Privacy and data security policy
Kelowna, BC
British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society (BC Unclaimed) is subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) and committed to protecting the privacy of our employees and clients and the security of all information we collect. It is BC Unclaimed’s goal to not only meet the obligations of the legislation, but to exceed the requirements by implementing best practices with respect to the collection, use, disclosure, and security of personal information.
BC Unclaimed requires our third-party service providers to demonstrate full compliance with our privacy and security obligations, principles, and processes outlined in this policy.
Contact information means any information that would enable an individual to be contacted at their place of work.
Personal information means recorded information about an identifiable individual other than employee contact information. Some examples of personal information include name, home address, home telephone number, mobile telephone number , identification documents, financial information (including financial history) , etc.
Indirect collection means the collection of personal information from a source other than the individual for whom the information is about.
Service provider means a person retained under a contract to perform services for BC Unclaimed.
BC Unclaimed collects personal information for purposes relating directly to the operation of our programs and services. We do not collect personal information unnecessarily, unlawfully, or unfairly. In most circumstances, we only collect personal information directly from the relevant individual. Indirect collection occurs as permitted under the Unclaimed Property Act, via agreements with third parties, and when a property holder submits personal information in support of our services.
Personal information will only be used by authorized BC Unclaimed and third-party service providers to fulfill the purpose for which it was originally collected, for specific purposes (if directed by the individual from whom the personal information is being collected), or for a use consistent with the original purpose.
We will not send unsolicited emails.
BC Unclaimed and its service providers treat personal information in our custody or control with a high degree of confidentiality. We only disclose personal information for the purposes of the program or services for which it was collected, as required by law, or in specific circumstances with the consent of the relevant individual. This may require disclosing information to third parties if it is reasonably necessary to do so to investigate and administer a BC Unclaimed claim. BC Unclaimed does not sell, share, or disclose personal information to others for any type of mailing list or other reason not disclosed here.
In addition, BC Unclaimed may share personal information with third parties to assist with the administration of activities on our website, to auditors or professional advisors, or for administrative purposes.
BC Unclaimed employees and service providers are subject to standards set by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA and the Unclaimed Property Act and Regulation. BC Unclaimed utilizes records retention policies in compliance with these laws.
BC Unclaimed administers the highest security standards to ensure that the personal information in our custody or control is secure. BC Unclaimed employees and service providers are responsible for ensuring the physical and technical security of all data (including data at rest or in transit) and must meet applicable security standards.
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards, which includes encryption where appropriate, secure hosting environments, access controls, and regular monitoring to help protect personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
Access to personal information is limited to authorized personnel and trusted service providers who require it to perform their duties and are subject to confidentiality.
While we take reasonable steps to safeguard your information, whether through physical security or cybersecurity methods, no method of transmitting or storing data can be guaranteed to be completely secure. We encourage users to protect their own information by using strong passwords, keeping devices secure, and notifying us immediately if they believe their account or personal information has been compromised. We regularly review these security practices to address evolving risks and maintain compliance with applicable privacy and data protection laws.
When you use the website, information is collected about your visit, including information about your computer or mobile device, such as:
the web browser and operating system you are using such as Windows 10, or Safari;
the date and time of the visit;
your physical location;
the pages and services accessed;
the Internet Protocol (IP) network domain name (e.g. Shaw.ca) and address (e.g. 194.10.101.30) of the device you are using; and
referring URLs and other technical information.
This information is collected to better understand general user trends at an aggregate level and improve web performance, as well as for website management, preventing fraud, and improving services. Data will not be used to determine an individual’s identity unless it is required as part of an investigation for law enforcement purposes.
This website uses cookies to create a good internet experience and support web analytics services from Google Analytics. Cookies track browsing history and can be disabled. You can delete cookies from your device. If you block or disable cookies, your ability to browse, read and upload or download information on the website may be impaired.
Additionally, the website has LinkedIn and Meta pixels and the Validate tag installed to help analyze website traffic, measure advertising effectiveness, and optimize user experience. These pixels may track visitor interactions and provide insights for marketing and advertising purposes.
BC Unclaimed’s website includes links to websites operated by other organizations, government agencies, and private businesses. These links are not intended to be referrals and are posted only for convenience. External links can change, and the content posted at those links can change without notice. BC Unclaimed claims no liability or control over external links or websites. Please refer to the individual privacy policies and terms and conditions of use for external sites.
Inquiries, complaints, or access requests should be addressed to:
Privacy Officer, British Columbia Unclaimed Property Society PO Box 18519 West Georgia RPO Vancouver, BC V6Z 0B3 Email: privacy@unclaimedpropertybc.ca
This policy is applicable to change when appropriate. As such, we recommend reviewing the policy regularly.
“It is rare these days to get such a quick resolution - a very pleasant surprise. Your communications were clear, concise and timely. The fact that you seek feedback on an ongoing basis is commendable, and enhances your already strong customer focus. Kudos to all involved in creating your processes and procedures.”
Barbara
Successfully claimed funds after receiving a letter
BC Unclaimed gratefully acknowledges that we conduct our work on territories traditionally occupied by the many distinct Indigenous peoples that make up our province. We strive to respect their different cultures and governments while working toward reconciliation and a future of cooperation and mutual understanding.
