Protecting the Privacy Of Our Members, Clients and Donors
[Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004]
North York Seniors Centre
North York Seniors Centre (NYSC) is committed to respecting the privacy of its members, clients and donors while maintaining the highest standards of service and care. To ensure that those standards are met requires us to protect the personal information, both health and non-health related, we collect and maintain and to get the consent of the person to whom the information relates.
NYSC requires a certain amount of personal information to conduct our activities and provide the services you want and need. At the same time, you have a right to know that your privacy is being respected and your confidential information is collected, used and protected appropriately. For this reason, NYSC has policies and practices in place to safeguard and maintain the accuracy and security of your personal information.
Our Privacy Code
North York Seniors Centre's Privacy Code is a key part of the organization's commitment to treat our members, clients and donors fairly, provide the best in member and client services, and maintain the accuracy and security of your personal information. The Code is guided by ten privacy principles which are required by the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and by the Ontario Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004.
The Ten Privacy Principles:
PRINCIPLE 1 - Accountability
NYSC is responsible for maintaining and protecting all member, client and donor information under our control and have designated a Privacy Officer who is accountable for our compliance with the ten principles that comprise our Privacy Code and with all legal requirements.
PRINCIPLE 2 - Identifying Purposes
When NYSC asks for your personal information, we will identify what it will be used for.
PRINCIPLE 3 - Consent
NYSC requires your knowledge and consent – either express or implied, for the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information, except where it is required or permitted by law. In cases where your express consent cannot be obtained, we will seek such consent from your substitute decision maker.
PRINCIPLE 4 - Limiting Collection
NYSC will collect information by fair and lawful means and limit our collection to those details necessary for identified purposes.
PRINCIPLE 5 - Limiting Use, Disclosure And Retention
NYSC will use or disclose your information only for the purpose for which it was collected, unless you consent otherwise, or when it is required or permitted by law. We will retain information only for the time required to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected.
PRINCIPLE 6 - Accuracy
NYSC will maintain and update your information as accurately and completely as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it is used.
PRINCIPLE 7 - Safeguarding Member Information
NYSC will protect your information with security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity level of the information.
PRINCIPLE 8 - Openness
NYSC will make information available to you concerning the policies and practices that apply to the management of your information.
PRINCIPLE 9 - Member Access
At your request, you will be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of your information, and be given access to it. You may verify the accuracy and completeness of your information, and may request that it be amended. Requests for access to, and amendment of, information must be in writing and addressed to the Privacy Officer at NYSC at the address below.
PRINCIPLE 10 - Member, Client, and Donor Complaints And Suggestions
NYSC has appointed a Privacy Officer who will answer any questions or enquiries you have about our Privacy Code or practices.
Any complaint you may have must be in writing and addressed to the Privacy Officer at NYSC at the address below. If North York Seniors Centre does not address your complaint to your satisfaction, you may take your complaint, in the case of personal health information, to the provincial Privacy Commission at:
Information and Privacy Commissioner/Ontario
2 Bloor Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M4W 1A8
Tel. (416) 326-3333
In the case of non-personal health information, you may contact the federal Privacy Commissioner at:
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
112 Kent Street, Place de Ville, Tower B, 3rd Floor
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 1H3
Tel: (613) 995-8210 Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376
What We Collect And Why We Need It
Our members, clients and donors have come to expect that NYSC will provide services and care to those in our community. Collecting current, accurate information allows NYSC to provide our members, clients and donors with the best possible services and care.
To this end, NYSC will collect, use or disclose your personal information for the following purposes:
• To provide services requested;
• To determine what products or services would benefit our community;
• To develop, offer, manage and provide services and programme that the meet the needs of members, clients, donors and our community; and
• To meet legal and regulatory requirements.
North York Seniors Centre may ask for information by telephone, mail, Internet or through personal contact. The information requested depends on the service or programme requested. Much of the information we ask for is either mandatory by law or vital for us to be able to provide the service or program with appropriate level of care.
When We Share Information
NYSC is not in the business of selling Member lists or information about you to others however, under certain circumstances, we may release your information to outside parties in order to provide you with services, or where required by law to do so.
Safeguarding Your Information
NYSC has put into place thorough and comprehensive security safeguards and standards to protect our systems and your information against unauthorized access and use.
• All Staff and Volunteers of NYSC are familiar with procedures that safeguard Member/client/donor information. The protection of your information is specified in our employment agreements and regularly confirmed in writing;
• NYSC audits its procedures and security measures regularly to ensure that they are properly administered and remain effective and appropriate;
• NYSC retains your information only as long as it is required for the reasons it was collected.
• Our Service Agreements have confidentiality requirements in place and we may not use your information for unauthorized purposes.
Opting Out
Whether you are a member or client of NYSC, you must provide required information for service(s) you request. However, you can opt out of receiving promotional information sent to you by NYSC. If you wish to opt out of receiving promotional materials, or if you have any questions, simply contact the Privacy Officer at:
Privacy Officer, NORTH YORK SENIORS CENTRE
21 Hendon Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M2M 4G8
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Tel: (416) 733-4111
E-mail: email@nyseniors.org