An individual applies for a security guard licence in Alberta. During the application process, it is discovered that the applicant has a past conviction for a summary conviction offence related to minor fraud which occurred three years prior. The applicant has since completed all penalties and restorative justice requirements. Under the Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA) and its regulations, how would this past conviction most likely impact the licence application?

Question: An individual applies for a security guard licence in Alberta. During the application process, it is discovered that the applicant has a past conviction for a summary conviction offence related to minor fraud which occurred three years prior. The applicant has since completed all penalties and restorative justice requirements. Under the Security Services and Investigators Act (SSIA) and its regulations, how would this past conviction most likely impact the licence application?

Answer options:

• The licence will be automatically denied due to the presence of a criminal conviction.
• The Registrar will likely deny the application, as fraud is considered a serious offence under the Act. ✅ The Registrar has the discretion to issue the licence, considering factors like the nature of the offence, time elapsed, and rehabilitation efforts.
• The applicant will be required to reapply after an additional period of five years has passed since the conviction.

Correct answer: The Registrar has the discretion to issue the licence, considering factors like the nature of the offence, time elapsed, and rehabilitation efforts.

Explanation: The SSIA grants the Registrar discretion when evaluating applications with past convictions. The Registrar considers factors such as the nature and gravity of the offence, the time elapsed since the conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation, rather than an automatic denial for all convictions.