Welcome to FreshStartCanada.com (“we,” “us,” “our,” or “FreshStartCanada”). We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website freshstartcanada.com (the “Site”).

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By using our Site, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy. If you do not agree with the terms of this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site.

We reserve the right to make changes to this Privacy Policy at any time. We will notify you of any changes by updating the “Last Updated” date at the top of this Privacy Policy. You are encouraged to periodically review this Privacy Policy to stay informed of updates.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in a variety of ways. The information we may collect on the Site includes:

1.1 Personal Data

Personally identifiable information, such as your name and email address, that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Subscribe to our email newsletter
• Fill out a contact form
• Leave comments on our blog posts
• Download free resources or guides
• Participate in surveys or contests
• Communicate with us via email or social media

We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us. We do not require you to provide personal information to simply browse our Site.

1.2 Derivative Data

Information our servers automatically collect when you access the Site, such as:

• Your IP address
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Access times and dates
• Pages viewed
• Pages visited before and after navigating to our Site
• Time spent on pages
• Device information (desktop, mobile, tablet)
• Geographic location (country, region, city – based on IP address)

1.3 Financial Data

We do not directly collect or store financial information (such as credit card numbers or banking information). If you make purchases through our Site (e.g., paid resources or affiliate products), your payment information is processed by secure third-party payment processors. We never have access to your complete credit card information.

1.4 Data from Contests, Giveaways, and Surveys

Personal and other information you may provide when entering contests, giveaways, or surveys, including:

• Name
• Email address
• Demographic information (optional)
• Immigration-related information you choose to share (optional)

1.5 Third-Party Data

We may receive information about you from third parties, such as:

• Social media platforms (if you interact with us on social media)
• Analytics providers
• Advertising networks
• Other users (if they refer you to our Site)

2. Use of Your Information

We use the information we collect about you for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide and Maintain Our Service

• Deliver the content, products, and services you request
• Process your transactions and send related information
• Send you newsletters and immigration updates you’ve subscribed to
• Respond to your comments, questions, and customer service requests
• Monitor and analyze usage and trends to improve your experience

2.2 To Improve Our Site

• Understand how visitors use our Site
• Develop new features, products, and services
• Conduct research and analysis
• Test new features and functionality
• Troubleshoot technical issues

2.3 To Communicate with You

• Send you immigration news, updates, and resources
• Notify you about changes to our Site or policies
• Send promotional communications and special offers (you can opt out at any time)
• Request feedback or contact you about your use of the Site
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support

2.4 For Marketing and Advertising

• Display personalized advertisements based on your interests
• Measure the effectiveness of our advertising campaigns
• Send you targeted content and offers we think you may be interested in
• Partner with third parties to serve advertisements

You can opt out of marketing emails at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any email we send you.

2.5 To Protect Our Site and Users

• Prevent fraudulent transactions and monitor against theft
• Protect against, identify, and prevent cyber attacks and other illegal activity
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other policies
• Comply with legal obligations

2.6 For Other Business Purposes

• Fulfill any other purpose for which you provide information
• Carry out our obligations and enforce our rights
• For any other purpose with your consent

3. Disclosure of Your Information

We may share information we have collected about you in certain situations:

3.1 By Law or to Protect Rights

If we believe the release of information is necessary to:

• Comply with legal obligations (court orders, subpoenas, legal processes)
• Enforce our Terms of Service and other agreements
• Protect the rights, property, or safety of FreshStartCanada, our users, or others
• Investigate potential violations of our policies
• Detect, prevent, or address fraud or security issues

3.2 Third-Party Service Providers

We may share your information with third-party service providers that perform services on our behalf, including:

Email Marketing Services:

• Mailchimp, ConvertKit, or similar platforms (to send newsletters)
• These services have access to your email address and name

Analytics Providers:

• Google Analytics (to analyze Site traffic and usage)
• These services collect anonymous usage data

Advertising Networks:

• Google AdSense, Mediavine, or other ad networks
• These networks may use cookies to display relevant ads

Hosting and Infrastructure:

• Web hosting providers (to host our Site)
• Content delivery networks (to deliver content faster)

Payment Processors:

• Stripe, PayPal, or similar services (if you make purchases)
• These services process payments securely

Comment Systems:

• Disqus, WordPress native comments, or similar platforms
• If you leave comments on our blog

All third-party service providers are required to maintain the confidentiality of your information and may only use your information to perform services on our behalf.

3.3 Marketing Communications

With your consent, we may share your information with third parties for marketing purposes, such as:

• Immigration service providers (licensed RCICs or lawyers) who may offer relevant services
• Educational institutions
• Language test preparation companies
• Other services relevant to Canadian immigration

You can opt out of such sharing at any time by contacting us or unsubscribing from marketing emails.

3.4 Interactions with Other Users

If you interact with other users of the Site (such as through comments), your username and any information you choose to share publicly may be visible to other users.

3.5 Online Postings

When you post comments, contributions, or other content to the Site, your posts may be viewed by all users and may be publicly distributed outside the Site.

3.6 Third-Party Advertisers

We may use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit the Site. These companies may use information about your visits to this and other websites to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you.

3.7 Affiliates

We may share your information with our affiliates, in which case we will require those affiliates to honor this Privacy Policy.

3.8 Business Transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, reorganization, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will notify you via email and/or prominent notice on our Site of any change in ownership or uses of your personal information.

3.9 With Your Consent

We may disclose your information for any other purpose with your consent.

4. Tracking Technologies and Cookies

4.1 Cookies and Web Beacons

We may use cookies, web beacons, tracking pixels, and other tracking technologies to collect information about you when you interact with our Site.

Cookies are small data files stored on your device. We use cookies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Understand how you use our Site
• Improve your user experience
• Serve personalized content and advertisements
• Analyze Site traffic and trends

Types of cookies we use:

Essential Cookies: Required for the Site to function properly

• Session management
• Security features
• Basic functionality

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our Site

• Google Analytics
• Site usage statistics
• Performance monitoring

Advertising Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements

• Google AdSense
• Third-party ad networks
• Retargeting campaigns

Functional Cookies: Remember your choices and preferences

• Language preferences
• Region settings
• Display preferences

4.2 Cookie Management

You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. However, if you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of the Site may become inaccessible or not function properly.

To manage cookies:

• Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies and other site data
• Mozilla Firefox: Preferences → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Microsoft Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies

4.3 Do Not Track Signals

Most web browsers include a “Do Not Track” (DNT) feature that signals to websites you visit that you do not want to have your online activity tracked. Currently, our Site does not respond to DNT browser signals, as there is no consistent industry standard for compliance.

4.4 Third-Party Analytics

We use Google Analytics to collect information about your use of the Site. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information such as how often users visit the Site, what pages they visit, and what other sites they used prior to coming to the Site.

We use the information from Google Analytics to improve our Site and services. Google’s ability to use and share information collected by Google Analytics is restricted by the Google Analytics Terms of Service and Google Privacy Policy.

You can opt out of Google Analytics by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout

5. Third-Party Websites and Content

The Site may contain links to third-party websites and services, including:

• Government immigration websites (canada.ca, provincial sites)
• Language testing providers (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
• Credential evaluation services (WES, IQAS, ICAS)
• Educational institutions
• Immigration service providers
• Affiliate partners
• Social media platforms

We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites. When you click on a link to a third-party site, you will be subject to that site’s privacy policy, not ours.

We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of third-party sites or services.

Affiliate Disclosure

FreshStartCanada.com participates in affiliate marketing programs. This means we may earn commissions when you click on links to certain products or services and make a purchase. These affiliate relationships do not influence our editorial content or recommendations. We only recommend products and services we believe will provide value to our readers.

Common affiliate partnerships may include:

• Language test preparation courses
• Credential evaluation services
• Immigration consultation services
• Educational programs
• Travel and settlement services

6. Security of Your Information

We use administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information. These measures include:

• Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers and databases
• Regular security audits and updates
• Limited access to personal information (only authorized personnel)
• Password protection and authentication
• Firewalls and intrusion detection systems

However, please be aware that no security measures are perfect or impenetrable. We cannot guarantee the absolute security of your information. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk, and we are not responsible for circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures on the Site.

You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials (if applicable)
• Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Ensuring your email account is secure (as we may send sensitive information via email)

7. Policy for Children

FreshStartCanada.com does not knowingly collect information from children under the age of 13 (or 16 in the European Union). Our Site is designed for adults researching Canadian immigration.

If you are under 13 (or 16 in the EU), please do not use our Site or provide any personal information to us. If we learn we have collected personal information from a child under these ages without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information as quickly as possible.

If you believe we might have information from or about a child under the appropriate age, please contact us at privacy@freshstartcanada.com.

8. Controls for Do-Not-Track Features

Most web browsers and some mobile operating systems include a Do-Not-Track (“DNT”) feature or setting you can activate to signal your privacy preference.

At this time, no uniform technology standard for recognizing and implementing DNT signals has been finalized. As such, we do not currently respond to DNT browser signals or any other mechanism that automatically communicates your choice not to be tracked online.

If a standard for online tracking is adopted that we must follow in the future, we will inform you about that practice in a revised version of this Privacy Policy.

9. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information:

9.1 For All Users

Access: You can request access to the personal information we hold about you.

Correction: You can request that we correct inaccurate or incomplete information.

Deletion: You can request that we delete your personal information (subject to certain exceptions).

Opt-Out of Marketing: You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by clicking “unsubscribe” in any email or contacting us.

Cookie Management: You can manage or disable cookies through your browser settings.

9.2 For Canadian Users (PIPEDA)

Under Canada’s Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), you have rights including:

• Right to know what personal information we collect
• Right to access your personal information
• Right to request correction of inaccurate information
• Right to withdraw consent (where consent is the basis for processing)
• Right to file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

9.3 For EU/UK Users (GDPR/UK GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, you have additional rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data.

Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.

Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data (“right to be forgotten”).

Right to Restrict Processing: Request limitation of how we use your data.

Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service.

Right to Object: Object to our processing of your personal data.

Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time (where processing is based on consent).

Right to Lodge a Complaint: File a complaint with your local supervisory authority.

Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR):

• Consent: You have given clear consent for us to process your personal data for a specific purpose.
• Legitimate Interests: Processing is necessary for our legitimate interests (e.g., improving our services, fraud prevention).
• Legal Obligation: Processing is necessary to comply with the law.

9.4 For California Users (CCPA/CPRA)

If you are a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA):

Right to Know: What personal information we collect, use, disclose, and sell.

Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information.

Right to Opt-Out: Opt-out of the “sale” or “sharing” of personal information.

Right to Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your privacy rights.

Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate personal information.

Right to Limit Use of Sensitive Personal Information: If applicable.

Note on “Sale” of Data: We do not sell personal information in the traditional sense. However, under CCPA’s broad definition, sharing data with advertising partners may be considered a “sale.” You can opt out of this by:

• Using browser cookies settings
• Contacting us at privacy@freshstartcanada.com
• Using our “Do Not Sell My Personal Information” link (if provided)

9.5 How to Exercise Your Rights

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@freshstartcanada.com
Subject Line: “Privacy Rights Request”

Please include:

• Your full name
• Email address associated with your account
• Specific right you wish to exercise
• Any relevant details to help us locate your information

We will respond to your request within:

• 30 days (general requests)
• 45 days (GDPR requests, may be extended to 90 days for complex requests)
• 45 days (CCPA requests, may be extended to 90 days)

We may need to verify your identity before processing your request to protect your privacy and security.

10. Data Retention

We will retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Typical retention periods:

• Newsletter Subscribers: Until you unsubscribe or request deletion
• Contact Form Inquiries: 2 years from last contact
• Comments on Blog Posts: Indefinitely (unless you request deletion)
• Analytics Data: 26 months (Google Analytics default)
• Cookie Data: Varies by cookie type (see cookie policy)
• Legal Obligations: As required by applicable law

When we no longer need your personal information, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

11. International Data Transfers

FreshStartCanada.com is based in Canada. If you are accessing our Site from outside Canada, please be aware that your information may be transferred to, stored, and processed in Canada or other countries where our service providers operate.

These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. By using our Site, you consent to the transfer of your information to Canada and other countries.

If you are in the European Economic Area (EEA) or United Kingdom, we ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for international transfers, such as:

• Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission
• Adequacy decisions (Canada has adequacy status for commercial organizations under PIPEDA)
• Other legally approved transfer mechanisms

12. Email Communications

12.1 Newsletter and Updates

If you subscribe to our email newsletter, we will send you:

• Immigration news and updates
• New blog post notifications
• Express Entry draw results
• Policy changes and important announcements
• Exclusive resources and guides
• Occasional promotional content from us or partners (clearly marked)

12.2 Transactional Emails

We may also send you transactional or administrative emails, such as:

• Confirmation of your subscription
• Responses to your inquiries
• Important updates about our policies
• Security alerts

You cannot opt out of transactional emails while you maintain a relationship with us (e.g., active subscription).

12.3 Unsubscribing

You can unsubscribe from marketing emails at any time by:

• Clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any email
• Contacting us at privacy@freshstartcanada.com
• Updating your email preferences (if we provide a preference center)

Please allow up to 10 business days for your request to be processed. You may receive emails that were already in progress before your opt-out was processed.

13. User-Generated Content

13.1 Comments

When you leave comments on our blog posts:

• Your comment, username (or name), and email address may be stored
• Your comment will be publicly visible to all Site visitors
• Your email address will NOT be publicly displayed
• We may use your email to respond to your comment
• Comments may be moderated before appearing on the Site

13.2 Content Moderation

We reserve the right to:

• Remove comments that violate our comment policy
• Edit comments for length or clarity (rarely)
• Block users who repeatedly violate our policies
• Report illegal content to authorities

13.3 Your Responsibility

Do not include sensitive personal information in public comments, such as:

• Full immigration file numbers or application IDs
• Passport numbers
• Social Insurance Numbers
• Banking information
• Detailed personal immigration history (if you want privacy)

We are not responsible for information you choose to post publicly.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• Changes in our practices
• Changes in applicable laws
• New features or services
• User feedback

When we make changes, we will:

• Update the “Last Updated” date at the top of this policy
• Notify you via email (if you’ve subscribed to our newsletter)
• Post a notice on our homepage for 30 days (for material changes)
• Obtain your consent if required by law

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.

Your continued use of the Site after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

15. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or complaints about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:

FreshStartCanada.com

Email: privacy@freshstartcanada.com
General Inquiries: hello@freshstartcanada.com
Mailing Address: [Your Business Address – if you have one, or can use a PO Box]

Response Time: We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 5-7 business days.

For EU/UK Users:

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority:

• EU: Find your authority at: https://edpb.europa.eu/about-edpb/board/members_en
• UK: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO): https://ico.org.uk/

For Canadian Users:

You can file a complaint with the Privacy Commissioner of Canada:

• Website: https://priv.gc.ca/
• Phone: 1-800-282-1376

For California Users:

You can contact the California Attorney General:

• Website: https://oag.ca.gov/
• Privacy Enforcement: https://oag.ca.gov/privacy

16. Definitions

Personal Information/Personal Data: Information that identifies, relates to, or could reasonably be linked with you.

Processing: Any operation performed on personal data, including collection, storage, use, disclosure, or deletion.

Cookies: Small text files stored on your device that help websites remember information about your visit.

Third Party: An entity other than FreshStartCanada.com that processes personal data.

User/You: Any individual who accesses or uses our Site.

17. Consent

By using FreshStartCanada.com, you consent to:

• The collection and use of information in accordance with this Privacy Policy
• The use of cookies and similar technologies
• The transfer of your data to Canada and other jurisdictions
• Receiving emails from us (if you’ve subscribed)

You can withdraw your consent at any time by:

• Unsubscribing from emails
• Deleting cookies from your browser
• Contacting us to request deletion of your data
• Ceasing to use our Site

Thank you for trusting FreshStartCanada.com with your information. We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing you with valuable immigration resources.