People, Words & Change (PWC) respects the privacy of the people we work with and serve, including adult learners, members, volunteer tutors, employees, contractors, donors, sponsors and stakeholders. We are committed to ensuring that appropriate measures and safeguards are in place to protect specific information that is held for the purpose of the program. We adhere to all legislative requirements with respect to privacy.
We do not rent, sell or trade mailing lists. From time to time, the media or university students ask if they can interview PWC volunteer tutors or learners in order to complete assignments on literacy issues. In that case, PWC will ask the volunteer tutor or learner concerned to make the contact, in order to protect the privacy of the people we work with and serve. We do not provide names, telephone numbers or email addresses.
Privacy Principles and Procedures
Accountability
The Board of Directors has designated PWC’s Executive Director as the Privacy Officer, to be accountable for our compliance with the principles of this policy and with currently applicable privacy legislation.
Collection of Personal Information
PWC will identify the purposes for collecting personal information at the time we ask for it. We will collect personal information only for the following reasons:
- To understand the needs of the people we serve in order to develop, offer and maintain services that meet those needs.
- To communicate with the people we serve.
- To maintain accurate, up-to-date records.
- To manage and develop our program and operations.
- To comply with the requirements of service provision as set out by the provincial government.
Consent
PWC requires the acknowledgement and consent of the people we work with and serve to collect, use or disclose their personal information. Anyone may withdraw their consent at any time, in relation to future collection, use or disclosure. However, this may limit PWC’s ability to provide appropriate service and support to them.
Cookies
PWC’s website uses Google analytics cookies to track usage, and its embedded YouTube content uses cookies for tracking usage, user preferences, and advertising. Our website also uses WordPress cookies to track website use and to compile statistical reports on website activity. PWC does not sell, give or trade the statistics that cookies store to any third parties.
Limiting Collection, Use, Disclosure and Retention
PWC will limit the collection of personal information to the purposes that we have identified above. We will collect information by fair and lawful means.
PWC will use or disclose personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected, except with an individual’s consent or as required by law. We will retain information only as long as necessary to fulfill the identified purposes.
Accuracy
PWC will keep personal information accurate, complete and up-to-date.
Safeguards
PWC will protect personal information with security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information. Our employees are authorized to access personal information based only on their need to deal with the information for the reason(s) it was obtained.
Openness
PWC’s Privacy Policy is readily available to anyone.
Individual Access
Individuals have the right to access the personal information PWC has collected about them, and to know how it is being used and to whom it is being disclosed. Individuals may challenge the accuracy and completeness of their personal information and have it corrected.
Challenging Compliance
Individuals may contact the Privacy Officer to access or correct their personal information. They may also ask questions, express concerns or complain about PWC’s compliance with any of the principles of this policy.
Updating of the Privacy Policy
PWC will review our privacy policy and procedures every four years, or when there is a change in legislation if that is sooner, and update them as required.
Contact Information
Please direct questions, concerns or complaints relating to PWC’s privacy policy to our Privacy Officer:
People, Words & Change
Heartwood House
404 McArthur Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1K 1G8
Phone: 613-234-2494
Email: Info@pwc-ottawa.ca
