Privacy

CBM Chartered Accountants is committed to maintaining and protecting the personal information of our clients and staff. Our policies have been designed to conform to the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act.

Protecting your privacy means:

  • We collect personal information for the identified purposes you have consented to
  • We keep your personal information and the business you do with us confidential
  • We employ appropriate security safeguards
  • We will not sell or rent your personal information to anyone

What is personal information:
This privacy policy governs our dealing with personal information. Personal information means any information about an identifiable individual including age, gender, religion, ethnic background, family status, political affiliations, health, employee files, credit and loan records, investments, tax returns, financial information, email address and home phone number. Personal information does not include information generally found on a business card or in a public telephone book such as a name, title, business address or telephone number of an organization.


Accountability:
We are responsible for ALL personal information in our possession. Each of our staff members has been given a copy of this privacy policy and complies with it. Any third parties who provide goods or services to our firm, or who may have access to personal information, have also been given a copy of this privacy policy. We restrict access to such third parties as much as reasonably possible and have written confirmation that they will comply with it. We will not release any personal information to third parties (for example: bankers, lawyers, investment advisors) without express consent from our clients.


Identified Purposes:
We collect, use and disclose personal information to:
  • Permit us to communicate our services to our clients
  • Evaluate client needs and advise on financial and business matters
  • Prepare financial statements
  • Prepare and file tax returns and related documents on behalf of our clients
  • Invoice clients, process and collect accounts
  • Report to required regulatory authorities
The use of personal information shall be limited to that which is necessary for the purposes identified in this privacy policy unless otherwise requested by the client. The preparation of current financial statements, tax returns or projections generally requires us to review both historical and current information.


Consent:
We will obtain consent, either express or implied, to use or disclose personal information unless otherwise permitted or required by law. We will keep a record of the consent received.


Limiting Collection:
We will limit the amount and type of information gathered to what is necessary for the identified purposes.


Limiting Use, Disclosure and Retention:
Personal information will not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with consent of the individual or as required by law. Our staff often works in teams and their work is reviewed by peers or more senior staff, meaning that numerous individuals may access personal information. However, all staff is aware of personal information privacy requirements. Personal information will only be retained as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes for which it was collected.


Accuracy:
We will make every effort to ensure that personal information is as up-to-date as necessary for the purposes that it was collected for.


Safeguards:
Personal information is protected with appropriate security precautions against loss, theft, or unauthorized use whether stored on paper or electronically. Our staff is trained to be aware of the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of personal information. Care is used in the disposal of personal information to prevent unauthorized access.


Openness:
Our Privacy Policy will be made available to all clients, employees and others who may have access to personal information.


Individual Access:
You may review your personal information at any time. If you believe our information is incorrect or obsolete, please let us know and we will try to amend our files as quickly as possible. Any questions or concerns may be addressed to "CBM Chartered Accountants - Privacy Information Officer." Our goal is to respond to your concerns within thirty days of receipt of your written request. If, for some reason, we are unable to respond to your request within this time frame, we will contact you directly and explain the reason for delay.