I am writing to advise you of major changes that will be implemented on Tuesday, March 16, 2021: the AMVIC Online and Sterling Backcheck (Backcheck) which is the change in the process used for background checks for all applicants. AMVIC is notifying industry members of these changes in a variety of ways, including but not limited to bulletins, a special edition of the Impact newsletter, notices added to renewal reminders and email signatures.
AMVIC Online
AMVIC is excited to introduce the new streamlined look and feel of AMVIC Online, a positive change for all stakeholders that provides numerous benefits including:
- a new look which will make it easier to navigate the portal and help users find where they want to go and what they want to do;
- multiple automatic reminders of upcoming deadlines such as renewals will make it easier to manage accounts and increase efficiencies;
- paying levies and renewals online is more straightforward now;
- more than one password for each automotive business allowing for multiple users at any given time;
- changes to business principals and technicians only taking a fraction of the time; and
- users having the ability to voluntarily close a license or registration online.
Service Interruption
In preparation to launch the new software system, AMVIC Online will not be operational from Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. until Tuesday, March 16 at 8 a.m. During this time, all information will be migrated from the old system to the new system and as a result there is no need to create a new account if a business or salesperson already has one. AMVIC appreciates stakeholder patience as we improve our system to better serve everyone. Our website, amvic.org is not changing and will still be available.
There is an important change I want to bring to your attention. After March 16, instead of using a business number to login, businesses will use the email address on file with AMVIC. Automotive businesses will need to set up a new password to access their AMVIC Online account, which can be done through the forgotten password process. Salespeople will continue to login with their email address and will need to change their password through the forgotten password process.
Backcheck
The other change I want to share with you is in regards to backgrounds checks. Effective Tuesday, March 16, 2021, all NEW applicants or those reapplying for a business license and registration will be required to obtain a background check at their own cost.
The RCMP has changed their policy and AMVIC will no longer be able to use the Canadian Police Information Centre system to obtain background checks for licensing and registration purposes, only for investigations. This is not an AMVIC policy change, but an RCMP policy change affecting agencies across Canada.
AMVIC will continue to require background checks on applicants in order for the Director of Fair Trading to assess suitability as a salesperson or licensee. We have arranged for a third party company, Backcheck, to provide background checks at a cost that will be paid directly by the applicant to Backcheck.
Although most applicants are able to use Backcheck, there will be instances when Backcheck will not be able to provide AMVIC with the appropriate information. For example, an applicant with adult convictions for which they have not received a pardon/record suspension or for which they do not recall specific details (offence, date of convictions, location of conviction, and penalty/disposition received) or have unresolved charges, may not be able to request a report from Backcheck. Applicant must instead use a policy agency to request a Police Information Check report that includes fingerprinting to confirm the identity of the applicant.
If you or your members have questions after reviewing the changes please contact us.
Malcolm Knox
AMVIC, CEO
Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council
ALBERTA’S AUTOMOTIVE REGULATOR
Phone: 780.466.1140
Toll Free: 1.877.979.8100
Fax: 780.462.0633
#303, 9945-50 Street
Edmonton, AB T6A 0L4