement, strengthen retention, and maintain a positive company reputation.



Learn more

Shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing security.

US Criminal Checks

When hiring candidates from the United States, accuracy starts with identity verification. Using a Social Security Number Trace (SSN) we search county, state, and federal databases to provide fast, reliable results that help you make confident, compliant hiring decisions.


Get started

Shield icon with a checkmark, symbolizing security.

Global Criminal Checks

For companies hiring globally or evaluating candidates who have lived or worked outside Canada, International Criminal Record Checks provide essential insight into a candidate’s background. We partner with trusted global databases to deliver accurate, compliant, and country-specific results.


Get started

Black shield icon with a white checkmark, representing security and validation.

National Security Search

Our National Security Search (NSS) helps organizations in sensitive or regulated industries manage risk and compliance by cross-referencing U.S., Canadian, and international government sanction lists to identify individuals or entities linked to terrorism or other restricted activities.



Get started

Run online background checks within the eScreener

Hand holding a star with sparkles, representing appreciation or a reward.

The benefits of running pre-employment background checks

Implementing thorough background checks in Canada is one of the most effective ways to protect your organization, your team, and your reputation. Here’s how:

Person in a suit selecting a profile on a phone; hiring concept.
  • Enhance Workplace Safety and Security

    Background checks help safeguard your employees, customers, and the public by identifying potential risks such as criminal convictions or patterns of misconduct — creating a safer and more trustworthy work environment.

  • Stay Legally Compliant

    Many industries across Canada — including healthcare, finance, and education — have strict screening regulations. Conducting proper background checks ensures your hiring practices meet provincial and federal compliance standards.

  • Protect Your Company’s Reputation

    Your people define your brand. Screening candidates for past unethical or criminal behaviour helps you avoid costly reputational damage and maintain the trust of your clients, stakeholders, and community.

  • Verify Qualifications and Experience

    Background checks confirm that candidates truly have the education, credentials, and work history they claim — helping you hire qualified professionals with confidence.

  • Prevent Financial Misconduct

    For roles with access to financial data or resources, background checks can uncover prior fraud, theft, or credit issues — protecting your business from potential loss or liability.

  • Reduce Turnover and Hiring Costs

    By identifying potential issues early, you can make smarter hiring decisions and reduce costly turnover — saving time and resources in the long run.

Run online background checks within the eScreener

FAQs

  • What is background screening?

    Background screening refers to the process of researching and gathering information about an individual's history, often to make informed decisions about their suitability for employment, tenancy, financial transactions, or other situations where trust and reliability are essential. Background screening aims to verify and assess an individual's qualifications, character, and past behaviour, helping organizations and individuals make more informed and risk-conscious decisions.

  • Why is background screening important for employers?

    Employers have a duty to check the backgrounds of prospective employees for the sake of shareholders, fellow employees, and customers. A thorough background check can save an organization an enormous amount of grief and expense down the road. Hire Performance’s services accelerate the recruiting process and dramatically improve the quality of background information necessary to make well-informed hiring decisions. These benefits will significantly reduce expenses associated with turnover and re-training - not to mention the damage that a 'bad hire' can inflict on the company and its customers.

  • What information is typically included in a background check?

    Typically, background screening involves checking various aspects of an individual's background, which may include one or more of the following service types:

    • Criminal Record Check: Checking for any local, national, or international criminal records or convictions.
    • Credit Check: Assessing an individual's financial responsibility and creditworthiness by reviewing their credit history on their credit report.
    • Driver’s Abstract: Reviewing a summary of a person's driving record, providing information about their driving history, license status, violations, and other relevant details.
    • Employment Verification: Verifying the accuracy of an individual's work experience, including past employers, job titles, and employment dates.
    • Education Verification: Confirming an individual's educational background, including degrees and diplomas.
    • Credential Verification: Verifying any professional licenses or certifications claimed by the individual.
    • National Security Search: Examining an individual's background for any potential national security concerns, including checks against government databases and security watchlists.
    • Reference Checks: Contacting previous employers, colleagues, or personal references to gather insights into an individual's character and work habits.
    • Exit Interviews: Gathering feedback from departing employees on their experiences, reasons for leaving, and suggestions for organizational improvement.
  • How long does a background check take?

    The turnaround time depends on the service being requested. For example, at Hire Performance, Canadian Criminal Record Checks, Credit Checks, Ontario Driver’s Abstracts, and many Education Verification requests are returned within one to two business hours. Other services, such as References and Employment Verification requests, can take longer, but we complete our due diligence by reaching out daily and keeping you updated on the status of each service.

  • Are background checks legal?

    Yes, background checks are legal, but they must be conducted in compliance with relevant laws and regulations governing privacy and employment practices. In many countries, including Canada, the United States, and others, specific laws dictate how background checks can be performed, what information can be obtained, and how many years of history can be reviewed. Employers and background screening companies need to adhere to these laws, such as the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) in Canada or the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) in the U.S., to protect individuals' rights and privacy during the screening process. You can read more about this here.