Background Checks

Does anyone know anything about background checks. How much do they cost and what kind of stuff can I find out? Also, is there any kind of legal process to this. Can you do a background check on anyone for no particular reason. I live in Alberta.

I had to get a back ground check for my work.
It's like 35 bucks at the police station, but that was for myself, for my employer. Lot's of employers require them.
I don't know if you can get them on others, or when it isn't required for an employer. But call and ask. Not sure.

What do you need it for?

Edit--I googled and there are lots of sites that offer it.
I don't know how sufficient they are though. I don't have a record, but it searched me and said preliminary search complete, but to see anything you have to pay first.
And obviously I know it won't say anything about me, so it might be a rip off.
Try it with your own name and you will see what I mean. It doesn't tell you they found something or nothing, just search complete and a list of payment options.

https://www.gov-resources.com/s2/s2_canada_people_search.php

Two that I went on, did the same.

You can get a background check on someone. I am not sure of the cost. You can find out if someone is married, ever has been married, has children etc etc etc.