Work Reintegration: Are We Really Including Everyone? By Edmundo Huerta Patricio MSc. ERP, Biol.
Edmundo Huerta
Professionnel en Restauration écologique Ma?trise en Sciences Biologiques avec spécialité en Restauration écologique, Conseiller en Environnement. Coordinateur de recherche clinique. Associé de recherche clinique.
Today, I want to address a labor-related issue that is rarely discussed. Few people are genuinely interested in or concerned about social justice, and even fewer dare to discuss these matters openly due to societal expectations of maintaining a "positive" image to avoid professional repercussions. However, I see it differently; I consider it a filter for identifying organizations unwilling to engage in meaningful discussions about inclusion and equity. After all, this is a professional platform dedicated to work, workers, and employers.
I am writing on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves due to systemic barriers that limit their access to platforms like this. Many individuals are in survival mode or have lost all hope. In Montreal, people with a criminal record face immense barriers to employment, irrespective of their ethnic background, language, or age. These individuals often possess exceptional resilience, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. Yet, stigmatization and ignorance from employers and policymakers leave them in vulnerable situations, leading to marginalization, homelessness, or substance use . Agan, A., & Starr, S. (2017).
?In Montreal, people with a criminal record face enormous barriers to employment, regardless of their ethnic background, language, or age. Studies have shown that job applicants with a criminal record are less likely to be hired compared to those without a record (Minor, Persico & Weiss 2018).
Despite possessing exceptional skills in resilience, problem-solving, and adaptability, the lack of reintegration opportunities—primarily due to stigmatisation and the ignorance of employers and policymakers—places them in vulnerable situations. Stigmatisation acts as a major obstacle to the successful reintegration of ex-offenders into the community. Stigmatisation is intrinsically linked to the devaluation of individuals within specific social contexts, creating systemic barriers that hinder their reintegration into society. This phenomenon manifests in various ways, from social exclusion and discrimination to reduced employment and housing opportunities. When individuals with a criminal record are continuously subjected to such stigma, their chances of successful reintegration diminish significantly, often leading to a vicious cycle of marginalisation, homelessness, and substance abuse. Despite possessing valuable skills and the potential to contribute positively to society, they face prejudice and biased perceptions that undermine their dignity and self-worth. Addressing this issue requires a collective effort from policymakers, employers, and society as a whole to shift narratives and foster an inclusive environment. Efforts should focus on awareness campaigns, the implementation of fair hiring practices, and policy reforms that ensure equal opportunities. Ultimately, breaking down these barriers is not just a matter of social justice but also a necessity for building a cohesive and equitable society where every individual, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to rebuild their lives and contribute meaningfully (Quinn-Hogan 2021 and Pérez 2013).
Often, one thing leads to another. And eventually, citizens often express concerns about the increasing number of homeless individuals, feeling unsafe, yet fail to recognise their role in perpetuating this issue. By not supporting inclusive policies that facilitate the reintegration of ex-offenders and reduce stigmatisation, society contributes to the challenges these individuals face. Successful social reintegration of ex-offenders is crucial in reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety. Research indicates that social reintegration programmes are instrumental in preventing crime and protecting society (Sakib 2022).
Moreover, studies have shown that public attitudes towards ex-offenders are generally negative, further complicating their social reintegration (K?l??1 & Kaan 2024). Therefore, fostering a more inclusive environment is essential for the well-being of the entire community. (Public Safety Canada 2025).
The Domino Effect of Social Exclusion
The lack of job opportunities for individuals with a criminal record creates a ripple effect, driving them into precarious situations such as homelessness and drug dependency, further perpetuating social exclusion. A personal encounter with an individual I met at a party few years ago illustrates this reality. At the time, their life was stable, with friends and security. However, the pandemic exacerbated their challenges, leading to the loss of their home and support network. Today, this person, despite their past, has demonstrated remarkable integrity and work ethic. A simple opportunity allowed them to leave the streets behind and fight for the dignified job they rightfully deserve.
Montreal's ongoing housing crisis, where demand far exceeds supply, further complicates reintegration efforts. Discriminatory rental criteria such as proof of employment and credit history exclude vulnerable individuals, despite legal protections against discrimination outlined in the Canadian and Quebec Charters of Rights and Freedoms. Personal experience confirms the persistence of these discriminatory practices, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups, including those with a criminal record.
It is curious that Quebec and many Quebecers I have encountered pride themselves on having a fair society, claiming there is no corruption. Despite the fact that the?Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms?and the?Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms?prohibit discrimination in access to housing, many individuals on social assistance, sick leave, parental leave, or unemployment benefits are disproportionately affected. This discrimination also extends to racialised individuals, newcomers, and, of course, those with a criminal record—who find doors closed not only to employment but also to their right to dignified housing. I have personally experienced this kind of discrimination recentlly when trying to rent an apartment, where the property management company illegally requested personal information and treated me differently compared to American, Canadian, or white Quebecer tenants.
And one might ask, what is the community system doing—the very system for which we pay the highest taxes in Quebec?
The Role of Community Organizations: Are They Doing Enough?
Community organisations in Montreal have the fundamental goal of promoting social well-being, inclusion, and equity by providing support to vulnerable populations. However, how many of these organisations actually hire vulnerable individuals, including those with a criminal record, visible minorities, or people with disabilities?
More importantly, how many of these organisations include these individuals on their boards of directors, granting them a voice and decision-making power in the formulation of policies that directly affect them? Inclusion should not be limited to service provision; it must be reflected in the very structure of these organisations.
Labor inclusion and housing access are not just social responsibilities but legal commitments rooted in equality and non-discrimination principles. While legal frameworks exist, the absence of concrete data on employment and housing opportunities for individuals with criminal records is concerning. Without clear statistics, assessing compliance with anti-discrimination laws becomes challenging.
The?Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, adopted in 1982, states that "everyone is equal before and under the law and has the right to equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination." This includes the prohibition of discrimination based on factors such as ethnic origin, religion, age, and disability. Although it does not explicitly mention criminal records, the principle of equality suggests that individuals with a criminal record also have the right to fair opportunities for reintegration into employment and housing.
The?Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, in force since 1975, reinforces these principles by prohibiting discrimination in access to employment and housing. The charter recognises the right to dignity and equal opportunities, which implies that businesses, landlords, and community organisations must adopt inclusive and unbiased practices towards individuals with a criminal record.
Despite the existence of these legal frameworks, the lack of concrete data on the employment of individuals with a criminal record in Montreal is concerning. There are no official figures indicating how many of these individuals have been hired by businesses or community organisations that, in theory, advocate for equality and the right to inclusion and non-discrimination.
Similarly, there are no clear statistics on housing access for these individuals, making it difficult to assess whether protective laws are being upheld or if discriminatory practices persist in the housing market.
A Call to Action: Towards Real Inclusion
It is time to demand transparency and accountability from businesses, landlords, and community organizations in Montreal. It is not enough for community organisations to claim that they promote the values enshrined in the so-called charters. In reality, the system ultimately allows businesses and organisations to do as they please under the pretext of having the freedom and the right to establish their own inclusion and selection criteria for internal candidates, which they consider during their hiring processes. What does this mean? It means that, in the end, the provisions of the charters of rights matter very little—these businesses and organisations hold the power to exclude not only individuals with criminal records who, statistically, could reintegrate into society and contribute just like you and me, but also foreign professionals whose qualifications, validated by the Quebec government, are often of much higher quality and excellence than those of Quebec universities.
It is not enough to merely have social reintegration programmes or initiatives that promote the inclusion of visible minorities. They are entirely useless if, in the end, the final decision lies with the company or organisation. If the government does not regulate this, the statements in job postings on LinkedIn and elsewhere—encouraging visible minorities, LGBTQI individuals, and other vulnerable people to apply—are mere demagoguery. Personally, I do not trust them, especially when I visit the websites of these companies or community organisations and see that their “About Us” sections are filled with white individuals with French names and surnames. In a country like Canada and a city like Montreal, to me, this is synonymous with exclusion.
Labour reintegration and access to housing for individuals with criminal records are not just matters of social justice; they are urgent needs to prevent marginalisation and strengthen social cohesion.?Everyone complains about homelessness, yet no one—especially business owners or community organisation managers—does anything to address it, despite having the power to contribute to social justice.
Labour inclusion of individuals with criminal records in government institutions varies significantly between countries.?In Canada, public sector hiring policies tend to be restrictive for individuals with criminal records, limiting their employment opportunities in this sector. However, in other countries, more inclusive approaches allow for the reintegration of these individuals into government roles, generating positive impacts for both individuals and society as a whole.
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This is what being progressive means,?this is what having an open mind means, and this is what true inclusion looks like.
?Inclusion must be a concrete and measurable practice, supported by the following actions:
Beyond policies and data, achieving true integration requires good governance committed to defending social justice. Quebec's progressive image must translate into tangible efforts to ensure inclusion for all.
The Possibility of Individuals with Criminal Records Accessing Public Sector Jobs: A Country-Specific Overview
Labour inclusion policies for individuals with criminal records in government institutions vary significantly across countries. In Canada, public sector hiring policies tend to be restrictive for individuals with criminal records, limiting their employment opportunities. However, other countries have adopted more inclusive approaches, allowing the reintegration of these individuals into governmental roles, generating positive impacts for both the individuals and society at large. This is what it means to be progressive, to be open-minded, and truly inclusive.
The ability of individuals with criminal records to access employment in the public sector varies according to the policies and legislation of each country. Below is an overview of several countries:
?Here are some international examples of public sector inclusion, including my home country:
·????? United Kingdom: the government has implemented inclusive employment policies for individuals with criminal records through initiatives like the?"Ban the Box"?campaign, which removes the requirement to disclose convictions in the early stages of recruitment. Additionally, government departments, such as the Ministry of Justice, offer specific reintegration programs for ex-offenders, facilitating their employment in the public sector and promoting their social and economic rehabilitation.
·????? Mexico:?The Supreme Court ruled that requiring a criminal record certificate for job access is unconstitutional, promoting equality and non-discrimination, and encouraging the reintegration of individuals with past convictions into the workforce.
·????? Sweden & Denmark:?Employers evaluate the relevance of a candidate's criminal history in relation to the specific job responsibilities, ensuring a balanced approach to hiring decisions.
·????? Germany:?Employment eligibility for individuals with criminal records is assessed on a case-by-case basis, allowing for a more individualized and fair consideration of each applicant's circumstances.
·????? Australia:?Criminal record checks focus on assessing the relevance and severity of past offenses, ensuring that applicants are not automatically disqualified based solely on their history.
Inclusive public sector hiring can reduce recidivism, diversify talent, and yield economic benefits. Countries embracing such policies recognize the social and economic value of reintegration efforts.
In conclusion, labor reintegration and housing access for individuals with criminal records are urgent social needs. Society must go beyond rhetoric and take actionable steps toward a more inclusive and just future. It is time to act.
Positive Impact of the Labour Inclusion of Individuals with Criminal Records
The integration of individuals with criminal records into the public sector can bring several benefits:
·? Reduction in Recidivism:?Stable employment significantly lowers the likelihood of reoffending. A meta-analysis by Visher et al. (2005) found that employment programs for ex-offenders are effective in reducing recidivism rates.?
·? Diversification of Talent:?Employing individuals with diverse life experiences enriches the workplace environment. Research indicates that ex-offenders can perform on par with or even exceed the performance of non-offender employees, contributing positively to organizational outcomes? (Petersilia 2003).
·? Economic Benefits:?Facilitating the reintegration of ex-offenders into the labor market reduces costs associated with the criminal justice system and increases the active taxpayer base. Studies show that employment of ex-offenders leads to lower recidivism, thereby decreasing the financial burden on the justice system.?(Smith et al 2010 and Fairlie &Pager 2018).
In summary, while policies vary between countries, there is a growing trend to reconsider employment restrictions for individuals with judicial dossier, recognizing the social and economic benefits of their inclusion in the labour market, including the public sector.
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