Privacy policy.

Social Awareness Groups Privacy Guidelines incorporate the provisions of Part 1 of the Personal Information and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA - Government of Canada), the principles of the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA - Government of Alberta), the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA - Government of British Columbia), and the ten principles of the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information. Additionally, where applicable, Social Awareness Group ensures compliance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act - Alberta), particularly when working with public bodies.

Application of Privacy Principles

1. RESPONSIBILITY

Social Awareness Group has appointed a Privacy Officer who is responsible for ensuring compliance with Social Awareness Group's Privacy Policy and Guidelines. Responsibility rests with the Privacy Officer even though other individuals within Social Awareness Group may be responsible for the day-to-day collection and processing of personal information.

Social Awareness Group is responsible for all personal information in its possession or control, including information transferred to a third-party for processing. Social Awareness Group will use contracts or other legal means to ensure an appropriate level of protection when a third party processes personal information on behalf of the company.

Social Awareness Group will enhance our processes and procedures to maintain our commitment to privacy, including:

  • Procedures to protect personal information;

  • Procedures to receive and respond to complaints and inquiries;

  • Communications and training programs to provide information to Social Awareness Group staff about privacy policies and practices.

Provincial Compliance: Social Awareness Group complies with FOIPPA (BC) and FOIP (Alberta) where applicable, ensuring personal information collected under these acts is handled in line with provincial requirements.

2. IDENTIFYING PURPOSES

Social Awareness Group will identify and document how and why personal information is used at or before the time the information is collected. Social Awareness Group will only collect information necessary to perform the activities outlined.

When personal information is collected for a new purpose not previously identified, consent from the individual will be obtained before the information is used for the new purpose.

Provincial Compliance: If working with public bodies subject to FOIPPA (BC) or FOIP (Alberta), Social Awareness Group will collect personal information only as authorized by Section 26 of FOIPPA and Section 33 of FOIP, ensuring it is necessary for the operation of a public body’s program or activity.

3. CONSENT

Social Awareness Group uses reasonable efforts to ensure that individuals understand how their personal information will be used. Social Awareness Group obtains consent as required for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information. Express consent is obtained when the information is considered sensitive; implied consent may be appropriate for less sensitive information.

In certain circumstances, Social Awareness Group may collect and use personal information without the individual’s knowledge or consent, such as:

  • If obtaining consent would compromise the availability or accuracy of the information (e.g., during an investigation);

  • If acting in an emergency to protect an individual’s life, health, or security.

Provincial Compliance: Social Awareness Group complies with Section 27 of FOIPPA (BC) and Section 34 of FOIP (Alberta) in cases where consent may not be required, such as during investigations or emergencies.

4. LIMITING COLLECTION

Social Awareness Group limits the amount and type of personal information collected to that which is necessary for the identified purpose. Information is collected fairly and lawfully.

Provincial Compliance: Social Awareness Group ensures personal information collected under FOIPPA (BC) and FOIP (Alberta) complies with Section 26 of FOIPPA and Section 33 of FOIP.

5. LIMITING USE, DISCLOSURE, AND RETENTION

Social Awareness Group does not use or disclose personal information for purposes other than those identified, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law.

Provincial Compliance:

  • In British Columbia, Social Awareness Group follows Section 33 of FOIPPA, which limits disclosure of personal information without consent, except in cases such as legal requirements or emergencies.

  • In Alberta, Section 40 of FOIP applies, ensuring that personal information is disclosed only as required by law or to mitigate imminent risks.

Social Awareness Group retains personal information only as long as it is necessary for the identified purpose, or as required by law. Where personal information is used to make a decision about an individual, Social Awareness Group retains the information long enough to allow the individual access to the information after the decision has been made.

Personal information that is no longer required is destroyed, erased, or made anonymous.

Provincial Compliance: Retention policies comply with Section 31 of FOIPPA (BC) and Section 35 of FOIP (Alberta), where applicable, particularly when public bodies are involved.

6. ACCURACY

Social Awareness Group makes efforts to ensure personal information is as accurate, complete, and up-to-date as necessary for the intended purpose. Personal information is updated as needed or upon notification by the individual.

Provincial Compliance: Social Awareness Group complies with Section 29 of FOIPPA (BC) and Section 36 of FOIP (Alberta) in addressing requests for corrections and ensuring accuracy.

7. SAFEGUARDS

Social Awareness Group protects personal information against risks such as loss, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, modification, or destruction. Physical, organizational, and technological measures are in place to protect personal information.

Provincial Compliance: Contracts with third-party service providers ensure personal information is protected in line with FOIPPA (BC) and FOIP (Alberta).

8. OPENNESS

Upon request, Social Awareness Group makes available specific information about its policies and practices relating to the management of personal information, including the means of gaining access to personal information and general accounts of its use.

Provincial Compliance: In line with Section 10 of FOIPPA (BC) and Section 7 of FOIP (Alberta), Social Awareness Group ensures that individuals can request access to their personal information and understand how it is being used.

9. INDIVIDUAL ACCESS

Upon request, Social Awareness Group provides individuals with access to their personal information held by the company. Individuals have the right to challenge the accuracy and completeness of their personal information and request amendments.

Requests for access will be addressed within the required timeline:

  • 30 days for requests under FOIPPA (BC) and FOIP (Alberta), with extensions if necessary.

  • 45 days for requests under PIPEDA or PIPA.

10. CHALLENGING COMPLIANCE

Social Awareness Group investigates all complaints concerning compliance with its Privacy Policy, Guidelines, and practices and responds within 45 days of receipt of a complaint. If a complaint is found to be justified, Social Awareness Group takes appropriate measures to resolve it.

Complaints regarding adherence to FOIPPA (BC) or FOIP (Alberta) can be directed to the relevant Information and Privacy Commissioner.