The Gananoque and District Humane Society ("GDHS") is committed to protecting privacy, and recognizes the significance of maintaining confidentiality, accuracy and security of personal information. This policy outlines, among other things, the type of personal information that is the subject of collection, how the information is maintained, and instances when the disclosure of personal information is permissible. This policy is subject to change in accordance with revisions to relevant legislation and, therefore, the GHDS recommends periodic visits to this website.

According to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act ("PIPEDA") personal information is defined as: "information about an identifiable individual, but does not include the name, title or business address or telephone number of an employee of an organization." Information about an individual that is otherwise available to the public is not deemed to amount to personal information. However, the GHDS seeks to make specific and narrow use of personal information at all times in accordance with this privacy policy.

• The collection of personal information by the GHDS via this website or otherwise is carried out in accordance with the following: The GHDS is accountable for the personal information of donors.
  
  
• The GHDS is responsible for the information under its control and has designated one or more individuals who shall be accountable for compliance with its policies related to privacy and confidentiality.
  
  
• The type of information that the GHDS collects includes:
  i) Contact information of donors, such as name, telephone number, and electronic mail address;
  ii) Information pertaining to a donation, such as amount of donation, date of donation, whether it was in honour of a particular individual/organization;
  iii) Financial information, including credit card information;
  iv) Banking information for debit donations;
  v) E-mail address related to receiving the GHDS bi-annual e-newsletter.
  vi) Information pertaining to personal interests in particular campaigns.
  
  
• The GHDS is clear about the purpose(s) for the collection of personal information:
  i) The GHDS will identify the purpose for which personal information is collected at or before the time the information is collected. Any information collected will be used only for the purpose/s stated at the time of collection.
  ii) The GHDS collects your IP address for statistical purposes only.
  iii) The GHDS does not use cookies.
  iv) The GHDS collects your name, contact information (address, phone, fax and email), banking and credit card information for donation-related purposes.
  v) The GHDS collects your e-mail address through a sign-up form for those who choose to receive our e-newsletter.
  
  
• The purposes for the collection of personal information by the GHDS include:
  To fulfill the requirements of Canada Revenue Agency for the issuance of tax receipts.
  
  
• The GHDS asks for your consent prior to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. The GHDS obtains consent for the collection, use and disclosure of personal information in the following ways:
  i) Express written consent;
  ii) Consent via online donation form;
  iii) An exception to the requirement to obtain express consent is in special circumstances or where otherwise permitted by law.
  
  
• You may withdraw your consent or refuse to provide consent altogether.
  Once the GHDS is advised in writing that you do not consent to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information (or no longer consent), it will halt the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information within a reasonable time.
  
  
• The GHDS limits the collection of personal information:
  The GHDS shall limit the collection of personal information to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by the organization. Information will be collected by fair and lawful means. The GHDS uses personal information only for the purposes to which consent is obtained, unless use is otherwise permitted or required by law.
  
  
• The GHDS will retain the information for as long as is necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes for which it was collected. The retention of personal information is directly related to the length of time necessary to achieve the purposes for which the personal information was collected. There is no standard time frame for the retention of information given that the purposes for collection of the information vary. When the GHDS determines that the retention of personal information is no longer necessary, it will be deleted or destroyed.
  
  
• The GHDS endeavours to maintain complete and accurate information. To the extent reasonably possible, the GHDS will exercise diligence to ensure that your information is as accurate, complete and up-to-date as is necessary for the purposes for which it is to be used.
  
  
• The GHDS undertakes the necessary steps to protect and safeguard the personal information that it has in its possession
  i) The GHDS shall protect your personal information with security safeguards consistent with the sensitivity of the information.
  ii) Any personally identifiable data about customers or website visitors is stored securely and used only for the purpose stated at the point of collection.
  iii) The GHDS will exercise reasonable care in the storage and destruction of personal information to prevent unauthorized access.
  
  
• The GHDS will make its privacy policy and practices available upon written request. Upon written request, the GHDS shall make available specific information about its policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
  
  
• You have the right to access the personal information the GHDS holds about you. Upon written request, the GHDS shall inform you of the existence, use and disclosure of personal information and provide access to that information at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable time.
  
  
• The GHDS may deny or restrict access in circumstances related to the investigations process.
  
  
• You may challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information disclosed and request appropriate amendments.
  
  
• GHDS law enforcement functions are allowed to use, collect and disclose personal information in accordance with those exemptions found in PIPEDA, and which permit these functions to be carried out properly and in the public interest (such as where the GHDS is conducting an investigation).