As a non-profit organization, the SGICRC must adhere to British Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This is legislation that, among other things, governs the collection, use, disclosure, storage, and retention of personal information. The Act defines personal information as recorded information about an identifiable individual, excluding business contact information.
The privacy, confidentiality, and security of your personal information are of great importance to us. The SGICRC and Housing NOW are committed to maintaining your confidentiality and respecting your personal privacy in a manner that complies with the Act.
The SGICRC’s privacy policy applies to the information we collect in the:
- Operation of the Housing NOW website
- Housing NOW social media sites
- Operation of the Housing NOW HomeShare Registry program
- Online HomeShare application and other supporting documentation of Registry participants
- Islands’ Housing News email subscription service
- ‘Connect with Us’ feature on the Housing NOW website
Under What Authority Do We Collect Personal Information?
As is permitted in Section 26 (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, the SGICRC and Housing NOW collect personal information that is directly related to and necessary for the administration of our housing program and activities.
What Personal Information Do We Collect
The SGICRC and Housing NOW collect information as described in the following categories:
1. Website
When you visit www.sgicommunityresources.ca, the web server may collect a limited amount of information essential for the operation and security of the site. Some of this information (ie: your browser type) does not identify who you are, while other information, such as your Internet domain name or IP address, may identify you.
The extent of personal identification depends, in large part, on the naming standards followed by your Internet service provider. Websites may distribute small pieces of information (“cookies”) to web browsers to assist you when you return to specific areas on the site. There are no other cookies on the SGICRC website.
If you have concerns about this, you can change your web browser to not accept this
information or display warning messages
2. Social Media
Personal information that you post to connect with Housing NOW through our organization’s social media sites may be collected by Housing NOW for the purpose of engaging with you.
Please, be advised that the information you post on these sites are not under the control of the SGICRC or Housing NOW and may be stored outside Canada on Independent servers. Make certain to read the individual social media site’s privacy statement to determine its privacy practices.
Do not include any personal information (phone numbers, email addresses) in the body of
your comment or share anyone else’s personal information or photographs.
3. HomeShare Registry Program
Registry applicants offering or searching for HomeShare housing opportunities have the option to apply to the Housing NOW Registry Program. The Housing NOW Registry is a centralized database of both homeowners and home seekers that contains applicant information. Housing providers use the information to identify potential HomeSharers. Individuals searching for HomeShare opportunities can submit one application to be considered for any appropriate HomeShare situation available.
The personal information collected in our HomeShare Registry application is used to:
- determine HomeShare program eligibility
- assess housing need
- identify housing opportunities that suit individual needs
4. HomeShare Application – supporting documents
The supporting personal information collected by the SGICRC and Housing NOW are both protected and held exclusively in Canada. Personal information provided 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 unless you expressly consent otherwise.
Any supporting documentation submitted will be held for a period of twelve months from the date of submission.
5. Newsletter Email Subscription
Your personal information is collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection Act (FIPPA), Section 26 (c) for the purpose of receiving the Housing NOW quarterly e-newsletter. The SGICRC and Housing NOW may use a cloud-based third-party service and your information may be stored or accessed outside of Canada. By submitting your personal information and email address, you consent to the storage, access, and disclosure inside and outside of Canada of the information required to provide the subscription service, effective from the date of sign-up.
6. Contact Us
There are ‘Contact Us’ email address links that can be found on the Housing NOW landing pages of the SGICRC website. Should you send us an email, any personal information included is collected and may be stored by Housing NOW for the purpose of communicating with you.
If you do intend on submitting confidential information, please remember that email is not a secure method of communication, and you may wish to either call our office or submit information and documents by letter mail.
How is Housing NOW Protecting Your Personal Information?
Housing NOW has put safeguards in place to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Housing NOW stores and processes your personal information exclusively in Canada. Using technical and administrative security measures to reduce the risks of loss or misuse, disclosure, or alteration of personal information.
Personal information will be used to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected or for a use consistent with that purpose and only by authorized staff. We will not disclose your personal information to any public bodies, third parties, or individuals except as required or authorized by law or with your express consent.
Requesting Access to Your Records
To request a correction or to obtain access to your records, you will need to make a written request. To ensure our response meets your needs, please be as specific as possible in describing the records you are requesting.
If the SGICRC and Housing NOW do not have custody or control of the records you are requesting, we will supply you with the contact information of the organization that holds your records.
Questions?
If you have questions or concerns about the Housing NOW Privacy Policy, please, contact:
By mail:
Housing NOW – Program Manager,
4506 Bedwell Harbour Road,
Pender Island,
BC V0N 2M1
By phone:
250-629- 3665
By email:
housingnow@sgicommunityresources.ca