1. Introduction and Scope
Local Woodnote ("we", "us", or "our") operates the website focused on financial habits and wealth building within the Canadian context, specifically tailored for residents of Quebec City and the broader province. We are committed to transparency regarding the data we collect. This Cookie Policy explains how and why we use cookies and similar tracking technologies when you visit our website.
As we operate primarily within Quebec, Canada, this policy is designed to comply with the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector (amended by Law 25, formerly Bill 64) and the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).
2. What are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, smartphone, or tablet) by your web browser when you visit a website. They allow the website to recognize your device and store information about your preferences or past actions. Under Quebec Law 25, any technology that allows for profiling, tracking, or identifying a user is subject to strict transparency and consent requirements.
3. Categories of Cookies We Use
We categorize our cookies based on their purpose. In alignment with Quebec's "Privacy by Default" standards, only strictly necessary cookies are activated upon your first visit.
| Category | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Strictly Necessary | Essential for the website to function. These cannot be switched off. They handle security, network management, and accessibility. | Session to 1 year |
| Analytical / Performance | Help us understand how visitors interact with our financial content (e.g., which articles on RRSPs are most read). All data is aggregated and anonymous. | 24 hours to 2 years |
| Functional | Allow the site to remember choices you make (such as language preference in Quebec) to provide enhanced features. | Persistent |
| Marketing / Profiling | Used to track visitors across websites to deliver relevant advertisements regarding financial services or credit management. | Up to 1 year |
4. Legal Basis for Processing
Under Quebec Law 25, the use of cookies that are not "strictly necessary" requires your explicit, free, and informed consent. Local Woodnote ensures that:
- Consent is obtained through a clear opt-in mechanism (the Cookie Banner).
- Users can browse the site even if they refuse non-essential cookies.
- The "Privacy by Default" setting ensures that tracking technologies are disabled until you provide consent.
5. Third-Party Cookies
In some cases, we use cookies provided by trusted third parties. For example, we use Google Analytics to help us understand how you use the site and how we can improve your experience regarding "Asset Allocation Reports" or "Tax Planning" tools. These third parties may collect your IP address and other metadata to provide services to us.
6. Managing Your Preferences
You have the right to change your cookie preferences at any time. You can do this by:
Alternatively, most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can set your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent. However, if you do not accept cookies, you may not be able to use some portions of our Service or certain personalized financial calculators.
7. Data Retention
The data collected through cookies is kept only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law. Analytical data is typically retained for a period not exceeding 26 months.
8. Contact and Officer Information
Pursuant to Law 25, Local Woodnote has appointed a Privacy Officer responsible for overseeing our cookie usage and data protection strategies. If you have questions regarding this policy, please contact us:
Local Woodnote - Privacy Office
Address:
1050 Rue de la Fabrique, Quebec City
Email:
Phone:
+1 (974) 134-8930
9. Updates to This Policy
We may update our Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology or legislation (such as updates to Quebec's Commission d'accès à l'information guidelines). We will notify you of any changes by posting the new policy on this page and updating the "Effective Date."