Privacy Policy 

Introduction

The Writers' Retreat^© is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information obtained by reason of your customer relationship with The Writers' Retreat^©. This privacy policy explains the types of customer personal information we collect, how the information is used, and the steps we take to ensure your personal information is handled appropriately.

This privacy policy applies to The Writers' Retreat^© and any of its partners which control and make use of visitor information collected via this site.

Our policies and practices have been designed to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and corresponding provincial privacy acts.

What is personal Information?

Personal information is information that refers to an individual specifically and is recorded in any form. Personal information includes such things as your name, email address, mailing address and credit card information. With your consent we may gather personal information from you over the telephone or by corresponding with you via mail, facsimile, the Internet, or from referrals by third parties such as your financial institution.

Our commitment to your privacy is governed by the following privacy principles:

1. We are responsible for ensuring the privacy of the information you provide to us

The Writers' Retreat^© is responsible for all personal information under its control, including any personal information that is processed or stored directly by The Writers' Retreat^©. We have employees who are accountable for compliance with these privacy and security principles.

2. We let you know why we collect your information

The Writers' Retreat^© identifies the purpose for which your personal information is collected. We do this before or at the time the information is actually being collected.

As a visitor, you do not have to submit any personal information in order to use the Web site. If you choose to place an order or submit information to this Web site, you agree to the use of such data in accordance with this privacy statement. The site collects only personally identifiable information that is specifically and voluntarily provided by visitors. Such information may consist of, but is not limited to, your name, address and email address. We do not seek, nor do we wish to receive, sensitive information (e.g., data relating to race or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, criminal record, physical or mental health, or sexual orientation) from visitors.

Please note that this site and e-book versions of our publications contain links to other web sites, over which The Writers' Retreat^© has no control and, which may not be governed by this privacy statement.

3. We limit collection of your personal information

Personal information is used only for limited purposes. For example, when you make a reservation or you order one of our services or products through our Web site or request future communications about The Writers' Retreat^© areas of interest, such as specific The Writers' Retreat^© publications or marketing campaigns, we may use the information you submit to create a personal profile to customize our response to further requests or inquiries. We may also use the information to personalize your Web site experience. In addition, the webmasters may, where necessary, use your information for various site related tasks.

Examples of why we collect personal information include:

• Communicating with you generally
• Processing and keeping track of transactions and reporting back to you 
• Protecting against fraud or error
• Providing information, product and services requested by you
• Recommending products and services that The Writers' Retreat^© believes will be of interest and provide value to you
• To comply with legal and governmental requirements

We will ensure that our marketing activities comply with applicable law, and implement procedures to obtain necessary consents before sending you email containing information about The Writers' Retreat^© offerings. The Writers' Retreat^© will collect personal information only by clear, fair and lawful means. You may at any time request that we discontinue sending you such materials.

We use a "cookie" to facilitate improved navigation within the site. The cookie expires 24 hours after the visitor leaves the Web site. Cookies are small text files stored in a user's browser. If you are concerned about cookies and do not wish to receive them, you may set your Internet browser to notify you when you receive a cookie. You can then decide to either accept or reject it. However, under specific circumstances, visitors may be denied access to some parts of our site if their browsers reject cookies.

4. We obtain your consent to collect, use or disclose your personal information

The Writers' Retreat^© obtains your consent to collect, use or disclose personal information. The method of obtaining consent is appropriate to the type of personal information being collected, used or disclosed:

• The Writers' Retreat^© will obtain your express consent (verbal, written or electronic agreement) to collect, use or disclose sensitive personal information such as financial information.
• The Writers' Retreat^© will use implied consent to collect, use or disclose your personal information where one or more of the following apply

- a customer relationship already exists
- express consent has previously been given
- where the purpose of using the personal information is reasonably apparent to you

5. We limit use, disclosure and retention of your personal information

The Writers' Retreat^© uses and discloses your personal information only for the purposes it was collected. The Writers' Retreat^© does not sell or rent personal information to any organization or person for any reason.

The Writers' Retreat^© retains your personal information only as long as it is required for our business relationship or as required by contractual, federal and provincial laws.

Where appropriate, personal information may be disclosed to law enforcement, regulatory or other government agencies, or third parties where necessary or desirable to comply with contractual, legal or regulatory obligations or requests.

Anyone who orders a product or service, then attempts to do a chargeback ceases to be a customer of The Writers' Retreat^©. Fraudulent chargebacks may be turned over to a law enforcement or collection agency.

6. We keep your personal information up to date and accurate

The Writers' Retreat^© keeps your personal information up to date, accurate and relevant for its intended use. You may request access to the personal information we have on record in order to review and amend the information, as appropriate. You can amend your details at any time by contacting the The Writers' Retreat^© Privacy Officer by using the form at the bottom of this page.

7. The security of your personal information is a priority for The Writers' Retreat^©

We take steps to safeguard your personal information, regardless of the format in which it is held, including:

• physical security measures such as restricted access facilities
• electronic security measures for computerized personal information such as password protection and database encryption,
• organizational processes such as limiting access to your personal information to a selected group of individuals,
• contractual obligations with third parties who need access to your personal information requiring them to protect and secure your personal information.

8. We are open about our privacy and security policies

We are committed to providing you with understandable and easily available information about our policy and practices related to management of your personal information. This policy and any related information is available at all times on our web site, http://www.writersretreat.com/html/private_policy.htm under Privacy Policy.

9. We provide you access to your personal information stored by The Writers' Retreat
You can request access to your personal information stored by The Writers' Retreat^©. To contact the Privacy Officer use the form at the bottom of this page. Upon receiving such a request, The Writers' Retreat^© will: