Privacy Policy

Last updated: March 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how the Ontario Sunshine List Directory ("we," "us," or "our") collects, uses, and shares information when you visit ontariosunshinelist.org (the "Site"). By using our Site, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

Information you provide voluntarily: When you use our contact form, subscribe to email notifications, or use the watchlist feature, we collect the email address and any message content you provide. This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry or provide the requested service.

Automatically collected information: When you visit our Site, we automatically collect certain technical information, including your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, pages visited, and the date and time of your visit. This information is used to analyze site traffic and improve our services.

Cookies and similar technologies: We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your experience on our Site. Cookies are small data files stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

  • Operate and improve the Site and its features
  • Respond to your inquiries and support requests
  • Send email notifications you have subscribed to (new data releases)
  • Maintain your personal watchlist by email address
  • Analyze usage patterns to improve site performance and content
  • Comply with legal obligations

3. Google AdSense and Advertising

We use Google AdSense to display advertisements on our Site. Google AdSense uses cookies to serve ads based on your prior visits to our Site and other websites on the internet. Google's use of advertising cookies enables it and its partners to serve ads based on your visit to our Site and/or other sites on the internet.

You may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Google Ads Settings. You can also opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting www.aboutads.info.

For more information on how Google uses data when you use our Site, please visit Google's Privacy & Terms.

4. Analytics

We use analytics tools to understand how visitors interact with our Site. These tools collect information such as how often users visit the Site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to our Site. We use this information only to improve our Site. Analytics data is aggregated and does not identify individual users.

5. Information Sharing

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:

  • Service providers: We may share information with trusted service providers who assist us in operating our Site (e.g., hosting, email delivery), subject to confidentiality agreements.
  • Legal requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid legal processes.
  • Business transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, user information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

6. Public Salary Data

The salary information displayed on this Site is sourced from the Government of Ontario's Public Sector Salary Disclosure, which is public information published under the Public Sector Salary Disclosure Act, 1996. This data is already publicly available and we are not collecting or disclosing any private personal information by displaying it. If you are a listed employee and have concerns about your data, please refer to the Government of Ontario's official processes.

7. Data Retention

We retain email addresses provided for watchlist and subscription purposes for as long as you use these services. You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting us. Contact form messages are retained for a reasonable period to allow for follow-up, after which they are deleted.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including the right to access, correct, or delete your data. To exercise these rights or if you have questions about your data, please contact us.

You may unsubscribe from email notifications at any time using the unsubscribe link included in every email we send.

9. Children's Privacy

Our Site is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the new policy on this page with an updated date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us through our contact form. We will respond to your inquiry within a reasonable timeframe.