Privacy policy

HEU is committed to protecting the privacy of people whose personal information is held by us through responsible information management practices. Any personal information provided to the HEU via this website is collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act, or other applicable legislation.

What is personal information?

Personal information is recorded information about an identifiable individual. Personal information includes such things as an individual's name, address, birth date, email address and phone number.

What kind of information is being collected automatically?

If you visit this website to browse, read pages or download information, we will gather and store certain information about the visit. The following information is automatically collected and stored:

  • The Internet Protocol (IP) address and domain name used. The IP address is a numerical identifier assigned either to your internet service provider or directly to your computer. This address can be translated to determine the domain name of your service provider (i.e.. xcompany.com or yourschool.edu);
  • The type of browser and operating system;
  • The date and time of the visit; and
  • The web pages or services accessed.

Information collected automatically is used for purposes such as assessing system performance, improving web services and website management. HEU does not use this data to determine your identity unless required to do so as part of an internal investigation or other law enforcement purpose.

Information collected directly from you

Personal information may be collected directly from you when and if you decide to provide it voluntarily/consent to provide it in order to use specific online services. That information will only be used by authorized staff to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, or for a use consistent with that purpose. We do not disclose your information to other public bodies or individuals except as authorized by the Act.

HEU does not collect personal information about you unless you voluntarily provide it to use specific online services. Your decision not to participate in electronic service delivery activities will not impair your ability to browse the website, read or download any information provided on the site.

If you believe your personal information is being used for a purpose other than what was intended, please contact the Privacy Officer by mail at: HEU, 5000 North Fraser Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5J 5M3, Attention: Privacy Officer.

What safeguards are in place?

HEU is obligated to protect your personal information by making reasonable security arrangements against such risks as unauthorized access, collection, use, disclosure or disposal. Security measures have been integrated into the design, implementation and day-to-day operating practices of this website as part of HEU's continuing commitment to the protection of personal information it holds.

How long is information retained?

The length of retention will vary in relation to the nature of the service. If HEU uses your personal information to make a decision that directly affects you, it must retain that information for at least one year so that you have a reasonable opportunity to obtain access to it. Information collected or created by HEU is maintained in accordance with legal or business requirements.

How can I access and correct information I submit to a website?

To obtain access to, or make a correction to, information that you have submitted via this website, please contact the Privacy Officer by mail at: HEU, 5000 North Fraser Way, Burnaby, B.C., V5J 5M3, Attention: Privacy Officer.

Links to other sites

Visitors should be aware that this website includes links to websites operated by other agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses. When you link to another site, this privacy policy will not apply, however, you may be subject to the privacy policy of that new site, if one exists. HEU is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external websites.

Cookies

A cookie is a small file stored on your computer by your web browser when using some internet sites. Cookies can also store personal information such as your name, email address, home or work address, or telephone number. Persistent cookies can use this type of personal information to identify you whenever you access a website.

Sessional cookies are used to help you move around our website and do not store personal information. Sessional cookies are valid only during the time you are actually using the website. HEU does not use persistent cookies (which may store personal information), but may use Sessional cookies (which do not store personal information).

How to request your personal information

If you would like to request access to your personal information under the control of HEU, you must complete the HEU Personal Information Access Request Form and email the form to privacy@heu.org, Subject: Personal Information Request (your name). In certain situations, in accordance with privacy legislation, HEU may not be able to provide access to certain personal information that it holds about an individual. Examples of where it may not provide access include, but are not limited to, situations where:

  • the provision may reveal personal information about another individual;
  • the information is subject to solicitor-client privilege;
  • the information was collected in relation to an investigation or a contravention of a federal or provincial law;
  • the provision could reasonably be expected to threaten the health or safety of an individual.

If access cannot be provided, HEU will notify you, in writing, of the reasons for the refusal.

Who to contact for more information about this privacy policy

If you have any questions regarding this privacy policy, or if you have a complaint or concern about your personal information, please contact the Privacy Officer by email at privacy@heu.org. If you are looking for more general information regarding the Act, or if your complaint or concern is not resolved to your satisfaction, you may contact the the Information and Privacy Commissioner.