National Pardon Centre receives prestigious information technology award

MONTREAL, /CNW Telbec/ - The National Pardon Centre-Canada's own not-for-profit pardon centre that assists Canadians from coast to coast with the clearance of criminal recordshas been awarded a Silver Award of Excellence from Canada's most renowned information technology awards.

The coveted award recognizes "efficiency and operational improvements in the not for profit sector." It was presented at a black-tie gala in Toronto, November 1 by The Canadian Information Productivity Awards (CIPA).

"We are surprised and delighted to receive this honour," says Michael Ashby, director of the National Pardon Centre. "Our company was built on the belief that incorporating the latest information technology would be vital to reaching and meeting the needs of our clients."

"The feedback we receive from our clients assures us we've designed and implemented the best possible IT systems and processes for their maximum benefit. Being awarded this kind of industry affirmation is really icing on the cake."

"The National Pardon Centre is a bold leader in the Canadian business landscape," says Norm Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of CIPA. He says the Silver Award recognizes "excellent management skills in the strategic use of information technology to improve productivity and service."

The award was given to honour the National Pardon Centre's new client acquisition and fulfillment system. This comprehensive, interactive web-based system improves efficiency of the pardon application process, increases client confidentiality and provides greater access to accurate information. Toronto-based web site solutions company, 9th sphere, ( www.9thsphere.com ), developed the system under the direction of the National Pardon Centre.

Ashby-together with National Pardon Centre co-director Nicole Levesque-accepted the award at the 13th annual CIPA Gala Banquet at the Westin Harbour Castle Conference Centre before a crowd of senior executives from across Canada.

CIPA ( www.cipa.com ) is Canada's oldest and largest awards program in the field of information technology. The annual CIPA competition is a showcase for the implementation of best practices. Winners become models for other Canadian organizations on adopting new technologies, introducing advanced technologies faster, generating higher productivity, developing innovative products and services, and fostering increased prosperity for organizational stakeholders, the industry and the economy at large.

Through its web site (www.nationalpardon.org) and Montreal walk-in centre, (2000 Peel St. Suite 650), the National Pardon Centre assists people in obtaining U.S. entry waivers and criminal records pardons; making the process easier and more affordable. The National Pardon Centre also offers fingerprinting services, background checks and free community education, seminars and client assessments.

The National Pardon Centre plans to open a second Canadian walk-in centre in Calgary in January, 2006.

For further information: Michael Ashby, Director, National Pardon Centre, (Day) (514) 842-2411 (X 227), (Night) (514) 887-0074, info@nationalpardon.org ; Web site: http://www.nationalpardon.org