Privacy Policy
At CanadaHomeGuide.ca, we are committed to maintaining the accuracy, confidentiality, and security of our users’ personal information. As part of our commitment, the following Ten Privacy Principles, based on the new Canadian Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, govern our actions as they relate to the use of our users’ personal information.
Ten Privacy Principles
Principle 1 - Accountability
CanadaHomeGuide.ca is responsible for
maintaining and protecting the personal information under its control. CanadaHomeGuide.ca has designated an
individual who is accountable for compliance with the Ten Privacy Principles.
Principle 2 - Identifying Purposes
The purposes for which personal information is collected will be identified
before or at the time the information is collected.
Principle 3 - Consent
Knowledge and consent are required for the collection, use or disclosure of
personal information except where required or permitted by law.
Principle 4 - Limiting Collection
The personal information collected must be limited to those details necessary
for the purposes identified by CanadaHomeGuide.ca.
Principle 5 - Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention
Personal information may only be used or disclosed for the purpose for which it
was collected unless the user has otherwise consented, or when it is required
or permitted by law. Personal information may only be retained for the period
of time required to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected or as
required by law.
Principle 6 - Accuracy
Personal information must be maintained in as accurate, complete and up-to-date
form as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it is to be used.
Principle 7 - Safeguarding User Information
Personal information must be protected by security safeguards that are
appropriate to the sensitivity level of the information.
Principle 8 - Openness
CanadaHomeGuide.ca will make information
available to our users concerning the policies and practices that apply to the
management of their personal information.
Principle 9 - User Access
Upon request, a user shall be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of
their personal information, and shall be given access to it. Users may verify
the accuracy and completeness of their personal information, and may request
that it be amended, if appropriate.
Principle 10 - Handling User Complaints and Suggestions
Users may direct any questions or enquiries with respect to the privacy
principles outlined above or about our practices by contacting:
Gary Taylor
Canada Home Guide Inc.
405-4190 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC
Canada
V5C 6A8
Phone: 1.888.730.7888
Fax: 1.604.294.8733
gtaylor@canadahomeguide.ca
webmaster@CanadaHomeGuide.ca
http://www.CanadaHomeGuide.ca
Before CanadaHomeGuide.ca is able to provide
you with any information or correct any inaccuracies, however, we may ask you
to verify your identity and to provide other details to help us to respond to
your request. We will endeavor to respond within an appropriate timeframe.
If you have questions or concerns regarding our organization's Privacy Policy
and practices, you should first contact CanadaHomeGuide.ca directly.
If you do not receive acknowledgment of your inquiry or your inquiry has not
been satisfactorily addressed, you should then contact the Privacy
Commissioner's Office at http://www.privcom.gc.ca
(or 112
Kent Street, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 1H3), who will then serve as a liaison with CanadaHomeGuide.ca to
resolve your concerns.
WHAT INFORMATION IS COLLECTED?
CanadaHomeGuide.ca collects personal information from users during the member registration process and at several different points on the website. Providing us with your personal information is always your choice. Most of the information we collect comes to us directly from you, and only with your consent.
When you visit the CanadaHomeGuide.ca Website, information is not collected that could identify you personally unless you choose to provide it voluntarily. You are welcome to browse the Website at any time anonymously and privately without revealing any personal information about yourself.
CanadaHomeGuide.ca is the sole owner of the information collected on CanadaHomeGuide.ca and does not share this information with third parties. In cases where third parties host and maintain specific sections of CanadaHomeGuide.ca, like the Mortgages, Insurance, and Roommates sections, please review the privacy policies of these parties prior to use.
TYPES OF INFORMATION WE COLLECT
Personal
Information
Personal
information is information that refers to you specifically. With your consent,
we may gather personal information from you in person, over the telephone or by
corresponding with you via mail, facsimile, the Internet, or from referrals by
third parties. In
order to become a member of CanadaHomeGuide.ca and manage your member account,
a user must first complete the registration form. During registration a user is
required to give his/her contact information, including name and email address.
CanadaHomeGuide.ca may use this information to inform the user about services
on our Website for which he/she has expressed an interest. It is optional for
the user to provide demographic information but he/she is encouraged to do so
as this information will allow CanadaHomeGuide.ca to provide each user with
content and newsletters that more closely matches his/her interests.
Anonymous/Non-Personal Information
At CanadaHomeGuide.ca, we routinely collect anonymous/non-personal information.
Anonymous/non-personal information is information that we do not associate with
or trace back to a specific individual or business entity. For example, our web
servers collect some anonymous/non-personal information automatically when you
visit the CanadaHomeGuide.ca Website. Gathered electronically, this information
may include the pages you visited, the type of web browser you are using, the
level of encryption your browser supports and your Internet Protocol address.
The anonymous/non-personal information collected may be used for research and
analytical purposes.
We use personal information to communicate with you, process applications and ultimately to provide you with the services you have requested.
We use anonymous/non-personal information to improve our products and services.
Personal Information
Communications From The Website
Welcome Email And Updates
We send all new members a welcoming email to verify password and username.
Newsletter
During the registration process new members are asked if they would like to subscribe to our newsletters so we ask for contact information such as name and email address. We also ask for information related to your particular interests in order to provide you with newsletter content that matches your particular profile. Out of respect for our users’ privacy we provide a way to opt out of these communications in the “My Account” area by clicking on the “Edit Profile” section and then selecting the “No” option associated with a particular newsletter’s opt-in request.
Service Announcements
If our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email to notify them of this fact. Generally, users may not opt out of these communications, although they can deactivate their account. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.
Customer Service
We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services. In regards to issues relating to a user’s account we reply via email or over the telephone, in accordance with the users’ wishes.
Profiles
CanadaHomeGuide.ca stores information that is collected through cookies and log files to create a profile
of our users. A profile is stored information that we keep on individual users
that details their viewing preferences. Consequently, collected information is
tied to the users’ personally identifiable information to provide offers and
improve the content of the Website for the user. This profile is used to tailor
a user's visit to our Website, and to direct pertinent marketing promotions to
them. We do not share your profile with third parties.
Cookies
A cookie is a piece of data stored on the user's computer tied to information
about the user. We use both session cookies and persistent cookies. For the
session cookie, once users close the browser, the cookie simply terminates. A
persistent cookie is a small text file stored on the user's hard drive for an
extended period of time. Persistent cookies can be removed by following
Internet browser help file directions.
By setting a cookie on our Website, users would not have to log in a password
more than once, thereby saving time while on our Website. If users reject the
cookie, they may still use our Website. The only drawback to this is that the
user might be limited in some areas of our Website. For example, all member
functions posting messages on the message board, requesting additional
information from providers, saving searches, etc. require the use of either a
session or persistent cookie selectable in the user profile settings.
Persistent cookies enable us to enhance the experience on our Website by
customizing content based on whether a visitor is a member or not, or when they
most recently visited the Website.
Anonymous/Non-Personal Information
Third
Party Advertising
The advertisements appearing on this Website are delivered to users by
CanadaHomeGuide.ca and Zedo.com, our Web
advertising partner. Information about users' visits to the Website, such as
the number of times they have viewed an advertisement (but not the user’s name,
address, or other personal information), is used to deliver advertising to
users on CanadaHomeGuides.ca.
This Privacy Policy covers the use of cookies by CanadaHomeGuide.ca only and
does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers.
Log Files
Like most standard Website servers we use log files. We use a third party
tracking service company called Websidestory.
Our log files include internet protocol (IP) addresses, browser type, internet
service provider (ISP), referring/exit pages, platform type, date/time stamp,
and number of clicks to analyze trends, administer the Website, track users’
movement in the aggregate, and gather broad demographic information for
aggregate use. IP addresses, and user specific information, are not linked to
the personally identifiable information that our log files record.
WHEN INFORMATION MAY BE DISCLOSED TO OUTSIDE PARTIES
We are obliged to keep your personal information confidential except under the following special circumstances.
When Authorized By You
Third Party Intermediaries
We use an outside credit card processing company called Moneris to bill users for goods and services. Moneris does not retain, share, store or use personally identifiable information for any secondary purposes. With Moneris your information will be stored securely and will only ever be shared with CanadaHomeGuide.ca. Moneris does not data mine or sell any of your information to anyone. No credit card information is stored by Moneris. All confidential or personal information is communicated using 128 bit encryption – the strongest encryption commercially available.
Business Transitions
In the event CanadaHomeGuide.ca goes through a business transition, such as a merger or being acquired by another company, or selling a portion of its assets, users' personal information will, in most instances, be part of the assets transferred. Users will be notified via email prior to a change of ownership or control of their personal information. If as a result of the business transition, the users' personally identifiable information will be used in a manner different from that stated at the time of collection they will be given choice consistent with our notification of changes section.
Surveys And Contests
From time-to-time our Website requests information from users via surveys or
contests. Participation in these surveys or contests is completely voluntary
and the user therefore has a choice whether or not to disclose this
information. The requested information typically includes contact information,
such as name and shipping address and demographic information, such as postal
code. Contact information will be used to notify the winners and award prizes.
Anonymous survey information will be used for purposes of monitoring or
improving the use and satisfaction of this Website. Users' personally
identifiable information is not shared with third parties unless we give you
prior notice and choice and the choice of whether or not to disclose such
information.
Users of our Website are always notified when their [personal] information is being collected by any outside parties. We do this so our users can make an informed choice as to whether or not they should proceed with services that require an outside party.
Choice/Opt-Out
Our users are given the opportunity to "opt-out" of having their [personal]
information used for purposes not directly related to our Website at the
point where we ask for information. For example, our order form has an
"opt-out" mechanism so users who buy a product from us, but don't
want any marketing material, can keep their email address off of our lists.
Users who no longer wish to receive our newsletter and promotional
communications may opt-out of receiving these communications by replying with unsubscribe
as the subject line in the email, by emailing us at webmaster@CanadaHomeGuide.ca,
or “My Account” area by clicking on the “Edit Profile” section and then
selecting the “No” option associated with a particular newsletter’s opt-in
request. We also offer an opt-out mechanism on our newsletter or by mail:
Canada Home Guide Inc.
405-4190 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC
Canada
V5C 6A8
When Required By Law
Although we make every effort to preserve user privacy, we may need to disclose personal information when required by law wherein we have a good-faith belief that such action is necessary to comply with legislation, a current judicial proceeding, a court order or legal process served on our Website.
WITH WHOM WE MAY SHARE YOUR INFORMATION
Personal Information
Our Employees
In the course of daily operations, access to private, sensitive and
confidential information is restricted to authorized employees who have a
legitimate business purpose and reason for accessing it.
As a condition of their employment, all employees of CanadaHomeGuide.ca are
required to abide by the Privacy Policy we have established. Employees are
informed about the importance of privacy and prohibited from disclosing any
user information to unauthorized individuals or parties.
Anonymous/Non-Personal Information
Aggregate Information (Non-Personally Identifiable)
We share aggregated demographic information with our partners and advertisers. This is not linked to any personally identifiable information.
Third Party Advertisers
CanadaHomeGuide.ca shares Website usage information about users with third parties for the purpose of targeting our Internet banner advertisements on this Website and other Websites. For example, an advertiser may use cookies, which allow them to recognize a user's cookie when a user visits this Website. The information they collect and share through this technology is not personally identifiable.
SUPPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION
In order
for this Website to properly fulfill its obligation to users, it is necessary
for us to supplement the information we receive with information from third
party sources.
ID Or Address Verification
We use may use a third parties’ software to verify a user's identity or address
in the event of a default of payment.
Enhancement Of Marketing Profile
We may purchase third party marketing data and add it to our existing user
database to better target our advertising and provide pertinent offers we think
would be of interest to our users. We use this information to enhance or
overlay the "profile" of individual users. This aggregate marketing
data is therefore tied to the users' personally identifiable information.
HOW WE SAFEGUARD YOUR INFORMATION
CanadaHomeGuide.ca
takes every reasonable precaution to protect our users' personal information.
When users submit personal information via the Website, their information is
protected both online and offline.
Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example,
our billing clerk or a customer service representative) are granted access to
personally identifiable information. All employees are kept up to date on our
security and privacy practices. Our employees are notified and/or reminded
about the importance we place on privacy, and what they can do to ensure that
our users' information is protected.
Electronic
user files are kept in a highly secured environment with restricted access.
Paper-based files are stored in locked filing cabinets. Access is also
restricted. Finally,
the servers that store personally identifiable information are in a secure
environment, in a locked facility.
If users have any
questions about the security at our Website, users can send an email to either
the Privacy Officer or webmaster@CanadaHomeGuide.ca.
ASSESSING,
AMENDING AND DELETING/DEACTIVATING YOUR INFORMATION
At
CanadaHomeGuide.ca, decisions are made based on the information we have.
Therefore, it is important for your personal information to be accurate and
complete. As a user, you have the right to access, verify, amend and delete any
information held in your personal files.
Accessing Your Information
You may access and verify any of your personal information, including postal code, phone, email
or postal address, on the
member information page of our Website or by emailing our Customer Support at webmaster@CanadaHomeGuide.ca.
Amending Your Information
To help us keep your personal information up-to-date, we encourage you to amend
inaccuracies and make corrections as often as necessary. Despite our efforts,
errors sometimes do occur. Should you identify any incorrect or out-of-date
information in your account, we will make the proper changes. Where
appropriate, we will communicate these changes to other parties who may have
unintentionally received incorrect information from us.
Deletion/Deactivation Of Information
In addition to amending portions of your personal information, if you no longer desire our service, you may delete or deactivate all of the personal information we keep on file.
To Make A Change
To make a change to the personal contact information contained in your file,
you may do one of the following:
a. Go to the My
Account information page of our Website that is accessible when you’ve sign-ed
in to CanadaHomeGuide.ca or,
b. Email our Customer Support at webmaster@CanadaHomeGuide.ca.
In each case, you will be required to verify your identity by providing some
personally identifying information.
QUESTIONS, CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS
CanadaHomeGuide.ca considers itself a model for ethical e-business practices. Therefore, we strive to make users feel comfortable regarding how we collect and use your personal information. If users have any questions or suggestions regarding our Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Gary Taylor
Canada Home Guide Inc.
405-4190 Lougheed Highway
Burnaby, BC
Canada
V5C 6A8
Phone: 1.888.730.7888
Fax: 1.604.294.8733
gtaylor@canadahomeguide.ca
webmaster@CanadaHomeGuide.ca
http://www.CanadaHomeGuide.ca
UPDATING THIS PRIVACY POLICY
If we
decide to change this Privacy Policy, we will post those changes to this
privacy statement, the homepage, and other places we deem appropriate so that
our users are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and
under what circumstances, if any, we disclose it. We will use information in
accordance with the Privacy Policy under which the information was collected.
If, however, we are going to use users' personally identifiable information in
a manner different from that stated at the time of collection we will notify
users via email. Users will have a choice as to whether or not we use their
information in this different manner. However, if users have opted out of all
communication with the Website, or deleted/deactivated their account, then they
will not be contacted, nor will their personal information be used in this new
manner. In addition, if we make any material changes in our privacy practices
that do not affect user information already stored in our database, we will
post a prominent notice on our Website notifying users of the change. In some
cases where we post a notice we will also email users, who have opted to
receive communications from us, notifying them of the changes in our privacy
practices.
WEBSITES GOVERNED BY THIS POLICY
The Website that is governed by the provisions and practices stated in this Privacy Policy is: CanadaHomeGuide.ca.
OTHER WEBSITES
This Website contains links to other third party Websites that are not governed
by this Privacy Policy. Although we endeavor to only link to Websites with high privacy
standards, our Privacy Policy will no longer apply once you leave the
CanadaHomeGuide.ca Website. Please be aware that CanadaHomeGuide.ca is not responsible for the
privacy practices of such third party Websites. We encourage our users to be
aware when they leave our Website and to read the privacy statements of each
and every Website that collects personally identifiable information to learn how your
information may be collected, used, shared and disclosed.