Privacy Policy

Web and Digital Services 

The BC Indigenous Housing Society (“BCIHS”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) is committed to protecting personal information and managing it responsibly in accordance with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and applicable federal law.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and safeguard personal information through our websites, digital services, and official social media platforms.

Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to personal information collected by BCIHS, its service providers, and partners acting on our behalf.

It applies to information collected through:

  • BCIHS websites, portals, online forms, and applications

  • BCIHS‑managed social media accounts and digital communication channels

  • Email, newsletters, and electronic communications

  • Analytics, cookies, and tracking technologies

  • Third‑party platforms or services used to deliver or administer online engagement

This Policy does not apply to business contact information (such as work email addresses or office phone numbers), which is not considered personal information under PIPA.

Definitions

  • Personal Information: Information about an identifiable individual, such as name, address, phone number, or financial details as described in PIPA. This does not include business contact information.

  • User‑Generated Content: Content voluntarily submitted by individuals, such as comments, replies, messages, or uploads.

  • Cookies & Tracking Technologies: Tools used to collect digital interaction data (e.g., session identifiers, device information, analytics).

  • Service Providers: Third‑party vendors supporting hosting, analytics, forms, payments, or communication services. 

  • Privacy Officer: The individual responsible for ensuring BCIHS complies with this policy and with PIPA. 

Collection of Personal Information

We collect only the personal information necessary for providing services, operating our Site, and fulfilling legal obligations.

Information You Provide Voluntarily

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Contact information submitted through forms or email

  • Housing or program applications

  • Account or registration details (where applicable)

  • Feedback, inquiries, or correspondence

  • Comments, replies, messages, or other user‑generated content

Information Collected Through Social Media & Public Interaction

When individuals interact with BCIHS through official social media platforms or public comment areas, we may collect information that is publicly available or voluntarily provided, including:

  • Usernames, profile identifiers, or display names

  • Public comments, replies, or messages directed to BCIHS

  • Date, time, and context of interactions

  • Platform‑provided moderation or engagement metadata

This information is collected for engagement, moderation, record‑keeping, responding to inquiries, and enforcing participation rules.

Information Collected Automatically

When you visit our websites or official social media platforms, we may automatically collect:

  • IP address, device type, browser information

  • Pages viewed, links clicked, time spent on site

  • General location data (e.g., city or region) 

  • Session identifiers and interaction patterns 

Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Cookies and similar technologies are used to:

  • Ensure website functionality

  • Understand how visitors use our site

  • Improve design, performance, and accessibility

  • Detect and prevent security issues

We do not use tracking technologies to identify individuals unless combined with information you voluntarily provide.

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

Use of Personal Information

BCIHS uses personal information only for purposes that are reasonable and appropriate, including:

  • Delivering housing and support services

  • Responding to inquiries and communications

  • Operating, maintaining, and improving digital services

  • Administering, moderating, and enforcing participation rules on websites and official social media platforms

  • Protecting the security and integrity of systems

  • Preventing fraud, misuse, or unlawful activity

  • Meeting legal and regulatory obligations

Disclosure of Personal Information

We may disclose personal information:

  • With your consent

  • To service providers acting on our behalf under contractual privacy safeguards

  • Where required or permitted by law

  • To investigate or respond to security, legal, or policy violations 

BCIHS does not sell personal information and does not share personal information for advertising purposes. 

Consent

We obtain consent to collect, use, or disclose personal information unless otherwise permitted by law.

Consent may be:

  • Explicit (written, verbal, electronic)

  • Implied (when the purpose is clear and information is voluntarily provided)

  • Provided through browser settings (e.g., cookie preferences)

You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or operational limitations.

Accuracy

We make reasonable efforts to keep personal information accurate and complete. Individuals may request corrections at any time.

Retention

If personal information is used to make a decision affecting an individual, it is retained for at least one year as required by PIPA.

Other information is retained only as long as necessary to meet identified purposes or legal requirements.

Safeguards & Security

BCIHS uses appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including:

  • Access controls and role‑based permissions

  • Encryption where appropriate

  • Monitoring and logging of system activity

  • Secure disposal and destruction practices

  • Ongoing review of security measures 

Access to Personal Information 

Individuals have the right to request access to their personal information, including information about: 

  • How it is being used 

  • To whom it has been disclosed, if applicable 

BCIHS will respond within 30 business days, unless an extension is permitted. Fees may apply, but individuals will be informed in advance. 

If access is denied, BCIHS will explain the reason and provide information about recourse options. 

Third‑Party Platforms 

BCIHS uses third‑party platforms (including social media services) to communicate and engage with the public. These platforms operate under their own privacy policies and terms. 

BCIHS is not responsible for the privacy practices of third‑party platforms. Users are encouraged to review those policies directly. 

Changes to This Policy 

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time. Updates will be posted with a revised “Last updated” date. Continued use of BCIHS digital services constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy. 

Contact Information 

For any privacy inquiries, corrections, complaints, or access requests: 

BCIHS Privacy Officer 

Email: privacy@bcihs.ca

Mail: 548 Beatty Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 2L3 

If a concern cannot be resolved, individuals may contact the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for BC (OIPC).