NWIPC Privacy Policy

The Northwest Invasive Plant Council (NWIPC) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals and safeguarding the personal information under our control in accordance with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and, where applicable, Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

This Privacy Policy outlines how NWIPC collects, uses, discloses, and protects personal information, including through our online presence and social media platforms.

1. Definition of Personal Information

Under PIPA, personal information means information about an identifiable individual, excluding contact information used to communicate with an individual in a business or professional context.

2. Collection of Personal Information

NWIPC collects personal information for purposes such as:

• Managing memberships, volunteer participation, and partnerships.
• Administering programs and services related to invasive plant management.
• Processing event registrations and workshop participation.
• Responding to inquiries and feedback.
• Maintaining accurate records for funding and reporting purposes.
• Communicating updates and educational information.

We only collect personal information that is necessary for these purposes and do so by lawful and fair means.

3. Use and Disclosure of Personal Information

NWIPC uses personal information solely for the purposes stated at the time of collection or for purposes reasonably related to those purposes, including:

• Communicating with individuals about our programs, services, and events.
• Distributing newsletters or other informational materials.
• Evaluating and improving our service delivery.

NWIPC does not sell or rent personal information. Information may be disclosed:

• With the individual’s consent.
• When required or authorized by law.
• To third-party service providers who assist in delivering our services, under contractual obligation to safeguard personal information.

4. Consent

By providing personal information to NWIPC, individuals consent to its collection, use, and disclosure as outlined in this policy. Consent may be withdrawn at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and with reasonable notice.

5. Social Media Use

NWIPC uses social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram, to promote awareness, share information, and engage with the public.

Please note:

• Posts and comments on NWIPC’s social media accounts are publicly accessible and may be visible to other users.
• Personal information shared voluntarily by users through direct messages or public comments may be collected to respond to inquiries or for engagement analysis.
• Social media platforms are governed by their own privacy policies. NWIPC is not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party platforms.
• We encourage users to avoid posting sensitive or personal information publicly on our social media channels.

6. Retention and Protection of Personal Information

NWIPC retains personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the identified purposes or as required by law. We implement appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information against unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.

7. Access and Correction

Individuals have the right to access their personal information held by NWIPC and to request corrections if necessary. Requests can be made in writing to our Privacy Officer.

8. Updates to This Policy

This Privacy Policy may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation or organizational practices. The most current version will always be available on our website.