As I noted, the real issue to me...and I agree there is a difference of opinion when it comes to travel. That really goes to what version of the CPIC registry we have given to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. They don't get it every day, as I understand it. They may have an outdated version.
For me the issue is that a record suspension can be revoked at any time. It can be revoked for something that reasonable people might disagree about, as to whether or not it's a good reason. As I said, a serious Highway Traffic Act offence.... Do you want somebody who otherwise wouldn't have a criminal record to have a criminal conviction hanging over their head if they get convicted of careless driving—which is a provincial offence, not a criminal offence? All of a sudden your criminal record is right back over your head.
If the records are deleted, they can't be brought back. That's the difference between expungement and a record suspension. It's in the name. It's just a suspension, it's not gone.