An organization entrusted with personal information about its clients has a responsibility to protect the privacy of that information. Jennifer Ammouri, Chartered Accountant Inc. takes this responsibility very seriously.
This policy relates to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information by the firm, and employees. Personal information includes any information about an identifiable individual, but does not include the name, title or business address or business telephone number of an individual.
The firm collects personal information only for the following reasons:
- To provide the products or services that you have requested and maintain commercial relations with you;
- To understand your needs and recommend products and services accordingly;
- To manage its business and other matters; and
- To meet legal and regulatory requirements.
No firm will use your personal information for any other reason without your consent and will only share your information with third parties to assist in completing the above uses. Any third party’s use must adhere to the firm’s privacy policies or be allowed by the legislation. Examples would be an outside payroll service, an agent hired to perform a service for you, a collection agency, a law enforcement agency or emergency services.
Accountability
Each firm is accountable for all personal information in its possession or custody, including any personal information disclosed to third parties for processing or other administrative functions, and for professional standards purposes.
Identifying Purposes
Each firm shall identify the purposes for which personal information is collected either before or at the time the information is collected.
Consent
The knowledge and consent of the individual are required for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, except where inappropriate, or where required or permitted by law.
Limiting collection
Collection of personal information shall be limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by the firm, and information shall be collected by fair and lawful means.
Limiting use, disclosure and retention
Personal information shall not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required or permitted by applicable law, rules or regulations. Personal information shall be retained only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
Accuracy
Personal information shall be as accurate, complete, and up-to-date as is necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it is to be used.
Safeguards
Personal information shall be protected by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity level of the information.
Openness
The firm shall make information available to its clients about the policies and practices that apply to the management of their information.
Individual access
Upon request, an individual shall be informed of the existence, use and disclosure of their information, and shall be given access to it. An individual may verify the accuracy and completeness of their information, and may request that it be amended if appropriate.
Challenging compliance
Questions or complaints with respect to privacy and the Jennifer Ammouri, Chartered Accountant Inc. privacy policy or practices may be directed to designated people within the firm.