If someone is living, or planning to live, out of the country, immediately prior to departing the country to return to Canada, get a certified Criminal Records Check from the local police department where ever it is you're living. If it isn't in English, contact the Canadian Embassy Consular Section and determine who their recognized translators are. Pay the money to have the translation done and, in any case, get it notarized by the Embassy. SOME, but not all, Embassies have the ability to get the Records Check and translations done on your behalf while you're still in the country. If you ever have to apply for a Security Clearance, submit those documents with your Personal History Questionnaire. This process isn't cheap but it sure beats having to wait 6-12 months for the other process to happen.