The law firm of Stutz & Associates is committed to ensuring the privacy of your personal information. In order to conform to the Federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.(2001) standards and maintain an acceptable level of privacy for our clients we have adopted the following Privacy Policy.

Part I - General Application

This Policy applies equally to all clients of Stutz & Associates without prejudice or exception. All personal information collected by our staff shall be managed in accordance with this Privacy Policy and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (2001.)

Part II - Accountability

There shall be at least one individual within our office designated to enforce compliance with this Policy and the PIPEDA (2001). This individual will be responsible for remaining familiar with current privacy laws and maintaining procedures within the firm to ensure compliance with such laws. This individual will also conduct regular audits of the firm’s personal information practices to ensure continued compliance with the applicable legislation. The name of our designated auditor shall be made available upon reasonable request.

Part III - Reasonable Use

Personal information that is collected by the firm will only be used for reasonable purposes deemed appropriate in the circumstances. The purposes for collecting the information will be explained and documented at the time the information is received, or upon reasonable request by the individual. We will not collect personal information which is unnecessary to achieve the purposes previously revealed.

Part IV - Consent

Before any personal information is collected, used, or disclosed, the individual’s (or his or her authorized representative’s) express consent shall be obtained by either one of the employees of the firm or one of their representatives, unless such consent may be deemed inappropriate in the circumstances. An individual’s consent may be oral or written, and shall cover the ongoing use of the personal information for purposes similar to those which were initially revealed. No individual’s personal information shall be used or disclosed for any purposes other than those initially revealed except with the express consent of the individual, or as required by law. Our firm will not deny service to any individual solely because he or she will not provide personal information unless that information is required to fulfil the explicitly specified, and legitimate purposes initially revealed to the individual.

We acknowledge that an individual’s consent is based upon his or her reasonable expectations and that such consent shall not be considered valid if gained through deceptive means. An individual may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice, and our firm shall inform the individual of the implications of such withdrawal.

Part V - Information No Longer Necessary

When an individual’s personal information is no longer needed to achieve the purposes initially revealed, it shall be destroyed, erased, made anonymous, or returned to the individual, unless there is a legal requirement to retain such information. Care shall be used in the disposal or destruction of personal information to prevent unauthorized parties from gaining access to the information.

Part VI - Accuracy

Our firm makes every effort to ensure that all personal information is accurate and complete. If it comes to our attention that any personal information is inaccurate or incomplete it shall be changed within a reasonable period of time. If your information changes at any time, please contact our office by phone: (519) 941-7500, or e-mail: jmeaden@wstutzlaw.com

Part VII - Access

Upon reasonable request, we will inform any individual of the existence, use, and disclosure of his or her personal information. We will also allow any individual to access his or her personal information within a reasonable amount of time, upon reasonable request. No one will be denied access to his or her personal information held by our firm unless such information is covered by litigation or solicitor-client privilege. If access to the personal information is denied, upon reasonable request we shall inform the individual of the reasons for such a denial.

The information made available shall include

(a) the name or title, and the address, of the person who is accountable for the organization's policies and practices and to whom complaints or inquiries can be forwarded;

(b) the means of gaining access to personal information held by the organization;

(c) a description of the type of personal information held by the organization, including a general account of its use;

(d) a copy of any brochures or other information that explain the organization's policies, standards, or codes; and

(e) what personal information is made available to related organizations

Part VIII - Security

All personal information shall be kept confidential and protected by the level of security deemed necessary by our firm having due regard to the particular circumstances and the sensitivity of the information. These security safeguards shall protect personal information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. We shall take all physical, organizational, and technical measures we deem reasonably necessary to protect all personal information regardless of the format in which it is held.

Part IX - Policies Made Public

All policies and practices regarding the management of personal information within our firm shall be made available to the public upon reasonable request. Information requested by an individual shall be provided in a reasonably understandable form, at little or no cost to the individual.

Part X - Complaints and Inquiries

Any individual wishing to make a complaint or inquiry regarding our firm’s compliance with this Policy or the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (2001) may contact our designated auditor at (519) 941-7500, or e-mail: jmeaden@wstutzlaw.com

If a complaint has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the individual, the substance of the unresolved challenge shall be recorded by our designated auditor. We shall investigate all complaints brought to our attention within a reasonable amount of time. If a complaint is found to be justified, we shall take appropriate measures, including, if necessary, amending our policies and practices.

*This policy has been formed in accordance with SCHEDULE 1 of the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (S.C. 2000, c. 5) (Section 5,) consisting of Principles set out as the national standard of Canada’s Model Code for the Protection of Personal Information, CAN/CSA-Q830-96.