Privacy Policy
Last Updated: 2024
Disclaimer: This document is a template provided for informational purposes regarding the taxation of self-employed individuals in Quebec. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal inquiries, please consult with a qualified legal professional in the province of Quebec.
1. Introduction and Scope
Hearth Copy ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website dedicated to providing insights into the taxation landscape for freelancers and self-employed professionals in Quebec City. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and disclose personal information in accordance with the laws of Quebec and Canada.
As a Quebec-based entity, our data practices are governed primarily by the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (the "Quebec Privacy Act"), as amended by Law 25 (formerly Bill 64), and where applicable, the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
2. Data Controller
Entity Name: Hearth Copy
Location: Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
Contact Address: 845 Rue Saint-Jean, Quebec City
Email:
Phone: +1 (810) 684-5173
3. Information We Collect
We collect information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked to you. The following table outlines the categories of data we process:
| Category | Specific Data Points | Method of Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Identifiers | Full name, email address, phone number. | Directly via contact forms and newsletter sign-ups. |
| Technical Data | IP address, browser type, operating system, device identifiers. | Automatically via cookies and server logs. |
| Usage Data | Pages visited, time spent on site, clickstream data. | Analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics). |
| Professional Info | Self-employment status, industry (if provided). | Optional fields in consultation request forms. |
4. Purpose and Legal Basis for Processing
Under Law 25 and the Quebec Privacy Act, we must identify the purposes for which we collect personal information before or at the time of collection. We process your data based on the following legal grounds:
- Consent: When you voluntarily provide your email for our tax-tip newsletter or fill out a contact form.
- Contractual Necessity: To provide the specific services or information you have requested (e.g., a guide on GST/HST registration).
- Legitimate Interest: To improve our website functionality, ensure network security, and analyze user trends to provide better content for Quebec freelancers.
- Legal Obligation: To comply with tax reporting or other regulatory requirements in Quebec.
5. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies to enhance your experience. In compliance with Law 25, we require your proactive consent for non-essential cookies.
| Cookie Type | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Necessary for the website to function (security, load balancing). | Session |
| Analytical | To understand how visitors interact with our Quebec tax guides. | 2 years |
| Preferences | Remembers your language or region settings. | 1 year |
6. Data Retention
We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. Once the information is no longer required, it is securely destroyed or anonymized in accordance with Quebec law.
7. Third-Party Transfers and Cross-Border Processing
Hearth Copy does not sell your personal information. We may share data with service providers (e.g., hosting providers, email marketing platforms) who assist in our operations.
Cross-Border Transfer: Some of our service providers may be located outside of Quebec or Canada (e.g., in the USA). In such cases, we ensure that the transfer complies with Law 25, requiring that the information receives an adequate level of protection through contractual clauses.
8. Your Rights as a Data Subject
Under the Quebec Privacy Act (and Law 25), you have significant rights regarding your data:
Right to Access
You can request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
Right to Rectification
You have the right to correct any inaccurate or incomplete personal information.
Right to Deletion
You may request the deletion of your data (the "right to be forgotten") under certain conditions.
Right to Portability
You may request that your data be provided in a structured, commonly used format.
Right to Withdraw Consent
You can withdraw your consent to data processing at any time.
Right to Complain
You can file a complaint with the Commission d'accès à l'information du Québec (CAI).
9. Security Measures
We implement robust technical and organizational measures to protect your data, including SSL encryption for all data transmission, restricted access to personal information by employees, and regular security audits. In the event of a "Confidentiality Incident" (data breach), we will notify the CAI and affected individuals as required by Law 25.
10. Contact Information
To exercise any of your rights or to ask questions about our privacy practices, please contact our Privacy Officer:
11. Links to Other Sites
Our website contains links to other resources. Please review their policies separately: