Vulnerable Sector Check

All applicants for registration must submit a recent Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) issued by their local Canadian police service.

  • The VSC report must be dated no more than six (6) months before the date of the application for registration with the CRTO.
  • The VSC must be completed on all names the applicant is currently using or has ever used (e.g., maiden names).
  • The names and the date of birth on the VSC report must match those listed on the application for registration with the CRTO.
  • VSCs must be issued specifically for the purpose of registration with the CRTO.
  • Applicants are responsible for the costs related to obtaining the VSC.

Submitting a VSC to the CRTO

Applicants who receive an electronic copy of the VSC must submit it through the online applicant portal.

Applicants who receive a paper copy of the VSC must mail the original copy to:

Registration Services
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
90 Adelaide Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, ON M5H 3V9
Canada

We recommend that applicants keep a copy of the VSC report for their records.

For applicants living in Toronto:

The Toronto Police Service offers online, in-person and mail-in options for VSC applications.

Individuals  applying online or in person will need to provide a unique agency code that the CRTO has been assigned by the Toronto Police. To obtain the code, please contact the CRTO at registrationservices@crto.on.ca.

For more information about obtaining a VSC from the Toronto Police Service, please visit the Toronto Police Services website.

For applicants living in Ottawa or Gatineau:

The CRTO is aware that the Ottawa Police Service and the Gatineau Police Service do not provide Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector Check) reports for registration purposes.

Applicants in these areas  should apply for a Level 2: Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check. After submitting their application and the Level 2 Check, they will be required to sign an Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the CRTO.

Exemptions

  • Recent Graduates of approved Ontario RT Programs may submit a copy of the VSC completed for their clinical placement, provided that:
      1. They have completed the VSC no more than 12 months before the date of their application for registration with the CRTO;
      2. The results of the VSC are completely clear; and
      3. They sign an Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the CRTO.

 

  • Applicants Residing Outside of Canada

    Applicants who currently do not or have not lived in Canada and who are unable to obtain a VSC are required to provide alternative criminal records checks acceptable to the Registrar, such as an international police certificate. To confirm what type of criminal record check can be obtained from other countries, please consult the Government of Canada website .

 For more information, please see the Vulnerable Sector Checks Policy. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)?

A Vulnerable Sector Check is a type of police background check conducted in Canada to determine if an individual has a criminal record, with a focus on offences that may put vulnerable populations such as children or the elderly at risk.

What information will be obtained through a Vulnerable Sector Check?

A Vulnerable Sector Check will provide information on any findings of convictions, charges, warrants, and certain judicial orders and sexual offense convictions that are relevant to the protection of vulnerable individuals.

Why is the CRTO implementing a VSC requirement?

The CRTO is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of patients, including vulnerable populations who may be at risk of harm. By implementing a VSC requirement, the CRTO upholds its mandate to ensure that Respiratory Therapists in Ontario practice with decency, integrity and honesty and in accordance with the law. 

Who is required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check?

All initial applicants for registration with the CRTO are required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check.  In addition, individuals who are seeking reinstatement from a suspension (except for administrative suspension), resignation, or revocation are also required to submit a VSC.

I am already a registered Member of the CRTO, do I need to submit a VSC to renew my registration?

No, Members of the CRTO are not required to submit a VSC as part of their annual registration renewal. However, if you are reinstating from a suspension (except for administrative suspension), resignation, or revocation, you will have to submit a VSC as part of your reinstatement with the CRTO.

How do I get a Vulnerable Sector Check?

Applicants can obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check by contacting their local police service or the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). The process may vary depending on the jurisdiction, so it’s essential to inquire with the appropriate authorities.

For applicants living in the City of Toronto:
 
Please contact the Toronto Police Service to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check. The Toronto Police Service offers an online, in-person and mail-in option. Visit the Toronto Police Services website and review their FAQs page for more information. 
 
For applicants living in Ottawa or Gatineau:

The CRTO is aware that both the Gatineau Police Service and the Ottawa Police Service do not provide Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector Check) reports for registration purposes. 

If you plan to request a police record check from either of these services, please apply for a Level 2 (Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check). 

After submitting your application and a Level 2 Check, please contact Registration staff by email at registrationservices@crto.on.ca to complete an acknowledgement and undertaking with the CRTO.  

How long does it take to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check?

The processing time for a Vulnerable Sector Check can vary depending on factors such as the workload of the police service or RCMP and the complexity of the individual’s background. Applicants are encouraged to apply for their VSC well in advance to ensure timely completion, but not more than 6 months before.

Is there a fee associated with obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check?

Yes, there is typically a fee charged by the police service or RCMP for conducting a Vulnerable Sector Check. The fee amount may vary depending on the jurisdiction and is the responsibility of the applicant.

Is there an appeals process if my registration is denied due to the results of a vulnerable check?

Yes, individuals have the right to appeal registration decisions made by the CRTO. For example, if an applicant is not satisfied with the decision made by the CRTO’s Registration Committee, they may appeal thedecision to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), an independent review board established under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA).

How do I submit my results of the Vulnerable Sector Check to the CRTO?

Applicants who receive an electronic copy of the VSC must upload the document through the application portal. If the Vulnerable Sector Check is password protected, please email the password to registrationservices@crto.on.ca .

Applicants who receive a paper copy of their VSC are asked to mail the original document to the CRTO at the following address:

Registration Services
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2103
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8
Canada

Applicants should keep a copy of their VSC for their records.

I am currently registered with CRTO. If I want to apply to another class of registration, do I have to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check to CRTO?

No, current Members of the CRTO who are applying for a change of class (e.g., Graduate Members applying for the General Certificate of Registration or Inactive Members applying to the General Class) are not required to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check.

I am an applicant living outside of Canada. Do I have to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check?

Applicants who currently do not reside in Canada or have not previously lived in Canada and are unable to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) must provide a criminal records check that meets the Registrar’s requirements (e.g., international police certificate). For more information, please contact Registration staff at registrationservices@crto.on.ca.

I recently obtained a Vulnerable Sector Check. How long is it valid?

The VSC Report must be dated no more than six months prior to the date of application for registration with the CRTO.

I have already completed a Vulnerable Sector Checks for another purpose (work, school, volunteer role, etc.). Would the College accept that report?

Vulnerable Sector Checks are specific to the institution that requests them. Therefore, the CRTO cannot accept a VSC issued to another organization, except as specified in the Exemptions section in the Vulnerable Sector Checks Policy. For example, if you are a recent graduate of an approved Respiratory Therapy program in Ontario, you may be exempted from the VSC requirement if: 
  • You have completed a VSC in the last 12 months for the purpose of your clinical placement and the results were completely clear. 
  • You have signed an Undertaking with the CRTO 
  • You agree to provide a copy of the VSC completed for the clinical placement to the CRTO. 

For more information about the exemption that applies to recent Ontario graduates, please see the Vulnerable Sector Checks Policy.  

What happens if I have a criminal record?

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify an individual from registration with the CRTO. If the VSC reveals a criminal record (positive record), the applicant must provide further information or documentation to the CRTO The Registrar will assess these findings to determine if there are any concerns regarding the applicant’s suitability for practice. Should concerns arise, the application may be referred to the CRTO’s Registration Committee for review and decision.

Are there any exemptions to the Vulnerable Sector Check requirement?

The exemptions to the Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) requirement are outlined as follows:

  1. Applicants Residing Outside Canada

Applicants who currently do not live in Canada or are unable to obtain a VSC are obligated to provide alternative criminal records check acceptable to the Registrar, such as an international police certificate.

  1. Recent Graduates of Approved Ontario RT Program

Recent graduates of approved Ontario Respiratory Therapy (RT) programs may be exempted from the VSC requirement if they sign an Undertaking with the CRTO, confirming:

    • Completion of a VSC within the preceding 12 months specifically for their clinical placement, with clear results.
    • No history of criminal charges or convictions.
    • Willingness to promptly obtain and submit a new VSC to the CRTO upon request by the Registrar.


Graduates must also provide a copy of the VSC conducted for their clinical placement along with the signed Acknowledgement and Undertaking to the CRTO.

If you have questions about receiving an exemption, please contact Registration staff at registrationservices@crto.on.ca.

Is there an appeals process if my registration is denied due to the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check?

Yes, individuals have the right to appeal registration decisions made by the CRTO. For example, if an applicant is not satisfied with the decision made by the CRTO’s Registration Committee, they may appeal the decision to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB), an independent review board established under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). 

Where can I find more information about the CRTO’s Vulnerable Sector Check requirement?

You can find detailed information about the CRTO’s Vulnerable Sector Check requirement, including specific requirements, procedures, and guidelines here.