A social worker from Ontario is stuck in Labrador without a job due to a backlog of Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) background checks. To protect her identity and job prospects, she goes by Sarah. She applied for a vulnerable sector screening (VSC) in mid-August but has not received any updates despite reaching out to the OPP processing unit. Sarah was scheduled to start her new job on Sep. 5 and anticipates being without income for at least three months. She left Ontario due to financial constraints and is now struggling to make ends meet.
Triton Canada, the OPP’s background check provider, defines a VSC as a comprehensive check for individuals working with vulnerable populations, comprising a criminal record check, a local police information check, and a vulnerable sector query. Triton manages the initial intake of applications before sending them to the OPP for review. The current status indicates that applications submitted before July 22 are being processed.
According to OPP spokesperson Erin Cranton, the backlog is a result of a high number of requests, leading to extended processing times. Factors like the complexity of the check can further delay the process, with complex checks typically taking 45 to 55 days. The OPP declined to comment on Sarah’s case, leaving her anxious about her job offer.
Acknowledging the strain on healthcare services, Miranda Romanowicz, CEO of the Ontario Personal Support Workers Association (OPSWA), highlighted the impact of delays on personal support workers (PSWs). These professionals face job uncertainties and potential offer withdrawals due to pending VSCs, exacerbating staffing shortages in the healthcare system.
The OPSWA has collaborated with Triton to assist PSWs in obtaining necessary checks promptly, as some employers accept alternative checks in the absence of VSCs. The Solicitor General is collaborating with the OPP to address the backlog, aiming to improve processing times and reduce delays in VSC issuance.
Sarah, facing financial hardships, is exploring temporary job options while urging for a resolution. Despite reaching out to the Solicitor General’s office for assistance, she remains in a precarious situation. The Toronto Police Service is also grappling with a backlog in background checks, further underscoring the widespread issue affecting various sectors.
