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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 15 July 2025

Real Estate Watch Canada ("REWC", "we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who visit our website, use our services, and engage with our programs. This Privacy Policy explains in detail how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect your personal information, and outlines your rights and choices. We are guided by principles of transparency, accountability, and data minimization.

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1. Scope

This Policy applies to personal information collected through realestatewatchcanada.ca and any affiliated sub-domains, microsites, social media pages, or forms hosted by us (collectively, the "Site"). It also covers offline data collection through our tip-line, outreach, and engagement activities.

Our practices are governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), applicable provincial privacy laws (such as Ontario's FIPPA or Alberta's PIPA), and our organizational values of ethical transparency. If you are located outside Canada, by using our Site you consent to your information being processed and stored in Canada.

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2. Information We Collect

We collect various categories of information for legitimate organizational purposes:

CategoryExamplesPurpose

Contact InformationName, email address, mailing address, phone numberCommunicate with users, manage subscriptions, organize campaigns

Tip Submission DataNarrative reports, uploaded files, screenshots, witness information, dates, locations, transaction detailsDocument complaints, analyze misconduct, investigate cases

User Account DataUsername, password (hashed), user-generated contentAccess secure portals, comment on articles, or contribute to discussions

Technical DataIP address, browser type, geolocation (city), device identifiers, session logsMonitor usage, ensure security, troubleshoot technical issues

Analytics & Marketing DataSite behavior, referring links, campaign response ratesImprove content, tailor messaging, evaluate campaign effectiveness

We aim to collect the minimum personal data necessary for each purpose.

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3. Legal Basis for Processing

We collect and use personal data under the following legal bases:

  • Consent (e.g., newsletter sign-up, form submission);

  • Legitimate interests (e.g., investigating trends in industry misconduct);

  • Legal obligations (e.g., cooperation with regulators or subpoenas);

  • Public interest and advocacy, where data supports systemic reform or public accountability.

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4. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used for:

  1. Operating and maintaining the Site and related infrastructure;

  2. Investigating real estate industry misconduct, including identifying systemic patterns;

  3. Publishing aggregated, anonymized reports for media, regulators, and the public;

  4. Communicating with you about inquiries, complaints, reports, or requests;

  5. Engaging you in advocacy campaigns, fundraising appeals, and volunteer actions;

  6. Ensuring security and integrity of our systems;

  7. Fulfilling legal or regulatory obligations;

  8. Evaluating and improving our programs and digital services.

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5. Disclosure of Information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may disclose your information:

  • Internally, on a need-to-know basis among our staff and volunteers;

  • To trusted service providers, bound by confidentiality and security obligations, for hosting, analytics, and communications;

  • To regulators or enforcement authorities, if legally required or with your explicit consent;

  • To affiliated organizations, law clinics, or advocacy groups, when necessary for support and with your permission;

  • Anonymized and aggregated, for academic, media, and legislative purposes;

  • During organizational transitions, such as restructuring, with safeguards in place.

We may also disclose information when necessary to protect rights, ensure public safety, or prevent abuse.

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6. Security and Data Integrity

We implement robust technical and organizational measures, including:

  • Encrypted data transfer (TLS/SSL)

  • Secure, access-controlled storage on Canadian servers

  • Role-based access and staff training on privacy

  • Regular audits, software updates, and vulnerability assessments

Despite these precautions, no platform is fully immune to risk. You share data at your discretion and we encourage responsible digital behavior.

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7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience:

  • Essential Cookies: Enable core functionality like page navigation and security.

  • Analytics Cookies: Collect aggregate data via Google Analytics or similar tools.

  • Preference Cookies: Remember your regional or display settings.

You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser or device settings. Third-party tracking may occur when interacting with embedded content or social links.

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8. Data Retention and Disposal

We retain personal information only as long as necessary:

  • Contact data: up to 5 years after final engagement

  • Tip-line and investigative data: 7–10 years or longer if relevant to ongoing reform or legal action

  • Financial data (e.g., donations): 7 years (CRA-compliant)

When no longer needed, we securely delete, anonymize, or destroy data using industry best practices.

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9. Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights under Canadian privacy laws:

  • Access your personal data

  • Correct or update inaccurate data

  • Withdraw consent for non-essential processing

  • Request erasure in certain cases

  • Request a copy of your data in portable format

  • Challenge compliance by contacting our Privacy Officer or a provincial/federal regulator

Requests can be sent to privacy@realestatewatchcanada.ca. We aim to respond within 30 days.

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10. Children's Privacy

We do not knowingly collect personal data from children under 16. If we learn that data from a minor was collected without proper consent, we will delete it promptly. Parents or guardians may contact us to review or remove such information.

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11. External Links

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for their content, privacy practices, or security. We encourage users to review external privacy policies before sharing information.

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12. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law, technology, or our services. Any updates will be posted on this page with a new "Effective Date." Major updates will be announced via email or banner notices where applicable.

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13. Contact Information

To ask questions, make a complaint, or exercise your rights, please contact:

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Privacy Officer

Real Estate Watch Canada
Email: privacy@realestatewatchcanada.ca
Tel: +1 (416) 555-0123

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For unresolved issues, contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
www.priv.gc.ca / Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376

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Thank you for trusting Real Estate Watch Canada. We are committed to your privacy and accountability in Canada's real estate sector.

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