Visitors to our Web Site and Users in general should note that:
Terms & Conditions
BDO Legal Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.
DISCLAIMER
- The use of our Web Site is solely at their own risk on an “as is”, “as available” basis. Information on our Web Site is provided for general purposes only and is not intended to render accounting, tax, consultative, investment, legal or other professional advice or services, in any form. Laws, regulations and circumstances change constantly. Our Web Site is not intended to constitute the basis for any decision or course of action of any User’s specific circumstances and Users are cautioned to consult with their professional advisors before making any decision or taking any course of action. BDO Canada LLP makes no warranty or representation as to the accuracy, quality or completeness of any information on our Web Site. BDO Canada LLP expressly disclaims all warranties and conditions including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and also disclaims any liability for loss or damages which result directly or indirectly from the use in any form of any of the information on our Web Site including any personal information provided by Visitors and Users in general. Where such warranties or conditions are legally incapable of exclusion then BDO Canada LLP’s liability shall be limited to the sum of $100.00 in the aggregate regardless of the number of occurrences. Users assume all risks concerning the suitability to their needs and the accuracy of information on our Web Site and any publications therein.
- The use of this Web Site or any e-mail communication to any one at BDO Canada LLP or to BDO Canada LLP itself does not give rise to a client relationship notwithstanding receipt of such communication. A client relationship shall only arise upon our mutual agreement in writing.
- Internet communications may not be confidential and BDO Canada LLP does not guarantee the confidentiality of any e-mail or internet transmissions. Users are cautioned not to send any information via e-mail or the internet where confidentiality or privacy is an issue. BDO Canada LLP assumes no liability whatsoever for any confidential information sent to us over the internet. BDO Canada LLP reserves the right to make changes at any time to the Web Site which may include information, services and technical specifications without notice.
- BDO Canada LLP expressly disclaims any liability regarding links to other web sites or any information, products, or services that they contain.
- Any legal questions or disputes arising from the use of our Web Site shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario, and the laws of Canada applicable therein, and the courts of the Province of Ontario shall have primary jurisdiction.
- For the purposes of this Disclaimer, BDO Canada LLP shall include its related or affiliated partnerships, its partners, principals, employees, agents and authorized representatives and includes affiliated corporations and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents and authorized representatives.
Privacy Policy
BDO and its affiliated organizations believe that protecting your privacy is important. Our Policies have been designed to meet your needs and as well, they conform to The Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act which is Federal legislation.
The Rules of Professional Conduct and related Council Interpretations of the various Provincial Institutes of Chartered Accountants require that partners and staff maintain the confidentiality of client and former client information, as well as the confidentiality of Firm information, except in rare and very specific circumstances.
The Rules of Professional Conduct of the various Provincial Institutes of Chartered Accountants also require that partners and staff not use confidential information for personal advantage, for the advantage of a third party or to the disadvantage of a client, former client or the Firm, unless consent has been obtained from the client, former client or the Firm.
Cookies
We may from time to time use certain information commonly called cookies on your computer to save you time as a Visitor and User of our web site. We do not collect personal information in this fashion. If you do not wish this convenience, your browser will likely enable you to reject cookies.
Personal Information
Personal information includes any factual or subjective information, recorded or not, about an identifiable individual. This includes information in any form, such as:
- age, name, ID numbers, income, ethnic origin, or blood type
- opinions, evaluations, comments, social status, or disciplinary actions
- employee files, credit records, loan records, medical records, existence of a dispute with a client, intentions (for example, to acquire goods or services, or change jobs)
Personal information does not include the name, title, business address or telephone number of an employee of an organization.
BDO collects personal information only for the following reasons:
- To provide the products or services that you have requested and maintain commercial relations with you;
- To understand your needs and recommend products and services accordingly;
- To manage our business which includes partnership and employment matters;
- To meet legal and regulatory requirements.
We will not use your personal information for any other reason without your consent.
Sharing of Information
We only share your information with third parties to assist in completing the above uses. Any third party’s use must adhere to our privacy policies or be allowed by the legislation. Examples would be an outside payroll service, an agent hired to perform a service for you, a collection agency, a law enforcement agency or emergency services.
We may share your information with third parties located in a foreign jurisdiction that may be available to a foreign government or its agencies under a lawful order made in that country. We will not use your personal information for any other reason without your consent, unless required by law.
BDO policies are based on a model code for protection of personal information.
Accountability
- We have established a Privacy Officer who is part of senior management to ensure our policies are in force.
- We inform and train staff on privacy issues.
Identify the Purposes
- We identify the purpose for collecting information before collecting it.
Obtain Consent
- We will obtain consent before collection of information.
Limit Collection
- We will only collect the information we need for the stated purpose
Limit Use, Disclosure and Retention
- We use information only for the purpose of collection unless we receive consent or are required by law.
- We have policies as to how long the information is kept.
- We have policies for the safe destruction of the information.
Be Accurate
- We will use our best efforts to keep your information up to date.
- Use Appropriate Safeguards.
- We have policies to safeguard your information against unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification.
Be Open
- Our clients and employees are informed of our policies and practices for managing personal information.
Give Individuals Access
We will give individuals reasonable access to their information and correct any personal information if its accuracy and completeness is challenged and found to be deficient. There are limited exceptions to this which are set out in the legislation.
Provide Recourse
We will investigate all complaints. Address them to:
Privacy Officer
BDO Canada LLP, National Office
600-36 Toronto Street
Toronto, ON
Canada M5C 2C5
or [email protected]
If we do not resolve the issue to your satisfaction you may contact:
The Privacy Commissioner of Canada
112 Kent St
Ottawa, Ont., K1A 1H3