Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 2024
Disclaimer: This Privacy Policy is a standardized template for informational purposes regarding the cost of living in Canada and does not substitute for professional legal advice.
At Northmend, we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our users' personal information. As we operate in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, our data handling practices are governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and, where applicable, the Ontario Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).
Identity of the Data Controller
Northmend
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
45 King St E, Hamilton
Email:
Phone: +1 (918) 655-6238
Northmend acts as the primary data controller for the information collected through our website, which provides data on the cost of living in various Canadian provinces. We ensure that all personal data is processed fairly, lawfully, and transparently in accordance with Canadian federal and provincial regulations.
Information We Collect
We collect several types of information to provide and improve our services to you:
- Personal Identifiers: Name, email address, and phone number when you fill out provincial cost-analysis forms or subscribe to our newsletter.
- Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and operating system collected automatically via cookies.
- Usage Data: Pages visited (e.g., Ontario: Hamilton vs Toronto Costs), time spent on the site, and navigation patterns.
- Financial Context: Anonymous data regarding family size and estimated budget provided through our Family Expense Calculation Guide.
Purpose and Legal Basis for Processing
Under PIPEDA, we must identify why we collect your personal information at or before the time of collection. Our purposes include:
Consent
Processing based on your explicit agreement, such as signing up for provincial relocation checklists.
Contractual Necessity
Providing the specific cost-of-living analysis reports you have requested.
Legitimate Interest
Improving website functionality and security, and analyzing which provinces (like Alberta or BC) are of most interest to families.
Legal Obligation
Complying with Canadian tax laws or law enforcement requests when legally required.
Data Retention & Security
Personal information is retained only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of the purposes for which it was collected. For example, if you use our Relocation Technical Checklist, we may store your preferences for the duration of your relocation planning process.
We employ high-level administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information against loss, theft, and unauthorized access. This includes encryption, firewalls, and secure socket layer (SSL) technology.
Third-Party Disclosure
Northmend does not sell or rent user lists to third parties. We may share data with trusted partners to help perform statistical analysis, send you email or postal mail, or provide customer support. All such third parties are prohibited from using your personal information except to provide these services to Northmend.
Your Rights Under PIPEDA
As a resident of Canada (or a visitor to our site), you have specific rights regarding your data:
Access: You have the right to request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Correction: You can challenge the accuracy and completeness of the information and have it amended as appropriate.
Withdrawal of Consent: You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.
Complaints: You have the right to address a challenge concerning compliance with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.
Cross-Border Data Transfers
While Northmend is based in Hamilton, we may use service providers located outside of Canada (such as cloud hosting services in the USA or EU). In such cases, your personal information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which it is stored, including lawful access requests by foreign courts or government authorities.
Contact Information
To exercise your rights or if you have questions about our privacy practices regarding Canadian living cost data, please contact our Privacy Officer: