1. Purpose
McGuinty Estates Law ("the firm") is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals who communicate with us or use our website. This Privacy Policy describes the types of personal information we collect, how we use and protect it, and your rights with respect to it. It complies with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Personal Health Information Protection Act, 2004 (PHIPA) to the extent applicable, and the professional obligations of the Law Society of Ontario.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following personal information:
• Name, address, telephone number, and email address provided through our contact form or during consultations; • Information relating to your estate, family, or financial circumstances in the course of providing legal services; • Anonymised browsing data (pages visited, visit duration) for the purpose of improving our website.
We do not collect sensitive personal information without your explicit consent.
3. Use of Information
Personal information collected is used for the following purposes:
• Responding to your enquiries and arranging consultations; • Providing legal services and fulfilling our professional obligations; • Complying with legal and regulatory requirements, including the rules of the Law Society of Ontario; • Improving our website and communications.
We do not use your information for marketing purposes without your consent.
4. Disclosure to Third Parties
We do not disclose your personal information to third parties except in the following circumstances:
• With your explicit consent; • Where required by law (e.g., court order, statutory reporting obligation); • To third-party service providers who assist us in operating our website or delivering our services, subject to strict confidentiality obligations; • In the course of providing legal services, where disclosure is necessary and permitted by the rules of professional conduct.
5. Solicitor-Client Privilege
All information you communicate to us in the context of a solicitor-client relationship is protected by solicitor-client privilege, in accordance with the Law Society of Ontario's rules of professional conduct. This protection is separate from and in addition to the protections provided under this Privacy Policy.
6. Retention
We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes for which it was collected, to meet our legal and professional obligations, and in accordance with the Law Society of Ontario's file retention requirements. Client files are generally retained for a minimum of ten (10) years following the closure of the matter.
7. Security
We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal information against loss, theft, unauthorised access, disclosure, copying, use, or modification. Access to personal information is restricted to personnel who require it in the performance of their duties.
8. Your Rights
Under PIPEDA and applicable Ontario law, you have the right to:
• Access the personal information we hold about you; • Request correction of inaccurate information; • Withdraw your consent to the use of your information, subject to legal or contractual constraints; • File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada or the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario.
To exercise these rights, please contact us at the address set out below.
9. Cookies
Our website may use session cookies for technical purposes. We do not use advertising or behavioural profiling cookies. You may configure your browser to refuse cookies, though some website functionality may be affected.
10. Amendments
We reserve the right to amend this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.
11. Contact Us
For any questions regarding this policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
McGuinty Estates Law Ottawa, Ontario Email: [email protected]