This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for the Quality Credit Services Limited, operating as Quality Credit Reporting, a.k.a. Quality Credit.

Quality Credit Reporting is compliant with all pertinent legislations related to the responsible collection, management and protection of personal information.

Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) sets out 10 fair information principles essential to the responsible management of personal information.

1. Accountability

All employees, hired by Quality Credit, must comply to the following principles and are responsible for ensuring the confidential handling of personal information. All of our employees are trained on how to ensure personal information is kept confidential and are updated regularly, regarding changes in privacy legislation and policies.

Our clients are appropriately evaluated and are required to sign a “confidentiality agreement” prior to Quality Credit commencing any investigation or collection of information for reporting purposes.

Our Agreement covers the collection and management of personal information as outlined by our policy and in compliance with PIPEDA. It requires our clients to have legitimate business reasons for ordering the information and confirms that the reports, and any information within them, will be kept confidential by both Quality Credit and the user.

To verify that Quality Credit is compliant with PIPEDA, individuals have been designated to ensure accountability.

2. Identifying purposes

The purpose for collecting personal information is assessed by Quality Credit trained employees to ensure there is a legitimate reason for collecting personal information, before any investigation or collection of information begins.

This purpose is then clearly identified on consent forms.

3. Consent

Before commencing any investigation or collection of information, on behalf of a client, consent must be received from the individual, whose personal information is being collected or released, except where deemed inappropriate. A Quality Credit trained employee will then review this consent to ensure it meets requirements.

Information obtained during the investigative and reporting processes will only be released to the parties indicated on each consent form.

4. Limiting collection

The information that is collected and disclosed is limited to that which is pertinent to the purpose of the investigation. We will only collect information identified on the order and consent forms and all information will be obtained through fair and lawful means

5. Limiting use, disclosure and retention

In compliance with regulations, we maintain records by secure means and only use and disclose information for the purposes of which it was gathered, unless consent is given by the individual, whose personal information is being collected, or as required by law.

While we do maintain records, they are secure and protected and will not be used or accessed for any reason other that which has been authorized.

6. Accuracy

Quality Credit ensures all information is accurate, complete, current and reliable for the purposes for which it is used. To minimize the possibility of providing incorrect data, when disclosing information, it is collected by trained professionals and reviewed for accuracy and transparency.

7. Safeguards

Personal information, collected by Quality Credit, is protected by security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information being stored. Our offices can only be accessed via security card/key and guests are accompanied at all times, while inside the office. We also have 24-hour monitoring.

Sensitive information is shredded upon disposal and report deliveries are controlled using secure means, including confidential fax and email encryption.

Paper documents are in locked storage and we maintain a clean desk policy.

8. Openness

Any and all of our policies and practices, relating to the management of personal information, are available, either online or upon request. All of our employees and partners are aware of our privacy policies and are expected to uphold them.

9. Individual access

Upon request, individuals will be informed of any personal information that exists, or is being used or disclosed by Quality Credit and shall be given unrestricted access to it, in our Corporate Head Office.

If the individual, whose personal information was collected, wishes to challenge the accuracy or completeness of the information, they will be able to do so. Furthermore, we will correct any personal information that is found to be appropriately inaccurate or deficient in any way.  

If revisions are made, it will be documented and changes will be communicated to the parties who originally requested its collection, if appropriate.

10. Challenging compliance

If any concerns regarding our compliance with any of the above principles arises, it can be brought to the attention of our designated staff members who will fairly investigate the concerns.