Privacy Policy

A. Introduction

The Archdiocese of Vancouver is responsible for protecting the personal information of its employees, donors, volunteers, parishioners and all individuals who provide services to or use the services of this organization. While the Archdiocese has always respected the privacy of individuals according to Canon Law, it has strengthened its commitment to protecting personal information as a result of the implementation of British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) on 1 January 2004.

PIPA regulates the way private sector organizations collect, use, keep secure, and disclose personal information and ensures that organizations that hold information about individuals handle that personal information responsibly. The legislation also gives individuals control over the way information about them is handled and a right to request access to and correction of their personal information. It prevents the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information without the consent of the individual.

This Privacy Policy outlines the principles and practices the Archdiocese of Vancouver follows to protect the personal information of its employees, donors, volunteers, parishioners, and all individuals who provide services to or use the services of this institution. A privacy commitment includes ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality and security of personal information and allows individuals to request access to and correction of their personal information.

The Privacy Policy of the Archdiocese of Vancouver, and its attention to the PIPA legislation, is a testament to the dedication to protection of individual privacy and access to personal information. It is balanced by Canon Law which also addresses privacy issues and will continue to provide guidance to the Archdiocese in matters of privacy protection and access to personal information. PIPA is not retroactive and does not cover personal information collected prior to its implementation. That information is protected under the relevant statutes of Canon Law.

This Privacy Policy is also written to inform interested parties of the steps taken to safeguard personal information held in the archdiocesan parishes and office.

The Archdiocese of Vancouver will review this Privacy Policy periodically to ensure its commitment to protection of personal information and compliance with the PIPA legislation.

B. Definitions

Archdiocese of Vancouver

The entity responsible for ministering and shepherding the Catholic community of Vancouver.
Includes all parishes, offices and organizations that comprise this juridical entity.
Also known as the Metropolitan See of Vancouver.

Collection

The act of gathering, acquiring or obtaining personal information.

Consent

Voluntary agreement to the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information for defined purposes.

Contact Information

Information that would enable an individual to be contacted at a place of business and includes name, position name or title, business telephone number, business email, or fax number of the individual.

Disclosure

The act of making personal information available to other offices, parishes, dioceses, or individuals connected with the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Individual

Any person who provides personal information to the Archdiocese or requests access to information under its authority.

Personal Information

Recorded information, in any form, about an identifiable individual, excluding contact information and work product information.

Privacy Officer

The individual designated for ensuring the Archdiocese complies with this Privacy Policy and PIPA.

Third Party

An individual or organization outside the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Use

The treatment, handling and management of personal information by and within an organization.

Work Product

Information that is prepared or collected by employees, contractors or volunteers as part of their responsibilities or activities related to their employment, business or volunteer agreement.

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C. Scope

The Privacy Policy applies to the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the offices, parishes, schools, agencies, and organizations under the authority of the Archdiocese (its agencies). It also applies to any service providers collecting, using or disclosing personal information on behalf of the Archdiocese of Vancouver. It does not apply to contact information or work product information.

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D. Policy Statements

Policy 1: Accountability

The Archdiocese of Vancouver is responsible for protecting the privacy of individuals whose personal information is under its care.

The Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Vancouver is designated the Privacy Officer and is responsible for compliance to PIPA and Canon Law statutes as well as to the administration of the Privacy Policy. The Chancellor may delegate these duties to another individual.

Policy 2: Collection of Personal Information

The Archdiocese of Vancouver collects and retains personal information for purposes essential to its effective and efficient operation. Personal information will be used only for the purpose for which it is collected.

For sacramental records;
To verify an individual’s identity;
To provide access to services;
To process donations;
For promotional material;
To meet legal requirements; and
To establish, manage, or terminate employment.

Policy 3: Consent

Consent may be oral, electronic, or written and may be withdrawn subject to legal or contractual restrictions.

Policy 4: Use and Disclosure

Personal information will be used only according to its original purpose unless consent is obtained for new uses.

Policy 5: Security

Reasonable security safeguards protect personal information.

Policy 6: Access

Individuals may request access to their personal information by written request to the Privacy Officer.

Policy 7: Compliance

Complaints must be made in writing to the Privacy Officer.

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E. Contact Information

Privacy Officer
Archdiocese of Vancouver
Saint John Paul II Pastoral Centre
4885 Saint John Paul II Way
Vancouver, BC V5Z 0G3

(Appendix I can be found in the original PDF file which can be downloaded at the top of the page.)