OACCS Privacy Policy

Introduction

This policy applies to the collection, use, disclosure and management of the information collected by the Ontario Association of Credit Counselling Services (OACCS).

1. Accountability

OACCS is accountable for compliance with these policies and procedures regarding the manner in which OACCS collects, uses, discloses and otherwise manages personal information. OACCS is responsible for personal information in its custody and control.

2. Identifying the Purposes for Collecting and Using Personal Information

OACCS collects and uses the above personal information to provide information relating to locating local Member Credit Counselling Services, Certification, Educational Training information the Financial Counselling Industry. OACCS may use the aggregate demographic information from the personal information collected to identify services and programs that may benefit the communities we serve; to target our marketing and awareness programs; and to maintain the ongoing financial support and cooperation of our stakeholders. No individual can be identified through this information. OACCS personnel are trained to explain the purposes of collecting the information to any client who asks for an explanation.

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3. Limits for Collecting Personal Information

Personal information is not used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the client or as required by law.

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4. Limits for Disclosing and Retaining Personal Information

OACCS discloses personal information only for the purposes for which it was collected. It keeps information for as long as it is required for the stated purposes. Personal information that is no longer required to fulfill the identified purposes or that is not required to be retained pursuant to any applicable law is destroyed, erased or made anonymous. OACCS reviews the personal information in its custody and control on a periodic basis in order to ensure that personal information no longer required to be retained has been destroyed, erased or made anonymous.

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5. Safeguarding Personal Information

OACCS ensures that personal information is stored in electronic and physical files that are physically secure. Security measures include storage of files in locked filing facilities when not in use and secure locks on the office of OACCS. Staff passwords to access electronic files are controlled. The employees of OACCS sign a Confidentiality Agreement and will abide by these privacy policies and procedures. Physical OACCS files containing personal information are shredded under the supervision of OACCS employees. Deleted electronic files will be permanently removed from the system, as discussed in section four (4).

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6. Individual Access to Personal Information

Upon written request, OACCS will provide an individual with confirmation as to whether OACCS has personal information about them, what the information is, what it is being used for and to whom the information has been disclosed. Individuals should send their written request for access, with contact information and enough information about themselves to identify them to the Executive Director of OACCS. OACCS will respond within thirty (30) days of receiving any access request at no cost to the individual. If the individual can provide proof of an error in the personal information held by OACCS, then OACCS will amend the information and where appropriate, send the corrected information to others who have used the incorrect information. If OACCS denies the individual's request for access, it will state the reasons for denial.

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7. Handling Individual Complaints and Questions

Individuals may send any complaints regarding OACCS's compliance with its own privacy policies and procedures to the Executive Director of OACCS. The Executive Director or designated staff will investigate the complaint and respond to the individual. If the individual's complaint is justified, OACCS will change its policies and procedures related to the matter so that other individuals will not experience the same problem.