Privacy Policy

Introduction

Stratford Advisory is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your data when you visit our website or engage our consulting services. We take our responsibility seriously and handle your information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide and improve our services:

Personal Information

When you interact with us, we may collect:

• Contact details including name, email address, phone number, and business address
• Professional information such as job title, company name, and industry
• Communication records including emails, phone calls, and meeting notes
• Payment information necessary for processing service fees

Usage Data

We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation patterns
• Referring website and search terms used to find our site
• Cookie data (see our Cookie Policy for details)

How We Use Your Information

We use collected information for the following purposes:

• Providing consulting services and responding to your inquiries
• Communicating about our services, including updates and proposals
• Processing payments and maintaining financial records
• Improving our website and services based on usage patterns
• Complying with legal obligations and protecting our business interests
• Sending relevant information about our services (with your consent)

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal information based on:

• Consent: When you provide explicit permission for specific uses
• Contract Performance: When processing is necessary to deliver services you've requested
• Legitimate Interests: When processing serves our reasonable business purposes while respecting your privacy rights
• Legal Obligations: When required to comply with applicable laws and regulations

Data Retention

We retain personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Typical retention periods include:

• Client engagement records: Seven years following engagement completion
• Financial and tax records: Seven years as required by Canadian law
• Marketing communications: Until you withdraw consent or opt out
• Website analytics data: Up to 26 months

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your data with:

• Service Providers: Third parties who assist with website hosting, payment processing, and business operations
• Professional Advisors: Legal counsel, accountants, and other professionals as needed
• Legal Requirements: When disclosure is required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of business assets

All third parties receiving your information are contractually obligated to protect it and use it only for specified purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Secure access controls and authentication procedures
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Incident response procedures for potential breaches

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but remain committed to protecting your data using industry best practices.

Your Rights

Under Canadian privacy law, you have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• Restrict Processing: Request limitation on how we use your information
• Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, commonly used format
• Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests
• Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously given consent at any time

To exercise these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

Cookies and Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your website experience and analyze usage patterns. For detailed information about our cookie practices, including how to manage your preferences, please review our Cookie Policy.

Third-Party Services

Our website and services may integrate with third-party platforms:

• Analytics: Google Analytics for website traffic analysis
• Communication Tools: Email and scheduling platforms for client interactions
• Payment Processing: Secure payment gateways for transaction processing

These third parties have their own privacy policies governing their collection and use of your information. We encourage you to review their policies.

International Data Transfers

While we primarily operate within Canada, some of our service providers may process data in other countries. When transferring information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place through:

• Standard contractual clauses approved by privacy authorities
• Adequacy decisions recognizing equivalent privacy protections
• Other lawful transfer mechanisms as applicable

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately so we can delete it.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our services after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.