Ontario’s broader background checks called ‘security theatre’

A growing chorus of critics are speaking out against the Ontario government’s expanded police record checks , cautioning that the searches dredge up invasive details that may open the door to discrimination.

The broad record check, brought into force on Jan. 1 for people who work with vulnerable kids , requires police to disclose every contact an individual had with law enforcement that resulted in a written record, including non-criminal encounters such as mental health calls.

Strong protections for vulnerable children are necessary, but the legislative change is a government overreach that gives police too much power and responsibility, a collection of prominent academics say. Some questioned the evidence supporting the sweeping change and said there is no clear indication the move