Privacy Policy
Your Privacy Rights
As of January 1, 2004, all commercial businesses in Alberta, including law firms, are required to comply with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (“PIPEDA”) and the provincial Personal Information Protection Act (“PIPA”). These laws apply in addition to and not in replacement of the provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (“FOIPP”).
Further, subject to applicable laws, regulations and rules of professional conduct, as members of the Law Society of Alberta, each individual lawyer at Ruttan Bates is responsible for ensuring that all information concerning a client’s business, interests and affairs that is acquired in the course of the professional relationship is kept confidential.
What Is Personal Information?
What Personal Information Do We Collect?
Why Do We Collect Personal Information?
When Do We Disclose Personal Information?
Third Parties on the Internet
Information we collect through our website may necessarily be held by third parties such as our webmaster and Internet Service Providers. In such circumstances we will take all reasonable precaution to ensure that the information is handled in accordance with this Website Privacy Policy.
Our website may also contain links to other websites for your convenience. Ruttan Bates cannot guarantee that these websites are subject to privacy policies that are equivalent to this Website Privacy Policy, and therefore, we cannot assume any responsibility for the practices or actions of those who operate such websites. Ruttan Bates is not responsible for the collection, use or disclosure of your personal information on third party websites, and we highly recommend that you investigate their respective privacy policies if you intend to provide your personal information to such sites.
Consent
The main purpose of the PIPEDA and PIPA legislation is to ensure that businesses such as Ruttan Bates obtain an individual’s consent to collect, use or disclose his or her personal information.
Your consent may be expressly given (either orally electronically or in writing), implied (as a reasonable conclusion from your actions), or deemed (where information is given by you voluntarily or where you do not refuse consent when given a reasonable opportunity to do so). For example, when you retain the services of Ruttan Bates, we will assume that you have provided your consent in relation to all matters reasonably related to the retainer.
By using our website, you are consenting to the contents of this Website Privacy Policy. Should you disagree with any part of this Website Privacy Policy, you are not permitted to use our website.
We also assume, unless you advise us otherwise, that having been informed of this Website Privacy Policy and by continuing to use the Ruttan Bates website, you have consented to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with this Website Privacy Policy.
Subject to legal and contractual requirements, you may refuse or withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our Privacy Officer and providing reasonable notice. If you refuse or withdraw your consent, we may not be able to provide you or continue to provide you with the services or information that you requested from Ruttan Bates. Where required by the rules of professional conduct, we will provide you with reasonable assistance in finding other legal services.
Is My Personal Information Secure?
Ruttan Bates is responsible for all personal information in its custody or control, and therefore, we take all reasonable precautions to protect your personal information from loss, unauthorized access, alteration or disclosure. Not only is our office physically secure, but we use technology such as security software, passwords, and firewalls to protect our computers and other office systems.
However, no information can be made 100% secure when transmitted over the Internet and Ruttan Bates does not accept any liability for any loss, misuse, interception or alteration of personal information transmitted to or from us over the Internet by any party.
Updating Your Personal Information
How Can I Access My Personal Information?
Changes to this Website Privacy Policy
Privacy Officer
If you have any questions regarding this Website Privacy Policy, or you wish to access your personal information, or you wish to change or withdraw your consent under this Website Privacy Policy, you can contact our Privacy Officer as follows:
Privacy Officer
Suite 600, Bradie Building
630 – 6th Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0S8
Ph: (403) 237-0025 Fax: (403) 237-0566