Privacy Policy
June 19, 2009
The Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act (RSBC 1996) governs the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by public bodies in British Columbia. The Downtown Vancouver Association, (herein referred to as the “DVA”) a not-for-profit association, conform to and comply with the provisions of the Act.
DVA's Commitment to Protecting the Privacy of Personal Information
The DVA is committed to respecting and protecting the confidentiality of any personal information that our members and potential members entrust with us. This Policy reflects that commitment.
What is Personal Information?
In attempt to better our products and services and for the purposes of maintaing communication, the DVA collects a variety of personal information from you. Examples of such personal information would be contact particulars, email addresses, and various preferences and interests.
Collecting and Using Personal Information
The DVA is committed to collecting and using information only for the purpose for which it was gathered and only with the consent of the person whose information it belongs.
The DVA does not sell or rent your personal information to anyone.
Below are reasons in which the DVA uses the information collected:
1. To create and maintain effective business relationships.
The DVA will collect information from its members and other individuals with whom the DVA comes into contact to confirm identity and related contact information. Additional personal information may be requested dependant upon the specific situation. For example, the DVA may collect credit card information from members or non-members wishing to set up credit and payment plans for accounts.
2. To further develop, enhance and market products and services.
The DVA may collect personal information regarding members' specific interests at DVA run events. This information may be used to develop new products and services and to improve existing products and services. Such information may also be used to help us better market and promote our products and services to our members.
3. To understand customer needs and preferences.
The DVA keeps personal information for the purpose of providing personalized service. For example, if a member wishes to receive information pertaining to a specific event or product, when there is information available pertaining to that issue, such information can be sent only to those members who expressed an interest in receiving it. Personal information may be utilized in connection with on-line communications with our members in order to customize the look and scope of activities offered to that member on-line.
4. To communicate with our members or potential members
The DVA, with consent of the person whose information is being used may send information via direct marketing or through electronic means to communicate to that person about various future events, promotions or proposals relating to the DVA.
Disclosing Personal Information
Situations where the DVA may be required to disclose personal information about its members or other individuals with whom the DVA does business are varied. Some examples include the following:
1. The DVA may disclose personal information to a related company, or to a contracted third party agent, for the purpose of providing services to members or communicating with the DVA's database, for example, an outsourced mail-house. Such disclosure is done on a confidential basis, and the DVA requires the third party to which the information is disclosed to use that information only for the specific purposes for which it was provided to them.
2. The DVA may disclose information for the purpose of collecting on a debt obligation owing to the DVA.
3. The DVA may disclose a member's personal information to a third party to perform research on the DVA's behalf for the purpose of customer service and/or business planning activities. Such disclosure is done on a confidential basis, and the DVA requires the third party to which the information is disclosed to use that information only for the specific purposes for which it was provided to them and for use as approved by the member.
4. The DVA may disclose a member's personal information to a third party associated with the DVA as a sponsor or supplier when that third party desires to communicate an offer of merit to DVA members in light of the members' expressed interest in DVA activities. Such disclosure is done only with respect to those members who consent to such disclosure. Such disclosure is done on a confidential basis, and the DVA requires the third party to which the information is disclosed to use that information only for the specific purposes for which it was provided to them.
5. The DVA is also obligated by statute, to disclose personal information where required by law or for the purposes of law enforcement.
Any disclosure of personal information by the DVA is done in conformity with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Security
The DVA carries out its commitment to personal information security in several ways:
1. The DVA will limit the collection, use and disclosure of personal information to that reasonably required in order for the DVA to carry on its business. Some of the specific purposes for which the DVA will collect, use and disclose personal information are set out in this Privacy Policy. Other instances of permitted collection, use and disclosure of personal information are set out in the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
2. The DVA will ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect the personal information it has in its custody or control. This ranges from ensuring areas and documents are only accessible by authorized personnel that act in conformity with the DVA's Privacy Policy and respect the privacy of the personal information they are exposed to in the work place.
3. The DVA will protect the confidential nature of personal information when dealing with other organizations, and the DVA will require them to meet the same standard as it does when dealing with personal information it has placed in their trust.
4. The DVA will honour any reasonable requests made to review and update your own personal information, and to remove your information from areas where its use is no longer approved by you. The DVA will take reasonable steps to process these requests in a timely manner.
By your receipt of this Privacy Policy, the DVA will assume, unless we hear from you otherwise, that you wish the DVA to continue to collect, use and disclose your personal information in accordance with this Privacy Policy. Please note that you may withdraw or limit your consent to the DVA's collection, use or disclosure of your personal information at any time, subject to any legal or contractual restrictions. The DVA will process and implement such requests within a reasonable amount of time. Note, however, that such requests may limit the DVA's ability to provide you with the optimal level of communications or services.
Should you have any questions or concerns about our Privacy Policy, please email our Privacy Officer at privacyofficer@thedva.com or alternatively via mail at the below address and we will respond to your message.
Privacy Officer
Downtown Vancouver Association
PO Box 21013
11-200 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC
V6C 3L0
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