PRIVACY POLICY

Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC)

1. Introduction

Mood Disorders Society of Canada (“MDSC”) is committed to protecting your privacy and safeguarding any personal information collected through its websites and digital platforms.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information in accordance with applicable Canadian privacy legislation, including PIPEDA.

2. Scope of This Policy

This policy applies to all MDSC websites, digital platforms, and online services.

3. What We Collect

Through this website, MDSC may collect limited personal information such as:

  • Contact information (e.g., name, email address) when voluntarily provided
  • Information submitted through forms, registrations, or inquiries
  • General website usage data

We also collect:

  • Anonymous traffic and trend data for statistical analysis
  • Website usage patterns that are not linked to identifiable individuals

Business or publicly available professional contact information is not considered personal information.

4. How We Use Information

Information collected is used only for the purpose for which it was originally gathered, including:

  • Responding to inquiries and communications
  • Delivering requested services or resources
  • Improving website content and user experience
  • Understanding general website traffic trends
  • Supporting MDSC programs, research, and reporting

If information is to be used for any other purpose, consent will be requested.

5. Consent

By providing personal information to MDSC, you consent to its collection and use as outlined in this policy.

Where required, additional consent will be requested before using information for new or unrelated purposes.

6. Data Protection and Confidentiality

MDSC takes reasonable measures to protect personal information against:

  • Loss
  • Theft
  • Unauthorized access
  • Disclosure or misuse

All personal information is treated as confidential.

7. Third-Party Analytics (Google Analytics)

MDSC uses Google Analytics, a third-party service, to collect anonymous website usage statistics. This helps MDSC understand how visitors use the site and improve functionality.

Google’s privacy policy can be reviewed here: https://policies.google.com/privacy

8. Cookies and Tracking

The website may use cookies and similar technologies to support analytics and improve user experience. These tools do not identify individual users.

Users may adjust browser settings to disable cookies; however, some website features may not function properly.

9. Data Retention

Personal information is retained only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

10. Disclosure of Information

MDSC does not sell personal information.

Personal information will not be shared with third parties unless:

  • Consent has been provided, or
  • Required by law

11. External Links

This website may contain links to external websites. MDSC is not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or security of external sites.

Information on this site is provided for education and awareness. It is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or legal advice. If you are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 (Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline – free, bilingual, available 24/7).

Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

12. Updates to This Policy

MDSC may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

13. Contact Information / Chief Privacy Officer

The Chief Privacy Officer for MDSC is available at:

Mood Disorders Society of Canada
Tel: 613-921-5565
Email: info@mdsc.ca

This Privacy Policy was updated on May 13, 2026.