### Cookie Policy
**Effective Date: January 7, 2026**
This Cookie Policy explains how [Your Full Name] (operating as a sole proprietorship under the business name [Your Business Name, if applicable]), located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (“we,” “us,” or “our”), uses cookies and similar tracking technologies on our website [yourwebsite.com] (the “Website”).
We are committed to transparency in our use of these technologies and to complying with Canada’s **Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act** (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws. Cookies and similar technologies may collect personal information (information about an identifiable individual), and we handle such information in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
This Cookie Policy supplements our Privacy Policy. By using our Website, you consent to the use of cookies as described here, subject to your ability to manage preferences.
If you have questions about this Cookie Policy, please contact us using the details in the “Contact Us” section below.
#### 1. What Are Cookies and Similar Technologies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They allow the website to remember your actions and preferences over time.
Similar technologies include:
– Web beacons (small image files that track opens or clicks).
– Pixels or tags.
– Local storage (stored data in your browser).
We use both first-party cookies (set by our Website) and third-party cookies (set by partners like analytics providers).
#### 2. Types of Cookies We Use
We use the following categories of cookies:
– **Strictly Necessary (Essential) Cookies**:
– These are required for the Website to function properly (e.g., navigation, security, or form submissions).
– They do not collect personal information for marketing purposes.
– Examples: Session cookies that expire when you close your browser.
– Legal basis: These are exempt from consent requirements under PIPEDA as they are necessary for providing the service you request.
– **Performance/Analytics Cookies**:
– These help us understand how visitors use our Website (e.g., pages visited, time spent, bounce rates).
– We use Google Analytics for this purpose.
– Data collected may include IP address (anonymized where possible), browser type, device information, and usage patterns.
– Provider: Google LLC (data may be processed in the United States).
– Duration: Typically up to 2 years (e.g., _ga cookie lasts 2 years).
– **Functional Cookies**:
– These remember your preferences (e.g., language settings or form data).
– We currently use limited functional cookies.
– **Targeting/Advertising Cookies**:
– We do not currently use targeting or advertising cookies. If we introduce them in the future, we will update this Policy and obtain appropriate consent.
#### 3. How We Use Cookies
We use cookies for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate, including:
– Ensuring Website functionality and security.
– Analyzing usage to improve our Website and services.
– Remembering preferences for a better user experience.
Analytics data helps us understand visitor trends without identifying individuals directly (especially with anonymization features enabled in Google Analytics).
We do not use cookies for sensitive purposes or to track children under 13.
#### 4. Consent and Managing Cookies
Under PIPEDA, we rely on implied consent for non-essential cookies where appropriate, but we recommend obtaining express consent for best practices.
– On your first visit, you may see a cookie banner allowing you to accept, reject, or customize cookies.
– Essential cookies are always active as they are necessary for the Website.
– You can manage preferences at any time via your browser settings or by revisiting our cookie banner (if implemented).
To opt out of Google Analytics specifically:
– Download the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout
– Review Google’s privacy information: https://policies.google.com/privacy
You can control cookies through your browser:
– Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies (e.g., via settings in Chrome, Firefox, Safari).
– Note: Disabling cookies may affect Website functionality.
#### 5. Third-Party Cookies and Data Sharing
Third-party providers (e.g., Google Analytics) may set cookies and access data for their services.
These providers are contractually required to protect data and use it only for agreed purposes. Data may be transferred outside Canada (e.g., to the US) and subject to foreign laws. We use providers with adequate safeguards.
We do not sell data collected via cookies.
#### 6. Retention
Cookies are retained only as long as necessary:
– Session cookies: Expire at the end of your browser session.
– Persistent cookies: Up to 2 years for analytics (or as set by the provider).
Data is anonymized or deleted when no longer needed.
#### 7. Changes to This Cookie Policy
We may update this Policy to reflect changes in technology or law. Updates will be posted here with a new effective date. Continued use of the Website constitutes acceptance.
#### Contact Us
For questions, to exercise your rights (e.g., access data), or to withdraw consent:
[Your Full Name]
[Your Business Address in Toronto, Ontario]
Email: [your.email@example.com]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
You may also contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca or 1-800-282-1376.