Privacy Policy - MentalConnect.ca
1. Introduction
At MentalConnect.ca, we are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and disclose your data when you use our platform and related services (directory, confidential chat, forum, and marketplace).
By using our website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
2. Data We Collect
We may collect the following categories of information:
- Identity and contact information: name, email, phone number, address, professional license number (if applicable).
- Profile information: profession, specialties, languages spoken, cultures/origins served, biography, and uploaded documents.
- Technical information: IP address, browser type, device, operating system, and cookies. Communication data: forum posts, messages, chat interactions.
- Financial information (for professionals/vendors): billing address, payment details, transaction history.
We only collect data that is necessary for providing our services.
3. Purpose of Data Use
We use your data for the following purposes:
- To manage user accounts and professional profiles.
- To enable search, filters, and matching between users and professionals.
- To process payments, subscriptions, and marketplace transactions.
- To moderate forums, reviews, and communications.
- To ensure compliance with applicable laws and professional standards.
- To improve our services and user experience.
- To send newsletters, updates, and promotional content (with explicit consent).
4. Legal Basis
We process your personal information based on:
- Consent (when you voluntarily provide your information). Contractual necessity (to provide services you subscribed to).
- Legal obligations (to comply with tax, consumer protection, or health laws). Legitimate interests (fraud prevention, security monitoring).
5. Data Sharing and Disclosure
Your personal information may be shared only in the following cases:
- With other users (information you choose to make public in your profile).
- With service providers (hosting, payment processors, technical support).
- With regulatory bodies or courts when legally required.
- With partners and third parties, only with your explicit consent.
- We do not sell your data to third parties.
6. Data Storage and Security
- Data is stored on secure servers located in Canada or in jurisdictions compliant with Canadian privacy standards.
- Security measures include encryption, access control, backups, and monitoring.
- Only authorized staff have access to sensitive data.
7. Data Retention
We retain your data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, or as required by law. You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time.
8. User Rights
Under PIPEDA and Québec’s Law 25, you have the right to:
- Access your personal information.
- Request corrections or updates.
- Request deletion of your data (“right to be forgotten”).
- Withdraw consent for data processing.
- File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada. Requests can be made by email at privacy@mentalconnect.ca 7.
9. Contact Us
MentalConnect.ca uses cookies to:
- Enhance user experience.
- Collect analytics on site usage.
- MENTALCONNECT.CA
- Enable language and cultural preference settings.
- You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings or our consent banner.
10. Children's Privacy
MentalConnect.ca is not intended for individuals under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect data from minors without parental or guardian consent.
11. Changes to the Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with the updated date. Continued use of the site after updates constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
12. Contact Information
- For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
- privacy@mentalconnect.ca
- SC Nature & Commerce inc., Québec, Canada