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Privacy Policy

1. Introduction & Scope

Gross Innovations Inc. ("we," "us," "our," or "Gross Innovations") is a registered non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Ontario, Canada. This Privacy Policy applies to all personal information collected through our website (grossinnovations.com), email communications, application forms, and interactions with our organization.

This policy is governed by PIPEDA and applicable Ontario privacy legislation. By accessing our website or engaging with our organization, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

2. Personal Information We Collect

2.1 Information You Provide Directly

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, physical address
• Professional Information: Resume, education history, work experience, skills, certifications, LinkedIn profile URL
• Application Information: Co-op placement preferences, volunteer availability, project interests, motivation statement
• Communication Preferences: Email preferences, communication method preferences, frequency of contact preferences
• Financial Information: Bank details (only if required for payment processing or direct deposits, collected securely through third-party payment processors)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically

• Website Analytics: IP address, browser type, pages visited, time spent on pages, referral sources
• Device Information: Device type, operating system, unique device identifiers
• Cookies & Tracking: Session cookies, analytical cookies (non-identifying)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

We may receive personal information about you from:

• Educational institutions (with your consent)
• Partner organizations and employers
• Social media platforms (when you choose to link accounts)
• References you provide during application processes

3. Purposes of Collection & Use

We collect and use your personal information for the following purposes:

• Program Administration: Processing applications, managing co-op placements, and coordinating volunteer activities
• Communication: Responding to inquiries, sending program updates, notifications about opportunities
• Skills Development: Tracking learning progress, providing mentorship, evaluating program effectiveness
• Placement Services: Matching participants with project opportunities, facilitating introductions with partner organizations
• Legal Compliance: Fulfilling legal obligations, maintaining records, documenting consent
• Quality Improvement: Gathering feedback, analyzing program outcomes, enhancing our services
• Statistics & Research: Creating anonymized aggregated data for reporting, program evaluation, and improvement
• Partner Coordination: Sharing relevant information with partner organizations for placement purposes (with consent)

4. Consent & Legal Basis

4.1 Consent Requirements

In compliance with PIPEDA, we obtain your consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information, except where:

• Information is necessary to fulfill a legal obligation
• Collection is necessary to establish or maintain an employment relationship
• Disclosure is made to a lawyer for legal advice
• Information is publicly available and you have not objected to collection

4.2 Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw consent to the use of your personal information at any time by contacting us at info@grossinnovations.com. However, withdrawal may affect our ability to provide services and may have legal consequences regarding your participation in our programs.

5. Disclosure & Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. However, we may disclose personal information in the following circumstances:

• Partner Organizations: With your explicit consent, to partner employers and organizations for placement and employment purposes
• Service Providers: To trusted third-party service providers (email providers, document storage, payment processors) who are bound by confidentiality agreements
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or government agency
• Safety & Protection: When necessary to protect the safety, rights, or property of Gross Innovations, our participants, or the public
• Program Evaluation: Aggregated, anonymized data for statistical analysis and program improvement
• References: With your consent, to provide references to potential employers

6. Data Protection & Security

6.1 Security Measures

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encryption of sensitive data in transit and at rest
• Secure password protection and access controls
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Employee confidentiality training and data handling protocols
• Restricted access to personal information on need-to-know basis
• Secure disposal of personal information when no longer needed

6.2 Limitations

While we employ robust security measures, no method of internet transmission or electronic storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your personal information. You acknowledge the inherent risks of online communication.

7. Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

• Active Participants: Throughout your engagement with Gross Innovations and for 3 years after program completion
• Unsuccessful Applicants: 12 months from application date
• Legal Records: As required by Ontario law and for potential legal disputes
• Financial Records: 7 years as per Canadian tax regulations
• Analytical Data: Anonymized data may be retained indefinitely

You may request deletion of your personal information at any time by contacting us. We will comply unless legal retention requirements apply.

8. Your Privacy Rights

Under PIPEDA and Ontario law, you have the following rights:

• Right of Access: Request access to your personal information we hold
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal retention requirements)
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for use of your information
• Right to Opt-Out: Opt out of marketing communications and non-essential communications
• Right to Portability: Receive your personal information in a structured, commonly-used format

9. Access & Amendment Requests

To request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, please contact us in writing at:

Gross Innovations Inc.
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Email: info@grossinnovations.com

We will respond to access requests within 30 days of receipt. If access is denied, we will provide written reasons for denial in compliance with PIPEDA requirements.

10. Cookies & Analytics

Our website uses cookies for the following purposes:

• Session Management: To maintain your session and remember your preferences
• Analytics: To understand how users interact with our website (non-identifying)
• Security: To protect against fraudulent activity

Most browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. Disabling cookies may affect your ability to use certain features of our website.

11. Third-Party Links & Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites (social media platforms, partner organizations). We are not responsible for the privacy practices of external websites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services before providing personal information.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 without parental consent. If we become aware that we have collected information from a minor without proper consent, we will take steps to delete such information promptly.

13. International Considerations

Our organization is based in Ontario, Canada. Information you provide may be processed and stored in Canada. If you are located outside Canada, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to and processed in Canada, which may have different privacy laws than your jurisdiction.

14. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The "Last Updated" date at the top indicates the most recent revision. We will notify you of material changes by email or prominent website notice. Continued use of our services following notification constitutes acceptance of updated practices.

15. Privacy Officer & Complaints

If you have concerns about our privacy practices or believe we have violated your privacy rights, please contact our Privacy Officer:

Privacy Officer
Gross Innovations Inc.
Email: info@grossinnovations.com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

We will investigate your complaint and respond within 30 days. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

16. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

Gross Innovations Inc.
Email: info@grossinnovations.com
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Operating: Worldwide 🌍