PRIVACY POLICY
McInnes & Associates recognizes the importance of privacy
and the sensitivity of personal information. As a Private Investigation Agency
licenced in the Province of Ontario we have a professional obligation to keep
confidential all information we receive, on behalf of our principles. Generally
the scope of the information we receive from our principles and obtain on their
behalf is subject to a claim of legal professional privilege. McInnes &
Associates is committed to protecting any information we hold.
Your privacy rights From January 1, 2004,
all businesses must comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronics
Documents Act. These obligations extend to Private Investigation Agencies including
McInnes & Associates. The Act gives individuals rights concerning the privacy
of their personal information.
What personal information do we collect?
Personal information is any information about an individual. This could include
information such as age, identification numbers, income, ethnic origin, credit
and banking information, employee records or any information relevant to the
issue for which we have been retained.
We must collect and use such personal information to provide investigation services
to our principles.
This information may be about our principles clients, or may be about individuals
who are not clients, but are involved in transactions, matters and disputes
with our principles clients.
How do we collect personal information?
We collect personal information in the normal course of representing our principles
clients and only by lawful and reasonable means. We collect information directly
from our principles, their clients and also from sources other than the individual
and other parties to a transaction, matter or dispute.
Consent
In most cases we ask individuals to specifically consent, if we collect, use
or disclose their personal information, where such collection, use and disclosure
is such that would not be considered normal for an investigation agencies representation
of a principle. Permission may be expressed in writing or be implied and may
be given to us verbally, electronically, or through an authorized representative.
Individuals may withdraw permission to collect, use and disclose their personal
information at any time.
Use of personal information
We use personal information to provide privileged investigation reports and
services to our principles. Due to the nature of our relationship with our principles,
McInnes & Associates does not provide any personal information to third
parties.
Updating personal information
It is important the information be accurate and up to date. If during the course
of the retainer, any personal information changes, the individual should inform
us so we can make any necessary changes.
Information Security
McInnes & Associates takes all reasonable precautions to ensure
personal information is kept safe from loss, unauthorized access, modification
or disclosure. Among the steps taken to protect personal information are: premises
security; restricted file access; technological safeguards like security software
and fire walls; and internal password and security policies.
Access to personal Information
Individuals may ask for access to personal information we hold about them. Due
to the privileged nature of our retainer by our principles, access to the information
is not absolute. In most cases the investigations we undertake on behalf of
our principles are subject to a claim of legal professional privilege, or is
allowed under relevant privacy legislation. Information which relates to existing
or anticipated legal proceedings against the individual would have an unreasonable
impact on other people's privacy; to do so would prejudice negotiations; to
protect the rights and property of McInnes & Associates; or the request
is frivolous or vexatious. If an individual is represented by a lawyer for a
dispute or transaction we are not able to discuss privacy or any other matters
directly with that person. In these circumstances, the individuals counsel must
contact us. If we deny a request for access to, or refuse a request to correct
information, we shall explain why.
Communicating with McInnes & Associates
Some view internet e-mail as less confidential than more traditional forms of
communication. If a principle law firm or client does not wish us to use internet
e-mail, please advise us in writing.
Changes to this policy
McInnes & Associates regularly reviews all of it's policies and procedures.
We may change our Privacy Policy from time to time.
Request for access
If you have any privacy questions, or wish to access your personal information,
please write to our privacy officer:
Mr. John McInnes
McInnes & Associates
148 York Street
London, ON N6A 1A9
or e-mail pilondon@sympatico.ca
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