Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Westmark ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or engage our consulting services.

This policy applies to information collected through our website and during our business relationships with clients. By using our services or website, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

For questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us at [email protected].

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Fill out our contact form or request information about our services
• Engage our consulting services
• Subscribe to our communications
• Communicate with us via email or phone

This information may include: name, email address, phone number, business name, job title, and any other information you choose to provide.

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, certain information is automatically collected, including:

• Internet Protocol (IP) address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses

2.3 Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our website. For detailed information about our use of cookies, please refer to our Cookie Policy.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

3.1 Service Delivery

• To provide, operate, and maintain our consulting services
• To communicate with you regarding our services
• To respond to your inquiries and requests
• To schedule consultations and manage engagements

3.2 Business Operations

• To improve our website and services
• To analyze usage trends and preferences
• To maintain security and prevent fraud
• To comply with legal obligations

3.3 Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may send you information about our services, industry insights, and relevant updates. You may opt out of marketing communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in our emails or contacting us directly.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on the following legal grounds:

• Consent: You have given explicit consent for processing your personal information
• Contract: Processing is necessary to fulfill our contractual obligations to you
• Legitimate Interest: Processing is necessary for our legitimate business interests
• Legal Obligation: Processing is required to comply with legal requirements

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

5.1 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our business, including:

• Website hosting and maintenance providers
• Email communication services
• Analytics services (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Payment processors (when applicable)

These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

5.2 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information when required by law or in response to valid legal requests from governmental authorities.

5.3 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your personal information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

6. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Secure data storage and transmission protocols
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Access controls limiting data access to authorized personnel
• Employee training on data protection practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is completely secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. Specific retention periods include:

• Contact form inquiries: 24 months from submission
• Client engagement data: 7 years following engagement completion (for business records compliance)
• Marketing communications data: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Website analytics data: 26 months

8. Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy legislation (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial laws, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

8.1 Access

You have the right to request access to the personal information we hold about you.

8.2 Correction

You have the right to request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

8.3 Deletion

You have the right to request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations.

8.4 Objection and Restriction

You have the right to object to or request restriction of certain processing activities.

8.5 Withdrawal of Consent

Where processing is based on consent, you have the right to withdraw that consent at any time.

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

9. International Data Transfers

Your personal information is primarily stored and processed in Canada. If we transfer information to service providers in other jurisdictions, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable law.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected information from a child without parental consent, we will take steps to delete that information.

11. Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable law. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services following such changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

14. Complaints

If you believe we have not handled your personal information in accordance with applicable privacy laws, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada: