Privacy Code
Introduction
Columbia Valley Credit Union (CVCU) is a part of the co-operative financial system. CVCU is a provincially regulated financial institution and, as such, has a responsibility to be open and accessible while, at the same time, demonstrating the greatest respect for protection of the personal privacy of individuals.
In adopting this Code for Protection of Personal Information, what has been accepted practice becomes a documented commitment to the individual.
Principles
Ten interrelated principles form the basis of CVCU's Code for the Protection of Personal Information.
Accountability
CVCU is responsible for personal information under its control and shall designate an individual who is accountable for CVCU's compliance with the principles of the code.
Identifying Purposes
When establishing a new or enhanced client relationship the purposes for which personal information is collected shall be identified at or before the time the information is collected.
Consent
The knowledge and consent of the individual are required for the collection, use, or disclosure of personal information, except as otherwise required or permitted by law.
With respect to personal information collected before publication of this Code, CVCU will make reasonable efforts to ensure that individual clients have the opportunity to expressly indicate their withdrawal of consent.
An individual may withdraw his/her consent to the collection, use or disclosure of information at any time subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice.
Limiting Collection
The collection of personal information shall be limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified by CVCU. Information shall be collected by fair and lawful means
CVCU may collect information from external sources, such as credit reporting agencies and income sources, identified to CVCU for these purposes.
Limiting Use, Disclosure, and Retention
Personal information shall not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with the consent of the individual or as required by law. Personal information shall be retained only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes.
Accuracy
Personal information shall be as accurate, complete, and up-to-date as is necessary for the purpose for which it is to be used. CVCU will generally rely on individual customers to provide updated information such as changes to the customer addresses and other contact information.
Safeguards
Personal information shall be protected by the security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information. CVCU will take the same standard of care as it takes to safeguard its own confidential information of a similar nature
Employees are individually required to sign an Oath of Ethical Conduct, including a commitment to keep an individual's personal information in strict confidence.
Openness
CVCU shall make readily available to individuals specific, understandable information about its policies and practices relating to the management of personal information.
Individual Access
Upon request in writing, an individual shall be informed of the existence, use, and disclosure of his/her personal information, and shall be given access to that information, except where the law requires or permits CVCU to deny access. An individual is entitled to question the accuracy and completeness of the information and have it amended as appropriate. An individual may incur a cost for his/her request only if CVCU has informed the individual of the cost and the individual agrees to proceed with the request.
Compliance
An individual shall be able to question CVCU's compliance with the above principles. Such inquiries shall be directed to:
Columbia Valley Credit Union
Attention: Privacy Officer
Box 720
Golden, BC V0A 1H0Telephone: 1-250-344-2282
Facsimile: 1-250-344-2117
Email: Contact Us Form