Policies
View Historica Canada's Public Policies:
WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY
Any personal information gathered by Historica Canada (“Historica”, “we”) will only be used by Historica, its affiliates, or any organization authorized by Historica, in a manner consistent with the implementation of policies and procedures in the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). Historica will conduct itself, in all areas of ongoing business and operations in a manner which will protect all personal information collected, stored and used in such activities in a manner consistent with the mandate of PIPEDA.
1. Objective and scope of policy
Historica is committed to respecting your privacy and has prepared this Policy Statement to inform you of our policy and practices concerning the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information. This Policy Statement governs personal information collected from and about individuals who are or may become customers and those other individuals or partners with whom we work. It does not govern personal information that Historica collects from and about our employees, the protection of which is governed by other Historica policies.
This Policy Statement also governs how Historica treats personal information in connection with your use of an Historica web site. Using contractual or other arrangements, Historica shall ensure that agents, contractors or third party service providers, who may receive personal information in the course of providing services to Historica as part of our delivery of products and services, protect that personal information in a manner consistent with the principles articulated in this Policy Statement.
In the event of questions about: (i) access to your personal information; (ii) Historica's collection, use, management or disclosure of personal information; or (iii) this Policy Statement; please contact:
Historica Canada
10 Adelaide Street East, Suite 400
Toronto, ON, M5C 1J3 Attn: Privacy Officer
privacy@historicacanada.ca
2. Protection of personal information
The collection or transfer of your personal information is our responsibility when it is obtained through our National Office, our Fundraising Campaign Office, or any of our programs. We accept this responsibility whenever we, or an agency on our behalf, handle your personal information. Our plan to secure your personal information from disclosure includes a member of the staff at the National Office being assigned the responsibility for Historica compliance to PIPEDA. We will, under this plan audit and maintain our privacy policy, our information systems and train all personnel accordingly. At any time, anyone having personal information in our possession may, according to our procedures, request and gain access to their own information for purposes of review.
3. Identification of purposes of collection of information
We will identify the purpose for the collection of personal information, before we collect your personal information. Historica will use a “collection purpose” statement on documents and materials distributed by programs and offices when collecting any information which may be used to identify an individual.
4. Knowledge and consent
We will never collect your personal information without your knowledge and prior consent. Depending on the timing and/or purpose of the collection of information we may employ one of two methods of collection; one being an express consent option which requires you to provide information in a written manner indicating the purpose and your voluntary agreement to provide this information; or, a second option whereby you are required to notify us to opt-out of the collection or use of your personal information. The opt-out option will be used for the collection of information of a less-sensitive nature, allowing for a sufficient period of time for the individual to exercise their right to disallow their consent.
In recognition of the donor dollars required to fund our programs, and the cost of providing express consent forms in all of our fundraising materials, Historica will, for fundraising purposes, operate under the “opt-out method” as the method of consent. Subject to legal requirements, Historica understands and will comply with your right to withdraw your consent to the collection, use or disclosure of personal information at any time. Historica maintains an internal do-not-call list that applies to all our fundraising activities.
5. Personal information from minors
If Historica knowingly collects any personal information from any person under the age of majority in his/her province or territory of residence, then Historica requests the permission of a parent or legal guardian. Without the express permission of a parent or legal guardian, Historica does not use such information.
6. Limiting the collection of information
Only that personal information which we have acknowledged as required for operational or programing purposes will be collected by our organization. Each individual will choose what information to share with Historica and for what purposes we may use this information. We only collect information fairly and lawfully, and directly from individuals. Each person has the right to provide as much or as little personal information as you choose to share. In certain circumstances personal information can be collected, used, or disclosed without the knowledge and consent of the individual. For example, legal, medical, or security reasons may make it impossible or impractical to see consent. Seeking consent may be impossible or inappropriate when the individual is a minor, seriously ill, or mentally incapacitated. In addition, if Historica does not have a direct relationship with the individual, it may not always be able to seek consent. For example, seeking consent may be impractical for a charity or a direct marketing firm that wishes to acquire a mailing list from another organization. In such cases, the organization providing the list would be expected to obtain consent before disclosing personal information.
7. Limiting use, disclosure and retention of collected information
Personal information will be retained as long as it is required to satisfy the intended purpose, and in compliance with any laws surrounding information retention. If all identified purposes for the use of personal information collected have been exhausted, we will destroy the information or render it unidentifiable to any specific person. All purposes for which we intend to use your personal information will be disclosed to you and should we identify a new situation requiring the use of your information, we will contact you prior to information being used with a view to gaining your consent.
8. Accuracy of your personal information
Aside from third party fund-raising lists, practically all personal information that we collect comes directly from individuals themselves, for example; on our donations forms or subscription request forms, in telephone conversations, through donor correspondence, registration in a contest or program or a transaction through our online store. Unless we are advised differently, we will generally assume this information to be accurate and complete. Although we do not regularly or routinely update personal information which has been provided to us, we do ensure opportunities exist for individuals to update their own personal information on an ongoing basis.
9. Visiting Historica web sites and the use of cookies
With respect to its web sites, Historica collects information from site visitors through the use of cookies. "Cookies" are files or pieces of information that may be stored in your computer's hard drive when you visit any of our web sites. Cookies are also used to remember that you may have already provided personal information to us and as a result, they help speed up your future activities when accessing any of our web sites. The cookies are persistent cookies and reside on your Internet browser for six (6) months. Historica does not share personal information obtained through cookies with any third parties that do not agree to use such information solely for the purposes of providing services to Historica and under the instruction of Historica and, with respect to that information, to act in a manner consistent with the relevant principles articulated in this Policy Statement.
Most Internet browsers are initially set to accept cookies. If you do not wish to accept cookies, you can set yours to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. Please refer to your software manual or Internet provider for instructions.
In some instances, you may have received a unique Client ID and created a password in order to use the secure portions of an Historica web site. You are requested not to divulge your Client ID or password to anyone other than Historica personnel (e.g. Customer Service assistance, if provided) and then only for the purpose of permitting them to provide service to you.
In addition to personal information you provide and cookies, Historica may collect other information about your visits to our web sites. For example, we may collect information about your computer, such as your IP address (a number assigned to your computer whenever you surf the World Wide Web); the type of Internet browser you are using; the type of computer operating system you are using; or the domain name of the web site from which you linked to our Websites. This information will not be linked to your personal information and will only be collected in the aggregate in connection with all the users of our Websites for planning, forecasting and/or evaluation purposes.
Historica has no control over the content of third party web sites that may be identified on the Historica web site or, if applicable, accessed through hyperlinks.
10. Safeguards for your personal information
All means possible are used to protect and guard personal information on file with Historica. Access to information is limited to those with a “need to know”, all employees and volunteers in the employ of Historica are trained on the issue of privacy – its meaning and importance, and as well, all files whether “soft” (meaning electronic) or “hard” (meaning paper) are maintained in secure locations. Our Privacy Officer will screen and verify access to personal information. Any and all suppliers contracted by Historica are required to acknowledge their compliance to PIPEDA.
11. Openness of our privacy policy and procedures
Transparency is a way of operating for Historica. Our policies and procedures are documented and open to all individuals. We will endeavour to communicate this Policy Statement and all related procedures, to the best of our ability, to all those individuals providing us with their personal information.
12. Right to access personal information
At any time, you are entitled to view your personal information on file with Historica Canada. Upon receiving a request from you, we will advise you of the purpose for which it was collected, the disposition of the information and, if it has been disposed, how we did this. In order to access your personal information we may have on you, please send your written request to Historica Canada’s Privacy Officer at our National Office, 10 Adelaide St. East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3. Please be sure to include as many details as possible to facilitate the processing of your request in a timely manner.
13. Your right to challenge
Our Privacy Officer can be contacted at any time should you be concerned about our not complying with our stated Privacy Policy. Your comments are always appreciated.
14. Amendment of Historica Practices and This Policy
This statement is in effect as of January 1, 2014. Historica will from time to time review and revise its privacy practices and this Policy Statement. In the event of any amendment, an appropriate notice will be posted on Historica web sites. Policy changes will apply to the information collected from the date of posting of the revised Policy Statement to Historica's web site as well as to existing information held by Historica.
Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)
Historica Canada is committed to meeting the requirements of the provincial Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). This provincial legislation aims to achieve full accessibility throughout Ontario by the year 2025. This legislation requires accessibility of goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises. It applies to private, public and voluntary sectors.
Through the AODA, provincial standards have been developed for customer service and transportation, information and communications, the built environment and employment.
Accessible Customer Service Standard
The Accessibility Standards for Customer Service, Ontario Regulation 429/07 was created under the AODA. It sets out obligations for certain persons, businesses and other organizations to provide goods or services in a way that is accessible to people with disabilities in Ontario.
Historica Canada’s Customer Service Accessibility Policy helps improve service to people with disabilities and strengthens Historica’s procedures and practices, provides an accessible customer service training program, improved feedback mechanisms for the public and access to documents in alternate formats.
Provide feedback
Your feedback is important in helping improve the accessibility to our services. You can contact us:
• in person or by mail at our offices at 10 Adelaide St. East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3
• by calling 416-506-1867
• by e-mailing us at info@historicacanada.ca
• or by memory stick, disk/diskette or other means
Request for documents
You can request documents in an accessible format, including documents required under the AODA Accessibility Standards for Customer Service 429/07:
• in person or by mail at our offices at 10 Adelaide St. East, Suite 400, Toronto, Ontario, M5C 1J3
• by calling 416-506-1867
• by e-mailing us at info@historicanada.ca
Historica Canada’s goal is to offer a welcoming place for discussion of Canada’s history, culture and geography to take place. As a step toward ensuring that environment, we reserve the right to moderate comments to ensure mutually respectful exchanges. This includes deletion of comments and the banning users who abuse the space. Please respect the following:
- Be kind and respectful. You may disagree with a person’s point of view without being demeaning.
- We do not permit comments that discriminate against individuals or groups for reasons including, but not limited to, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, religion, ability, age, or culture. However, valid criticism of institutions, policies, or structures of oppression are permitted provided these are done in an appropriate manner.
- Personal attacks on other commenters or members of HC staff will be removed and may result in a ban.
- Promotion of violence is not permitted.
- Comments that are factually incorrect or spread misinformation may be removed.
- Inappropriate language, including cursing, will be removed. We aim for a “safe for work, safe for school” environment.
- Spam or self-promotion of a business or product will automatically be removed. Accounts posting spam will be banned.
- Constructive criticism or corrections are welcome. However, we reserve the right to remove comments that are aggressive or unhelpful.
- Comments that are unrelated to the post at hand may be removed.
- Copyrighted material will be removed. The posting of copyrighted material may result in a ban.
- Brevity is encouraged and overly long comments will be removed.
Thank you for following these guidelines, and for using our content.
The Historica Canada Social Media Team
At Historica Canada, the stories we tell matter – and so does the way that we tell them. We seek to tell stories representative of all Canadians, that recognize multiple perspectives; that celebrate our achievements; and acknowledge our failings. Those stories told – through the Heritage Minutes, other videos, the Canadian Encyclopedia and all our programs - should in their preparation directly reflect the voices and engagement of the communities involved. We are a country to which people come from around the world. This country we all share, our Canada, is shaped by the stories we’ve told, and those we have yet to tell. Within these stories there is so much to learn, and learning brings us together.
Are you a teacher looking to share content on Google Classroom, Moodle, or another educational forum? If yes, feel free to do so – you do not need to complete this form. If no profit is being made, Historica Canada encourages educators to share our resources with other teachers and students. Please note that this kind of sharing extends only to links to content, not to downloading and posting Historica Canada resources as native files on external sites or YouTube channels. To share native files, please complete the below form. If you are looking to share Historica Canada content/resources in a for-profit scenario, or if you are an individual looking for permission for private usage, please complete the below permission form. Please note that Historica Canada may take up to 30 days to review requests for use of our content.
While the use of generative Artificial Intelligence is becoming more commonplace, Historica Canada maintains a commitment to accuracy and originality in the work that we create. Where there are benefits to some of the tools being developed which may help us streamline workflows and best practices, Historica Canada commits to transparency and will disclose the use of generative AI as it should arise in our projects. Where no disclosure is made, it should be understood that generative AI was not employed.