Privacy Policy

Togetherness Collective (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you interact with our website, services, or organisation.

This policy complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable Canadian privacy laws. By accessing our website or using our services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

Information We Collect

Personal Information

We may collect the following types of personal information:

Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
Identity Information: Date of birth, government-issued identification (for wedding officiants)
Financial Information: Payment details for donations, course registrations, and membership fees
Professional Information: Work history, education, and professional qualifications (for wedding officiants)
Correspondence: Communications you have with us via email, phone, or other methods
Criminal Background Check: For wedding officiants, as required by law and our policies

Non-Personal Information

We may also collect non-personal information about how you interact with our website:

Usage Data: Pages visited, time spent on pages, links clicked
Device Information: IP address, browser type, operating system, device type
Cookies: Small data files stored on your device that help us improve user experience and website functionality

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

To provide and maintain our services
To process and complete transactions
To comply with legal and regulatory requirements for wedding officiant licensing
To communicate with you about our services, programmes, and events
To provide support and respond to your enquiries
To improve our website and services
To send periodic emails and newsletters if you have opted in
To process donations and issue tax receipts
To facilitate training and educational programmes
To maintain records required by law for religious officiants

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

Your consent
Performance of a contract with you
Compliance with our legal obligations
Our legitimate interests, which do not override your fundamental rights and freedoms

We may share your personal information with:

Government Agencies: Information required by law for wedding officiant licensing and registration
Service Providers: Third parties who help us operate our website, process payments, or provide other services
Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental regulation
Organisational Changes: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. For ordained officiants, certain records must be maintained indefinitely as required by provincial regulations.

Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy laws, you have the right to:

Access your personal information that we hold
Request correction of inaccurate personal information
Withdraw your consent for future use of your information (subject to legal restrictions)
Request information about our policies and practices relating to your personal information
File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada about our handling of your information

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided at the end of this policy.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorised access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

Children’s Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Cookies and Similar Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience and collect information about how you use our site. You can control cookies through your browser settings, but disabling cookies may limit your ability to use certain features of our website.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The most current version will be posted on our website with the effective date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.

International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and maintained on computers located outside of your province, territory, or country where privacy laws may differ. By submitting your personal information, you consent to this transfer.

Specific Privacy Information for Wedding Officiants

If you apply to become a wedding officiant through Togetherness Collective, please note:

We are required by law to collect and maintain certain personal information
Your information may be shared with the Office of the Registrar General and other government agencies
Records of your ordination and ceremonies performed must be maintained indefinitely
Background checks are required and will be maintained in secure files

Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Togetherness Collective
Charitable Registration Number: 728837337RR0001
Email: hello@togethernesscollective.org
Phone: (226) 972-4014

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you have the right to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1H3
Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376
www.priv.gc.ca