Privacy Policy

Last updated: October 21, 2026

1. Introduction and Scope

The Canadianist Institute (the “Institute,” “we,” “us”) is operated by The Canadianist, Toronto, Ontario. We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard personal information through our website, https://institute.thecanadianist.news/, and in the course of registration, payment and communication with students and prospective students.

We handle personal information in accordance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and its ten fair information principles: accountability; identifying purposes; consent; limiting collection; limiting use, disclosure and retention; accuracy; safeguards; openness; individual access; and challenging compliance.

2. Information We Collect

We collect only the information needed for the purposes described in this policy. When you register for a course, we collect:

  • Your name, email address and telephone number;
  • Your billing address;
  • Your course and session selection; and
  • Your chosen payment option (payment in full or payment plan).

If you contact us by email or telephone, we collect the information you choose to provide in your inquiry. Payment card details are entered into and processed by Square, our payment processor; we do not receive or store your full card information.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information to:

  • Process and manage your registration and enrolment;
  • Process payments, including payment plan instalments;
  • Communicate with you about your courses, sessions, schedules and account;
  • Respond to your inquiries;
  • Maintain student and administrative records; and
  • Meet our legal, tax and accounting obligations.

We will not use your information for a new purpose without first identifying that purpose and obtaining your consent, unless permitted or required by law.

4. Consent

By registering for a course or contacting us, you consent to the collection, use and disclosure of your personal information as described in this policy. Where appropriate, we will seek express consent. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions and reasonable notice; withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide certain services, such as completing a registration.

5. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information. We share it only with service providers who help us operate the Institute, and only as needed for them to perform their services, including:

  • Square, which processes payments;
  • Our website hosting provider; and
  • Our email service providers.

These providers are expected to protect your information and use it only for the services they provide to us. Some providers may store or process information outside Canada, where it may be subject to the laws of that jurisdiction. We may also disclose personal information where required or permitted by law.

6. Cookies

Our website, built on WordPress and WooCommerce, uses cookies that are necessary for core functions such as the shopping cart and checkout. Our contact page may include an embedded Google Map, which may set its own cookies or collect technical information in accordance with Google’s policies. You can control or delete cookies through your browser settings, but disabling necessary cookies may prevent registration and checkout from working.

7. Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described and to meet legal, tax and accounting requirements. When it is no longer needed, we securely destroy, delete or anonymize it.

8. Safeguards

We use reasonable physical, organizational and technical safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information to protect it against loss, theft and unauthorized access, use, disclosure, copying or modification. Access is limited to those who need it to carry out their duties. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect your information and to keep it accurate and up to date.

9. Your Rights

Subject to limited exceptions under law, you have the right to:

  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you;
  • Ask us to correct information that is inaccurate or incomplete; and
  • Withdraw your consent, as described above.

To make a request, contact our Privacy Officer (see below). We will respond within the time required by law. If you are not satisfied with our response, you may file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at www.priv.gc.ca.

10. Minors

Our programs are primarily intended for adults. Where we offer youth programming, registration may require the consent of a parent or legal guardian, who may exercise privacy rights on the minor’s behalf.

11. Email Communications

We comply with Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). We send commercial electronic messages only with your express or implied consent. Each message identifies us, includes our contact information and provides a simple way to unsubscribe. You may unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails or by contacting us; we will process requests promptly and within the time required by law. You will continue to receive transactional messages related to your registration and payments.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last updated” date. Please review it periodically.

13. Contact Us

Questions, requests or concerns about this policy or our privacy practices may be directed to our Privacy Officer:

Privacy Officer, The Canadianist Institute
Email: enroll@thecanadianist.news
Phone: 416-834-8186
Mail: Administration Office, 3 Everson Drive, Unit 536, North York, ON M2N 7C2