I am not the SME on this, but this is what I have been told and have read, and is based on my own personal experience.
Having a criminal record does not preclude you from becoming a member of the Canadian Forces, either Regular or Reserve, as an NCM or an Officer. You do not have to have a pardon, either. The CF simply requires that you are "of good character" and have no outstanding obligations to the legal system, which means a number of things including:
- family court issues
- pending charges
- outstanding fines
- are on probation, parole
- etc.
Having said all that, a criminal record will be one of the facts considered when you are being considered for acceptance. If you just got out of prison for attempted murder, your chances of being accepted are likely slim to none. If you were charged with a break and enter when you were 18, and have not been in trouble since, that is a different matter.
My own personal experience: I have a criminal record for impaired driving dating back to 1992, when I was 19. It did not keep me from joining the Reserves as an Officer. In addition, I am currently applying for transfer to the Reg Force, and my file will go before the selection board in May. Now, I was advised that although it will not automatically prevent me from being selected, it will be taken into account with all other facts in my file (education, experience, interview, etc.)
Hope this helps.