Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
Mental Health Standards ("we," "us," "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring you have a positive experience on our website. This Privacy Policy explains our data practices and your rights. We respect the privacy laws of British Columbia, Canada, and the United States, including PIPEDA, BC's Privacy Act, GDPR (where applicable), and CCPA.
2. What Data We Collect
We collect only the information you voluntarily provide to us or that is necessary for site operation:
- Contact Forms: Name, email, message content (when you submit a contributor application or inquiry)
- Email Lists: Email address only (if you opt-in to our newsletter or updates)
- Server Logs: IP address, browser type, pages visited, referral source (standard web server logs, not linked to identity without additional data)
- First-Party Aggregate Analytics: Page path, referrer category (direct, internal, or external), and operational performance data generated by our own infrastructure for traffic measurement and uptime monitoring
We do not collect: Third-party tracking cookies, cross-site behavioral profiles, precise location data, or any data beyond what you explicitly provide or what is minimally required for first-party site operations.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data only for the purposes you've consented to:
- To respond to your inquiries and process contributor applications
- To send you newsletters or updates (only if you've opted in)
- To maintain and improve the Site
- To measure aggregate site usage, availability, and performance without building advertising profiles
- To comply with legal obligations
We will not: Sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties without your explicit written consent, except as required by law.
4. No Spam
We commit to never spam you. All communications from us will be relevant, infrequent, and for purposes you have consented to. You can unsubscribe from any mailing list at any time by replying with "UNSUBSCRIBE" or clicking an unsubscribe link in our emails.
5. Data Storage & Security
Your data is stored on secure servers hosted in Canada. We use industry-standard encryption (HTTPS) for all data transmission. While we strive to protect your information, no system is 100% secure. You assume all risk related to unauthorized access to your data.
6. Third-Party Services
We do not use third-party advertising networks, third-party analytics beacons, or cross-site tracking pixels. We do use first-party, self-hosted aggregate analytics and uptime monitoring on our own infrastructure, together with standard server and CDN edge logs, to understand traffic volume, page popularity, and service availability. These systems are not used to sell ads, build behavioral profiles, or track you across unrelated sites.
7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of all personal data we hold about you
- Correct: Request correction of inaccurate data
- Delete: Request deletion of your personal data (right to be forgotten)
- Withdraw Consent: Opt out of communications at any time
- Portability: Request your data in a portable, machine-readable format
To exercise these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at [email protected].
8. Retention
We retain your personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Contributor applications are retained for 12 months unless you request deletion. Server logs are retained for 30 days.
9. Children's Privacy
We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 13. If we become aware that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information, we will delete such information and terminate the child's account. Parents or guardians who believe their child has submitted information should contact us immediately.
10. Policy Changes
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
11. Jurisdiction & Compliance
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of British Columbia, Canada. We comply with:
- Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
- BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) where applicable
- California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable
- Telus Business Internet Terms of Service (for hosting and connectivity)
12. Contact Our Privacy Officer
If you have questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your privacy rights, contact our Privacy Officer:
Mental Health Standards
Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Response time: 30 days or as required by applicable law.
Your Trust is Sacred
We believe privacy is a fundamental right. We will never exploit your data or compromise your trust. This is our commitment to you and to the principles of truth, liberty, and freedom that guide our mission.