Introduction
At BC Spaces for Nature (BCSN), we are committed to protecting BC’s natural environment for All Generations, All Peoples and All Species. As doing this work involves the collection, use and disclosure of some Personal Information about our supporters, protecting their Personal Information is one of our highest priorities.
This privacy policy explains how we collect, use, safeguard and disclose your Personal Information. BCSN operates in accordance with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
What We Collect and Why
“Personal Information” means information about an identifiable individual, including but not limited to name, age, gender, address, phone number, email address, and IP address (which may indicate geographic location).
We may collect Personal Information through the following channels:
- Over the phone
- In person
- Via our website, through forms or other interactions
- Via email
We collect this information for purposes such as:
- Processing donations and issuing tax receipts
- Newsletter sign-ups and managing email communications
- Informing you about our work and campaigns
- Inviting you to events
- Maintaining accurate supporter records
Providing Personal Information is voluntary in most cases. However, certain information is required by law — for example, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires us to record specific information when you make a donation in order to issue tax receipts.
Security, Cookies and Data
Security
BCSN has physical and digital security measures in place to protect the Personal Information we collect. Our website uses firewalls and encryption, and all Personal Information is password-protected and accessible only to a limited number of authorized BCSN employees.
Please note that no security measures, whether digital or physical, offer absolute security. If you have any concerns about the security of your Personal Information, please contact our Privacy Officer (see Contact Information below).
Please be aware that external links on our website may lead to third-party websites that we are not affiliated with and are not responsible for. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external sites you visit.
Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. These small text files help us understand how you interact with our site through analytics. You can manage your cookie and cache preferences at any time through your browser settings or our cookie consent tool. Please note that some website functions may not work as intended without cookies.
We also use tracking links in our emails to understand email open rates and click-through rates.
We use Google Analytics (GA), which uses cookies to help us analyze how visitors use our website. Data collected by GA includes IP addresses, browser details, geographic location, and cookie identifiers. This data is transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. You can opt out of GA tracking by using the GA opt-out browser add-on. By continuing to use our website, you are consenting to Google’s processing of data as described above. For more information, see Google’s Privacy Policy.
We occasionally use Meta’s tracking pixel (formerly Facebook Pixel) to track sources of web traffic to our site. This tool may collect information about your visit, including pages viewed and actions taken. You can manage your Meta ad preferences through your Facebook or Instagram account settings.
We may also collect aggregate, anonymized data about site usage that cannot be linked back to any individual.
Cross-Border Transfer of Information
Some of the third-party tools and service providers we use (including Google Analytics) store and process data on servers located outside of Canada, including in the United States. By using our website and services, you consent to the transfer and processing of your Personal Information in these jurisdictions. We take reasonable steps to ensure that any cross-border transfers meet the privacy standards described in this policy.
Consent
When you provide your Personal Information to BCSN, you are giving us implied consent to collect, use and disclose that information in accordance with this privacy policy.
If there are ways in which you do not want us to use your Personal Information, please let us know — we want you to feel confident in how we operate and respect your right to choose what is best for you. If you wish to view, update, or request deletion of your Personal Information, please email info@spacesfornature.org and we will fulfill your request as soon as reasonably possible. Email subscriptions can be cancelled at any time.
Third Parties and Sharing of Information
BCSN uses certain third-party organizations and software tools to help streamline our processes and manage our communications more effectively. For example, we use an email platform to facilitate newsletter communications with supporters who have opted in. When we engage third-party service providers, we take steps to ensure that your Personal Information is handled in a manner consistent with this privacy policy.
We may also share Personal Information with third-party service providers that assist us with:
- Payment processing
- Marketing and communications
- Information technology services
- Data hosting and processing
We do not sell your Personal Information to third parties.
Retention of Information
BCSN retains your Personal Information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law (for example, CRA requirements related to charitable donation records). When Personal Information is no longer needed, it is securely deleted or anonymized.
Disclosure of Information
BCSN will not disclose your Personal Information to outside parties except in the following circumstances:
- With your consent
- To third-party service providers as described in this policy
- As required by law, court order, or government authority
- To protect the rights, property, or safety of BCSN, our supporters, or the public
Privacy Policy Changes
BCSN may periodically update this privacy policy at our discretion. The “Last Updated” date at the top of this page will reflect the most recent revision. We encourage you to review this policy from time to time.
Contact Information
To contact us about this privacy policy, or to share any concerns, complaints, or comments, please reach out to our Privacy Officer:
Julian Axmann, Executive Director
BC Spaces for Nature
722 Cormorant St, 3rd Floor
Victoria, BC V8W 1P8
Email: info@spacesfornature.org
Phone: 1-250-588-6986