1. Introduction
Canada Culture ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.
We comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws. This policy applies to all users of our website and services.
By using our Service, you consent to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, do not use our Service.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect several types of information from and about users of our Service:
2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number when you contact us or subscribe to our newsletter
- Account Information: Username, password, and profile information if you create an account
- Submission Content: Stories, photos, articles, and other content you submit for publication
- Communication Records: Messages sent through our contact forms or email correspondence
- Survey Responses: Feedback and responses to surveys or questionnaires
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
- Device Information: Browser type, operating system, device type, screen resolution
- Usage Information: Pages viewed, time spent on site, click patterns, referral sources
- Location Data: General geographic location based on IP address (not precise location)
- Log Information: Server logs including IP addresses, timestamps, and error reports
2.3 Information from Third Parties
- Social Media: Information from social media platforms if you interact with our content
- Analytics Services: Data from analytics providers about website performance and user behavior
- Cultural Partners: Information shared by cultural organizations and community partners with appropriate consent
3. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for various purposes, including:
3.1 Service Provision
- Providing and maintaining our website and services
- Processing and publishing submitted content
- Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
- Sending newsletters and updates if you've subscribed
- Facilitating partnerships and collaboration opportunities
3.2 Communication
- Notifying you about changes to our services or policies
- Providing information about cultural events and opportunities
- Responding to your comments, questions, and requests
- Sending administrative information about your account
3.3 Improvement and Analytics
- Analyzing website usage to improve user experience
- Understanding audience preferences and interests
- Developing new features and content
- Ensuring website security and preventing fraud
3.4 Legal Compliance
- Complying with applicable laws and regulations
- Protecting our rights and the rights of others
- Investigating and preventing potential violations of our terms
4. Information Sharing
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following circumstances:
4.1 With Your Consent
- When you explicitly consent to sharing your information
- For content attribution when your work is published
- When participating in collaborative projects with cultural organizations
4.2 Service Providers
- Third-party services that help us operate our website (hosting, analytics, email services)
- All service providers are bound by confidentiality agreements
- Service providers are located in Canada where possible
4.3 Legal Requirements
- When required by law or legal process
- To protect our rights, property, or safety
- To protect the rights and safety of our users and the public
- In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of business assets
4.4 Cultural Community Collaboration
With proper consent, we may share information with Indigenous communities and cultural organizations to ensure respectful and accurate representation of cultural content.
5. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information:
5.1 Technical Safeguards
- SSL encryption for data transmission
- Secure server infrastructure with regular security updates
- Access controls and authentication measures
- Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
- Backup and disaster recovery procedures
5.2 Administrative Safeguards
- Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
- Regular privacy and security training for staff
- Clear policies and procedures for handling personal information
- Incident response procedures for potential data breaches
5.3 Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that poses a risk of significant harm, we will notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by law, typically within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach.
7. Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you have several rights regarding your personal information:
7.1 Access Rights
- Right to know what personal information we have about you
- Right to receive a copy of your personal information
- Right to know how your information is being used
7.2 Correction Rights
- Right to correct inaccurate or incomplete information
- Right to update your contact preferences
- Right to modify your account information
7.3 Control Rights
- Right to withdraw consent for processing
- Right to opt out of marketing communications
- Right to request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
- Right to restrict how your information is used
7.4 How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@canada-culture.com. We will respond to your request within 30 days and may require identity verification.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected:
8.1 Retention Periods
- Contact Information: Retained until you request deletion or unsubscribe
- Published Content: Retained for archival purposes unless deletion is requested
- Website Analytics: Anonymized data retained for 2 years
- Communication Records: Retained for 3 years for customer service purposes
- Account Information: Deleted within 30 days of account closure
8.2 Secure Disposal
When personal information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized in accordance with industry best practices.
9. International Data Transfers
We prioritize storing and processing your data within Canada. However, some of our service providers may be located outside Canada:
9.1 Transfer Safeguards
- We only work with providers that offer adequate privacy protections
- Contractual safeguards are in place to protect your information
- We comply with Canadian requirements for international data transfers
- You will be notified if data is transferred to countries with inadequate privacy protections
9.2 Storage Locations
Primary data storage is within Canada. Some analytics and communication services may involve data processing in the United States under appropriate safeguards.
10. Children's Privacy
Our Service is not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
10.1 If We Learn of Children's Data
If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will take steps to remove that information from our servers promptly.
10.2 Parental Rights
Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided us with personal information may contact us to request access, correction, or deletion of such information.
11. Changes to This Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements.
11.1 Notification of Changes
- Significant changes will be prominently posted on our website
- Email notification to registered users for material changes
- Updated effective date will be clearly indicated
- Previous versions will be archived and available upon request
11.2 Continued Use
Your continued use of our Service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.
12. Contact Us About Privacy
If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Privacy Officer
Email: privacy@canada-culture.com
Mailing Address:
Canada Culture Privacy Officer
[Address to be provided]
Canada
Phone: [Phone number to be provided]
12.1 Complaint Resolution
We will investigate all privacy complaints and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
12.2 Privacy Commissioner of Canada
You have the right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:
- Website: www.priv.gc.ca
- Phone: 1-800-282-1376
- Email: info@priv.gc.ca
Privacy Summary
- вњ… We collect minimal information necessary to provide our services
- вњ… Your data is stored securely and primarily within Canada
- вњ… We do not sell your personal information to third parties
- вњ… You have rights to access, correct, and delete your information
- вњ… We comply with Canadian privacy laws including PIPEDA
- вњ… Cultural content respects community privacy and cultural protocols
- вњ… You can withdraw consent and opt out of communications at any time