The RNC is continuing to see an increase in the number of Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Record Screening Certificate applications, which means the wait time for the needed documents can be longer than usual.

Last year, the RNC completed close to 20,000 record checks. As of November 21st of this year, more than 21,000 record checks were completed, and thousands more were in the queue.

That’s on pace for an increase of approximately 30 to 35 per cent this year.

The Constabulary says every effort is being made to complete requests within 15 business days, however some applications are incomplete or inaccurate and require further follow-up. The onus is then on the applicant to resubmit their request.

Aside from the increased volume, the postal dispute also caused added delays, especially with applications that require fingerprinting and are sent to the RCMP National Forensic Lab in Ottawa for processing.