1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how cookies and similar technologies are used on thefriends.on.ca (“we”, “our”, or “us”), operated by The Friends, a social services organization based in Parry Sound, Ontario.

This policy is designed to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), which governs how private sector organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information in Canada.

2. Organization Information

Name: The Friends
Address: 27 Forest St, Parry Sound, ON P2A 2R2, Canada
Phone: (705) 746-5102
Province: Ontario

3. What Are Cookies

Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit a website. They may collect information such as your IP address, browser type, device information, and browsing activity. Some of this information may be considered personal information under Canadian privacy laws.

4. How We Use Cookies

We use cookies to:

• Ensure the website functions properly
• Improve website performance and usability
• Understand how visitors interact with our website
• Enhance your browsing experience

We only collect information that is necessary for these purposes, in accordance with PIPEDA principles.

5. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies (Required)

These cookies are necessary for the operation of our website. They enable basic features such as page navigation and security.
Legal basis: Implied consent

Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how users interact with our website by collecting anonymized data such as page visits and time spent on the site.
Legal basis: Implied or express consent

We may use services such as:

• Google Analytics

Functionality Cookies

These cookies remember your preferences (such as settings or region) to provide a more personalized experience.
Legal basis: Implied consent

Third-Party Cookies

Third-party services integrated into our website may place cookies on your device. These services operate under their own privacy policies.
Legal basis: Express consent where required

6. Consent Under PIPEDA

Under PIPEDA, your knowledge and consent are required for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information.

• Implied Consent: Applies to essential cookies and non-sensitive data
• Express Consent: Required for non-essential cookies and third-party tracking technologies

By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as outlined in this policy. Where required, we will request your explicit consent through a cookie banner or preference tool.

You may withdraw your consent at any time.

7. Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

• View stored cookies
• Delete cookies
• Block cookies entirely

You can also opt out of analytics tracking using:

• Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on

Please note that disabling cookies may affect the functionality of the website.

8. Safeguards and Data Protection

We take reasonable steps to protect any personal information collected through cookies against loss, theft, unauthorized access, disclosure, or modification, in accordance with Canadian privacy standards.

9. Data Retention

We retain information collected through cookies only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this policy, unless otherwise required by law.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

The Friends
27 Forest St
Parry Sound, ON P2A 2R2
Canada
Phone: (705) 746-5102