Waterloo Region Community Legal Services (WRCLS) is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, volunteers, clients, donors and other stakeholders. We value the trust of those we deal with, and of the public, and recognize that maintaining this trust requires that we be transparent and accountable in how we treat the information that you choose to share with us.
During the course of our various projects and activities, WRCLS frequently gathers and uses personal information. Anyone from whom we collect such information should expect that it will be carefully protected and that any use of, or other dealing with, this information is subject to consent. WRCLS’s privacy practices are designed to achieve this.
Defining personal information
Personal information is any information that can be used to distinguish, identify or contact a specific individual. This information can include an individual’s opinions or beliefs, as well as facts about, or related to, the individual.
Information in the public domain is not subject to privacy legislation and as such is not included in this policy.
Where WRCLS clients use their home contact information as business contact information, WRCLS considers that the contact information provided is business contact information, and is not therefore subject to protection as personal information.
We consider donor and volunteer information always to be personal information, and do not disclose information about donors or volunteers without consent.
WRCLS observes the following practices when collecting, maintaining and using personal information:
Consent
An individual’s consent is required regarding the collection and proposed use of personal information when information is collected. Consent can be either express or implied and can be provided directly by the individual or by an authorized representative. Express consent can be given orally, electronically or in writing. Implied consent is consent that can reasonably be inferred from an individual’s action or inaction. An individual’s consent is required before confidential information is released to outside parties.
Limited Collection
The collection of personal information is limited to that which is relevant and necessary to our programs and fundraising efforts. WRCLS shall not make unwarranted or intrusive inquiries into a donor or prospect’s gift history or personal life. WRCLS attributes all data that it collects.
Limited Use, Disclosure and Retention
Personal information shall not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law. Personal information shall be retained only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
Accuracy
Personal information shall be as complete, accurate and up-to-date as possible.
Security Safeguards
Personal information gathered by WRCLS shall be kept in confidence. WRCLS personnel shall be authorized to access personal information based only on their need to deal with the information for the reason(s) for which it was obtained.
Appropriate physical and electronic measures shall be used to ensure personal information is secure. Access to records shall be limited to those who require such information to fulfil their job responsibilities. Special protection shall be given to all records pertaining to anonymous donors. The confidentiality of donor and volunteer records shall continue after the relationship with the individual has ended.
Further information on privacy and your rights in regard to your personal information may be found on the website of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.privcom.gc.ca.
