Updated June 2018

Purpose of Public Information on PRO’s Privacy Policy

1. The purpose of this document is to provide a user-friendly summary of PRO’s Privacy Policy which can be obtained upon request to PRO’s Privacy Officer.

2. Privacy of personal information is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronics Documents Act (“PIPEDA”). PRO’s Privacy Policy describes the way that PRO collects, uses, and discloses personal information in the course of commercial activities, and states PRO’s commitment to collecting, using and disclosing personal information responsibly. PRO’s Privacy Policy is based on the standards required by PIPEDA, and PRO’s interpretation of these responsibilities.

Accountability

3. The Privacy Officer of PRO is responsible for the monitoring of personal information collection, use, disclosure, data security and ensuring that all staff receives appropriate training on privacy issues. The Privacy Officer also handles personal information access requests and complaints. The Privacy Officer may be contacted at the following address:

Purpose of Collection

4. Personal information will only be collected by PRO to meet and maintain the highest standard of organizing and programming. PRO collects personal information for purposes described in PRO’s Privacy Policy including, but not limited to: 

1. Receiving communications from PRO in regards to news, campaigns, training, tools and resources, access to information, Community of Practice (A networking discussion board), programs and events.
2. Registration in PRO training courses, quality assurance programs, and events.
3. Purchasing equipment, manuals, resources and other products.
4. Identification and determining eligibility and appropriate skill level.
5. Published articles and media relations.
6. Database entry to record certifications, tracking, generating reports and granting access to resources.
7. Technical monitoring, organizational review, training, and education.
8. Posting on PRO’s website and websites related to divisions of PRO, displays or posters.
9. Implementing PRO’s screening program.
10. Gathering qualitative and quantitative information for research purposes.

5. PRO does not sell or disclose its membership list for commercial purposes.

Consent

6. PRO will obtain consent by lawful means from individuals at the time of collection, prior to the use or disclosure of the personal information. PRO may collect personal information without consent where reasonable to do so and where permitted by law.

7. By providing personal information to PRO, individuals are consenting to the use of the information for the purposes identified in PRO’s Privacy Policy.

8. An individual may withdraw consent to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions. The Privacy Officer will advise the individual of the implications of such withdrawal.

Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention

9. Personal information will not be used or disclosed by PRO for purposes other than those for which it was collected as described in PRO’s Privacy Policy, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law.

10. Personal information will be retained for a reasonable period of time as described in PRO’s Privacy Policy. The complete policy is available upon request.

Safeguards

11. Personal information is protected by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information against loss or theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.

12. Methods of protection and safeguards include, but are not limited to, locked filing cabinets, restricted access to offices, security clearances, need-to-know access and technological measures including the use of passwords, permissions, encryption and firewalls.

Openness

13. Information available to the public includes:

1. The name or title, address and telephone number of PRO’s Privacy Officer.
2. The forms that may be used to access personal information or change information.
3. A description of the type of personal information held by PRO, including a general statement of its approved uses.
4. A copy of PRO’s Privacy Policy.

Individual Access

14. Upon written request, and with assistance from PRO, an individual may be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of his or her personal information and will be given access to that information. As well, an individual is entitled to be informed of the source of the personal information along with an account of third parties to whom the information has been disclosed.

15. Requested information will be disclosed to the individual within 30 days of receipt of the written request at no cost to the individual, or at nominal costs relating to photocopying expenses, unless there are reasonable grounds to extend the time limit.

16. An individual may be denied access to his or her personal information if:

1. This information is prohibitively costly to provide;
2. The information contains references to other individuals;
3. The information cannot be disclosed for legal, security or commercial proprietary purposes;
4. The information is subject to solicitor-client or litigation privilege.

17. Upon refusal, PRO will inform the individual of the reasons for the refusal and the associated provisions of PIPEDA.

Challenging Compliance

18. An individual may challenge PRO’s compliance with PIPEDA, by submitting a challenge in writing.

19. Upon receipt of a written complaint, PRO will:

1.  Record the date the complaint is received;
2. Notify the Privacy Officer who will serve in a neutral, unbiased capacity to resolve the complaint;
3. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint by way of the telephone conversation or letter clarifying the nature of the complaint within seven (7) days of receipt of the complaint;
4. Appoint an investigator using PRO personnel or an independent investigator, who will have the skills necessary to conduct a fair and impartial investigation, and who will have unfettered access to all files and personnel, within fourteen (14) days of receipt of the complaint.
5. Upon completion of the investigation, the investigator will submit a written report to PRO.
6. Notify the complainant of the outcome of the investigation and any relevant steps taken to rectify the complaint, including any amendments to policies and procedures.

20. An individual may appeal a decision made by PRO, in accordance with PRO’s policies for appeals.

IP Address

When the user's web browser requests a web page from another computer on the Internet, it automatically gives that computer the address where it should send the information. This address is called the computer's "IP address."

PRO does not collect, use or disclose IP Addresses. 

Cookies

Cookies are small text files that a Web browser transfers to and from your hard drive for record-keeping purposes. Cookies make life easier for you by saving your passwords, purchases, and preferences while you're at our site. The use of cookies is an Internet standard, and you will find cookies at most major Web sites.  The use of cookies is an industry standard and many major browsers are initially set up to accept them. You can reset your browser to either refuse to accept all cookies or to notify you when you have received a cookie. However, if you refuse to accept cookies, you may not be able to use some of the features available on websites.

PRO does not use cookies to identify specific individuals. 

Copyright and Legal Disclaimer

This website is a product of PRO.  The information on this website is provided as a resource to those interested in PRO. PRO disclaims any representation or warranty, express or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness or fitness for a particular purpose of the information.  Persons accessing this information assume full responsibility for the use of the information and understand and agree that PRO is not responsible or liable for any claim, loss or damage arising from the use of this information.  Reference to specific products, processes or services does not constitute or imply recommendation or endorsement by PRO.  PRO also reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice.

Links made available through this website may allow you to leave the PRO site.  Please be aware that the internet sites available through these links are not under the control of PRO.  Therefore, PRO does not make any representation to you about these sites or the materials available there.  PRO is providing these links only as a convenience to you, and in no way guarantees these links and the material available there. PRO is not responsible for privacy practices employed by other companies or websites. 

Applicable Law

This site is created and controlled by PRO in the province of Ontario.  As such, the laws of the Province of Ontario will govern these disclaimers, terms and conditions.