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.
  • The VSC must clearly show the seal and/or signature of the authorizing Canadian Police Service.
  • Applicants are responsible for the costs related to obtaining the VSC.
  • If the submitted VSC does not meet the requirements outlined in the CRTO’s VSC Policy, the CRTO may request that the applicant submit a new VSC.

Submitting a VSC to the CRTO

Applicants may submit a copy of the VSC by:

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 Service website.

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 who are unable to obtain a VSC Applicants who are unable to obtain a VSC are required to provide alternative criminal records checks acceptable to the Registrar, for example,
      • An international police certificate, if the applicant does not currently reside in Canada. To determine the appropriate type of criminal record check available from other countries, please consult the Government of Canada website.
      • A Level 2 Criminal Record Check, if the applicant’s local Police Service does not provide Vulnerable Sector Checks for registration purposes.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)?

A Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) 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 VSC?

A VSC 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 does the CRTO have 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 requiring a VSC, 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 provide a VSC?

All initial applicants for registration with the CRTO must provide a VSC. Additionally, individuals seeking reinstatement following a suspension (excluding administrative suspensions), 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, CRTO Members are not required to submit a VSC as part of their annual registration renewal. However, if you are reinstating following a suspension (excluding administrative suspensions), resignation, or revocation, a VSC will be required as part of the reinstatement process.

How do I get a VSC?

Applicants can obtain a VSC by contacting their local Canadian 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 VSC. The Toronto Police Service offers an online, in-person and mail-in option. 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 Service website.  

How long does it take to obtain a VSC?

Processing time for a VSC can vary based on factors such as the workload of the police service and the complexity of the applicant’s background. To ensure timely completion, applicants are encouraged to apply for their VSC well in advance. However, please keep in mind that the VSC report must be dated no more than six months prior to the date of application for registration with the CRTO.

Is there a fee associated with obtaining a VSC?

Yes, there is typically a fee charged by the police service or RCMP for conducting a VSC. The fee amount may vary depending on the jurisdiction.  Applicants are responsible for the costs related to obtaining the VSC.

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

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).

How do I submit my results of the VSC to the CRTO?

Applicants may submit a copy of the VSC by:

  • Uploading it to the online application portal. If the VSC is password protected, please email the password to registrationservices@crto.on.ca.
  • Mailing it to:
Registration Services
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
90 Adelaide Street West, Suite 300
Toronto, Ontario M5H 3V9
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 need to submit a VSC?

No, current CRTO Members 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 VSC.

I am an applicant living outside of Canada. Do I have to provide a VSC?

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

I recently obtained a VSC. 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 VSC for another purpose (work, school, volunteer role, etc.). Would the CRTO accept that report?

The CRTO may accept a VSC issued to another organization, provided it meets the CRTO’s VSC Policy requirements.  

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 the VSC findings, and the additional information/documentation provided, 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.

My local Police Service advised me that they will not issue a VSC for registration purposes? Will the CRTO accept an alternative document?

The CRTO may accept a Level 2 Criminal Record Check as an alternative, provided that:

  • The Applicant provides proof that their request for a VSC was denied by their Canadian Police Service;
  • The Applicant enters into an Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the CRTO.

Are there any exemptions to the VSC requirement?

 The exemptions to the VSC requirement are outlined as follows:
  1. Applicants who are unable to obtain a VSC are required to provide alternative criminal records checks acceptable to the Registrar. For example,
  • An international police certificate if the applicant does not or has not lived in Canada. To confirm what type of criminal record check can be obtained from other countries, please consult the Government of Canada website.
  • Level 2 Criminal Record Check, if the applicant’s local Police Service does not provide a VSC for registration purposes.
  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. 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.