Effective Date:  December 2003

Privacy

CMHA – Peterborough is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information of its employees, members, volunteers, 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 programs, projects and activities, we frequently gather and use personal information. Anyone from whom we collect such information should expect that it will be carefully protected and that any use of, or other dealings with this information, is subject to consent. Our 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. Exceptions, such as business contact information or certain publicly available information (i.e., names, addresses, telephone numbers) as published in telephone directories, are not considered personal information.

Privacy Practices

Personal information gathered by CMHA – Peterborough is kept in confidence. Our staff are authorized to access personal information based only on their need to deal with the information for the reason(s) for which it was obtained. Safeguards are in place to ensure that the information is not disclosed or shared more widely than is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was gathered. We also take measures to ensure the integrity of this information is maintained and to prevent it being lost or damaged.

We collect, use, and disclose personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in light of the circumstances. We routinely offer individuals we deal with the opportunity to opt not to have their information shared for purposes beyond those for which it was explicitly collected.

Website and Electronic Commerce

We use passwords, protocols, and encryption software to protect personal and other information we receive when a product or service is requested and/or paid for online. Our software is routinely updated to maximize protection of such information.

Updating of Privacy Policy

We regularly review our privacy practices for our various activities, and update our policy.

Privacy Officer

CMHA – Peterborough’s Privacy Officer shall be the Executive Director. The Privacy Officer is responsible for ensuring that the Privacy Legislation is complied with through the ongoing review of our information systems and procedures.

Contact Information

Questions, concerns or comments relating to the CMHA – Peterborough privacy policy, or the treatment of personal information, should be directed to the attention of the Executive Director.