Privacy Policy
Last updated: January 1, 2024
Our Commitment to Your Privacy
At Invest Essentials, we are committed to protecting your privacy and maintaining the confidentiality of your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, or participate in our training programmes.
This policy is designed to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy legislation in Canada.
Information We Collect
Personal Information You Provide
We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:
- Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
- Professional Information: Job title, company name, industry, professional interests
- Training Programme Information: Course enrollments, progress, assessments, and feedback
- Payment Information: Billing address and payment method details (processed securely through third-party providers)
- Communication Records: Correspondence with our team, including emails, chat messages, and support requests
- Marketing Preferences: Newsletter subscriptions and communication preferences
Information Automatically Collected
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect certain technical information:
- Website Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, click patterns, and referral sources
- Device Information: IP address, browser type and version, operating system, device type
- Location Information: General geographic location based on IP address
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: As described in our Cookie Policy
How We Use Your Information
We use your personal information for the following purposes:
Service Delivery
- Providing and delivering our training programmes and services
- Processing registrations and managing your account
- Facilitating communication with instructors and other participants
- Tracking progress and providing personalized learning experiences
Customer Support
- Responding to your inquiries and providing customer support
- Troubleshooting technical issues
- Gathering feedback to improve our services
Business Operations
- Processing payments and managing billing
- Maintaining accurate records and accounts
- Conducting business analytics and improving our services
- Ensuring the security and integrity of our systems
Marketing and Communications
- Sending you information about our programmes and services (with your consent)
- Providing newsletters and educational content
- Notifying you about updates, promotions, and events
- Personalizing your experience on our website
Legal and Compliance
- Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements
- Protecting our rights and interests
- Preventing fraud and ensuring security
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:
Service Providers
We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:
- Payment processors and financial institutions
- Email marketing and communication platforms
- Website hosting and technical service providers
- Customer relationship management (CRM) systems
- Analytics and marketing tools
These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.
Business Transfers
In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred as part of the business transaction, subject to the same privacy protections.
Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when required by law or in good faith belief that such action is necessary to:
- Comply with legal obligations or court orders
- Protect and defend our rights or property
- Prevent or investigate possible wrongdoing
- Protect the safety of users or the public
Consent
We may share your information with your explicit consent for specific purposes not covered by this policy.
Data Retention
We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:
- Active Accounts: While your account remains active and for a reasonable period thereafter
- Training Records: As required for certification purposes and regulatory compliance
- Financial Records: As required by applicable accounting and tax laws
- Marketing Communications: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
- Legal Requirements: As required to comply with legal obligations
When personal information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it in accordance with our data retention schedule.
Your Privacy Rights
Under Canadian privacy law, you have several rights regarding your personal information:
Access and Correction
- Request access to the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Receive a copy of your personal information in a portable format
Consent Management
- Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time
- Opt out of certain data collection and processing activities
- Update your communication preferences
Deletion
- Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and business requirements)
- Close your account and remove associated data
To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy. We will respond to your request within 30 days.
Data Security
We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. Our security measures include:
Technical Safeguards
- Encryption of data in transit and at rest
- Secure socket layer (SSL) technology for website communications
- Regular security assessments and vulnerability testing
- Secure payment processing through PCI-compliant providers
Administrative Safeguards
- Access controls limiting who can view your information
- Employee training on privacy and security practices
- Background checks for employees with access to personal information
- Incident response procedures for potential security breaches
Physical Safeguards
- Secure facilities with controlled access
- Protection of physical records and equipment
- Secure disposal of documents containing personal information
While we strive to protect your personal information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We encourage you to use strong passwords and keep your account information confidential.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalized content. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, social media platforms, and services. This privacy policy does not apply to these external sites. We encourage you to read the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.
Children's Privacy
Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18. If we become aware that we have collected personal information from a child under 18, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.
International Transfers
Your personal information may be stored and processed in Canada or other countries where our service providers operate. When we transfer personal information outside of Canada, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws.
Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this privacy policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. When we make material changes, we will:
- Post the updated policy on our website
- Update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy
- Notify you by email or through our website if the changes significantly affect your rights
We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your information.
Contact Us
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this privacy policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:
Invest Essentials Privacy Officer
1200 Bay Street, Suite 800
Toronto, ON M5R 2A5
Canada
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (416) 555-1234
We are committed to working with you to resolve any privacy concerns you may have.
Complaints and Regulatory Information
If you believe that we have not complied with Canadian privacy laws, you may file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, QC K1A 1H3
Phone: 1-800-282-1376
Website: www.priv.gc.ca