Cornerstone Counselling is committed to protecting the privacy of the personal information collected from employees, clients, volunteers, donors, and other stakeholders. We strive to honor this trust by handling personal information in an ethical and conscientious manner. To this end, we desire to be transparent and accountable in how we treat the information that you choose to share with us.

During our service provision, fundraising events, donor contact, and other activities, we frequently gather and use personal information. We will carefully protect the information we collect, and we will only use it for the purpose that you consented to. Our Privacy Policy complies with the applicable privacy legislation in Canada and helps individuals understand how their personal information is collected, stored, and used at Cornerstone.

This Privacy Policy includes protecting the information of clients and prospective clients, volunteers, staff members, board members, and donors. This Privacy Policy applies only to information collected during the provision of counselling services and/or activities relating to the operation of Cornerstone Counselling.

Privacy Practices

For Clients

All personal client information gathered by our organization is confidential. Our personnel are only authorized to use personal information for the purpose for which our clients have consented. All our staff members are educated on the importance of confidentiality and must sign a confidentiality agreement.

Employees, Volunteers, and Donors

Cornerstone Counselling appreciates the interest and investment of all our supporters. Our agency relies on our supporters to continue to offer services to children, families, and individuals in need. We treat their personal information with the same confidentiality that we do our client’s information. We do not rent, sell, or trade our mailing lists. We will only use the information to provide tax receipts, to keep supporters informed about Cornerstone’s work within the community, and to inform them of events and fundraising opportunities in support of Cornerstone. If at any time supporters wish to be removed from our contact lists, contact us by phone at 780-482-6215 ext. 239 or email us at events@cornerstonecounselling.com.

If you request that we delete your contact information, we will no longer be able to provide you with the services or products for which you have subscribed. Cancellation will be subject to the terms and conditions of the services provided, as applicable.

Storage of Records

Our Privacy Officer oversees the management and storage of all files. Files remain the property of Cornerstone Counselling and, unless required by law, will not be released to any outside parties without written consent. After giving consent, it can be withdrawn, by contacting our Privacy Officer by phone at 780-482-6215 ext. 234 or email us at s.wray@cornerstonecounselling.com.

After services are terminated, files are secured in locked cabinets for the time dictated by law and or on our secure cloud platform. All files are that have exceeded the time required for storage will be destroyed using a professional shredding company with a secure chain of custody protocols.

Once personal information is no longer required to fulfill the identified purposes or other legal requirements, it will be destroyed, deleted, or made anonymous. Cornerstone Counselling may use the services of external firms to assist us in communicating with individuals (e.g., surveys and mail distribution) or as a means of providing more effective and efficient services to these individuals (e.g., technology support). All our external suppliers are contractually obligated to keep the information confidential, to use the information only for the purpose requested, and to destroy the information when it is no longer required. We will only share information with external service providers to the extent required for the provision of such services. Furthermore, Cornerstone Counselling does not sell personal information to a third-party organization.

Safeguarding Personal Information

Your personal information, whatever its form, will be protected by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information. The safeguards will protect personal information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. The measures of protection include:

  • Physical measures (e.g. locking filing cabinets and restricted access to offices)
  • Organizational measures (e.g. limiting access to the personal information on a “need-to-know” basis)
  • Technological measures (e.g. the use of passwords and encryption)
  • Procedural measures (e.g. the shredding of sensitive personal information)

Exceptions

As indicated, an individual’s knowledge and consent are ordinarily required before Cornerstone Counselling can collect, use, or disclose personal information. Thus, whenever possible, Cornerstone Counselling will obtain consent directly from the individual concerned at the time of collection and/or disclosure. By registering for a seminar, newsletter, presentation, or access to our on-line information services, or by otherwise indicating approval, individuals consent to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes identified in this Privacy Policy. After having provided consent, an individual has the right to withdraw consent at any time by providing reasonable notice to Cornerstone Counselling’s Privacy Officer.

Cornerstone Counselling cannot guarantee that private and confidential information will be protected from subpoenas, search, or coroner’s warrants, or from the need to report suspected child abuse as required by legislation in all provinces and territories in Canada. Further, in situations where we believe there is a significant and imminent risk of harm to self or others by a client, staff member, or volunteer, we may be required by law to notify authorities or persons at risk.