Mandatory financial inquiries (credit checks)
On January 29, 2018, Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Contract Security Program will implement mandatory credit checks for all levels of personnel security screening.
Review the last communiqué on mandatory credit checks.
Why mandatory credit checks are being implemented
Mandatory credit checks are required as part of the Government of Canada’s standardization of security screening processes, as indicated in the TBS Standard on Security Screening.
Purpose of a credit check
Conducting a credit check as part of a security assessment helps determine an individual’s reliability, particularly as it relates to their ability to meet their financial obligations. While the status of an individual’s financial situation may not affect their ability to do a job, financial obligations or pressures could pose a security risk.
It is important to note that assessing an individual’s financial situation is just one part of the overall assessment. Public Services and Procurement Canada also assesses an applicant’s background information, education and professional credentials, personal and professional references and criminal record.
No additional forms
There are no additional documents associated with a credit check. The applicant provides consent at section C3 of the personnel screening, consent and authorization form (TBS/SCT 330-23E) or will be prompted to consent when completing their request through the Online Industrial Security Services portal.
Type of information assessed in the credit history report
Public Services and Procurement Canada receives a credit history report from the credit bureau. This report contains a record of an individual’s past borrowing and repaying history, including information about late payments and bankruptcy. The report contains an applicant’s date of birth, addresses, employment information, as well as a comprehensive history of current credit or credit that has been used in the past 6 years.
The report will not include the applicant’s credit score and a Public Services and Procurement Canada credit history request has no impact on an individual’s credit score.
