Privacy Policy & Terms

Privacy Policy

Italian Canadian Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (ICCA)

Effective date: August 19, 2023

The Italian Canadian Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (“ICCA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our members, volunteers, event participants, students, donors, and website visitors. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect personal information in accordance with Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA).

1. Who We Are

ICCA is a non-profit cultural association based in Nova Scotia, Canada. Our website is www.iccans.org.

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, you can contact us at:

Email: office @ iccans.org

2. What Personal Information We Collect

We only collect personal information that is necessary for our programs, services, and operations. This may include:

  • Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Mailing address
  • Membership and family details
  • Event registrations and class enrollments
  • Payment and donation information (processed through secure third-party providers)
  • Volunteer information
  • Communications preferences

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13 without parental or guardian consent.

3. How We Collect Information

We collect personal information when you:

  • Become a member
  • Register for events, classes, or programs
  • Volunteer with ICCA
  • Make a donation or purchase
  • Subscribe to newsletters or communications
  • Contact us through the website or email
  • Use our website (limited technical data such as cookies)

4. How We Use Personal Information

We use personal information for purposes that include:

  • Managing memberships and accounts
  • Processing registrations, payments, and donations
  • Communicating about events, classes, programs, and association updates
  • Coordinating volunteers
  • Issuing receipts and confirmations
  • Improving our programs, services, and website
  • Meeting legal, regulatory, and financial requirements

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information.

5. Consent

By providing personal information to ICCA, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure as described in this Privacy Policy. You may withdraw your consent at any time, subject to legal or contractual restrictions, by contacting us at office @ iccans.org.

6. Sharing of Personal Information

We respect member privacy and limit sharing of personal information.

As part of our community-building activities, ICCA may publish member names in ICCA communications such as our e-newsletter and La Voce to welcome new members. This sharing is limited to names only and is used for recognition and engagement purposes.

Members who do not wish to have their name published may opt out at any time by contacting office @ iccans.org. We will honour opt-out requests promptly.

We may also share personal information only when necessary and only with:

  • Trusted service providers who assist with operations (such as payment processors, email platforms, and registration systems)
  • Government authorities or regulators, when required by law

All third-party service providers are required to protect personal information and use it only for the purposes authorized by ICCA.

7. Payment Processing

Payments made through ICCA are processed using secure third-party payment processors. ICCA does not store full credit card details on its systems.

8. Cookies and Website Data

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve functionality and understand website usage. You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies or notify you when cookies are being used. Disabling cookies may affect some website features.

9. Email Communications

We may send emails related to membership, events, classes, programs, and association updates. You may unsubscribe from non-essential communications at any time using the link provided in our emails or by contacting us directly.

10. Safeguarding Personal Information

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. Safeguards include administrative, technical, and physical security measures appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.

11. Access and Correction

You have the right to request access to your personal information and to request corrections if information is inaccurate or incomplete. Requests can be made by contacting office @ iccans.org. We may require verification of identity before providing access.

12. Retention of Information

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected and to meet legal, accounting, and regulatory requirements.

13. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates will be posted on our website with a revised effective date. Continued use of our website or services indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Complaints

If you have concerns about our privacy practices, please contact us at office @ iccans.org. If your concern is not resolved, you may contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada.

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR CLASSES AND EVENTS HELD AT THE ICCA

By registering for or attending any class or event at the Italian‑Canadian Cultural Association of Nova Scotia (“ICCA”) – including cooking classes, Sunday dinners, Festa Italiana, private group cooking classes and other programs – participants understand that participation may involve risks. These risks can include, but are not limited to, burns, cuts, slips and falls, contact with hot equipment or liquids, crowding, and other hazards associated with being present in a kitchen, food preparation or event environment.

Participants agree to follow all safety instructions given by ICCA instructors, volunteers and staff, including directions about restricted areas, hot surfaces, food handling and general conduct. ICCA may remove any participant from a class or event without refund if the participant acts in an unsafe, disruptive or impaired manner.

By registering for or attending an ICCA class or event, participants voluntarily choose to participate and accept the ordinary and inherent risks associated with attendance and participation. Participants acknowledge that undisclosed allergies, intolerances or medical conditions may increase the risk of harm during activities that may involve common allergens, shared food preparation areas, hot surfaces and sharp utensils.

In the event of illness or injury, ICCA may provide or arrange basic first aid and may contact emergency medical services or arrange transportation for medical care if reasonably necessary. The participant remains responsible for personal medical costs except as required by law or as otherwise determined by ICCA’s insurer.

In consideration of being permitted to attend or participate in ICCA classes and events, participants agree that ICCA, its directors, officers, volunteers, instructors, assistants, agents and representatives will not be liable for any injury, loss or damage arising from attendance or participation, and release and waive any claims connected with such attendance or participation, including claims alleging negligence, except to the extent prohibited by law.

ALLERGY AND DIETARY INFORMATION

ICCA uses common ingredients such as dairy, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, nuts, tree nuts, seeds, shellfish and other potential allergens in its kitchen and at its events. ICCA does not offer customized allergy‑friendly or special‑diet options and cannot accommodate requests to alter menus for individual guests.

ICCA cannot guarantee that any food or beverage served at its classes or events is free from specific allergens or cross‑contamination. Guests with food allergies, intolerances or medical dietary needs must carefully assess whether it is safe for them to attend and/or consume any food or drink, and may choose to attend for the social and cultural aspects only without eating.

By registering for or attending an ICCA class or event, guests acknowledge that food and drink may contain or come into contact with common allergens, and that ICCA is not able to modify menus or guarantee allergen‑free items.

Guests with serious allergies or medical dietary restrictions are strongly advised not to consume food or beverages served at ICCA events and to make alternative arrangements that are safe for them.