Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network Web Site Privacy Policy

Protecting your privacy is important to us. This privacy statement describes the information that is collected via the Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSNet) Web site, how we collect and use that information, and how we protect your privacy.

1. Collection of Personal Information

In general, you can visit the CAPSNet Web site without providing any information about yourself. We do not collect any personal information from you except when you (A) voluntarily offer the information to us, for example on your user biography, or (B) have any type of user account with us, in which case we store your user name, password, and profile information. This information is stored in secure databases located at the CAPSNet coordinating centre.

2. Collection of General Information

When you visit the CAPSNet Web site to browse, read pages, or download information, we will gather and store basic information about the visit. We record the Internet Protocol (IP) address, the date and time of the visit, and the resources accessed. This information is used for the purpose of monitoring resource usage, assessing system performance, improving site services, and site management.

3. How We Protect and Use the Personal Information We Collect

We are committed to protecting the security of your information. Your information is treated confidentially. Information is retained in controlled facilities, protected from unauthorized access and kept only as long as is reasonably required. The personal information collected is viewed and used only by authorized CAPSNet employees in the performance of their duties and for the purpose that it was originally collected. We will not sell or trade any personally identifiable or other information that may be collected from our Website and will not disclose such information to third parties except when required by law.

4. Cookies

A cookie is a small file stored on your computer by your web browser when using some Internet sites. Cookies can also store personal information such as your name, e-mail address, home or work address, or telephone number. Persistent cookies can use this type of personal information to identify you whenever you access a Web site. Session cookies are used to help you move around our Web site and do not store personal information. Session cookies are valid only during the time you are actually using the Web site.

The CAPSNet Web site does not use persistent cookies (which may store personal information) but does use session cookies (which do not store personal information) to track the logon status of visitors. This cookie expires when the session ends, that is, when the visitor closes the web browser.

5. Links to Other Sites

The CAPSNet Web site contains links to other Web sites. We are not responsible for the content and the privacy practices of other Web sites nor are we responsible for the accuracy of their content. The links provided to other websites is not an endorsement. We encourage you to examine each site's privacy policy and disclaimers.

6. Changes to this Privacy Policy

The CAPSNet coordinator may revise this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes to our Web site. As a result, you should visit this page periodically to review the contents.

7. Questions or Concerns

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this privacy policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at jclaydon@cw.bc.ca. This privacy policy is effective as of October 18, 2005.