Catalyst Investigations ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients, investigation targets, and others whose personal information we collect, use, and disclose during our business. This Privacy Policy outlines practices regarding the collection, use, retention, and sharing of personal information in compliance with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and other applicable privacy laws.
Purpose of Collection
We collect personal information for the following purposes:
- Conducting investigations - as requested by clients
- Verifying the identities of individuals involved in investigations
- Gathering evidence related to cases
- Communicating with clients about their cases
- Billing clients for services provided
Consent
We obtain meaningful consent for the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information as follows:
- Written consent from clients when initiating services
- Implied consent when people choose to share information unsolicited
- Clear explanations of how information about investigation targets may be collected without direct consent when permitted by law
- Descriptions of situations where consent may not be required (e.g., legal investigations)
Limited Collection
We collect only the information necessary for the identified purposes, including:
- Client information required for case management and billing
- Information about investigation targets relevant to the specific case
- Evidence and documentation directly related to investigations
Limited Use, Disclosure, and Retention
We use and disclose personal information as follows:
- Internally, for the purposes of conducting investigations and case management
- To third parties, such as law enforcement or legal counsel, when necessary and permitted by law
- Retaining information only as long as necessary for the purposes identified
- Securely destroying information that is no longer needed
Accuracy
We ensure that collected information is accurate, complete, and up to date by:
- Verifying information with multiple sources when possible
- Regularly updating client information
- Correcting any inaccuracies promptly when discovered
Safeguards
We protect personal information through:
- Physical security measures for office spaces, vehicles and file storage including double locks when at all possible while adhering to be practices related to evidence collection.
- Technological safeguards like end-to-end encryption and access controls. We use apps such as Signal to discuss sensitive information internally amongst ourselves. We will strongly encourage those who share information to download and utilize the above end to end encrypted chat features which can and should be set to delete automatically at a specific timeframe. No screen shots can be taken to decrease potential leaks of information. Guidance can and will be provided by us to support downloading and using secure methods of communication.
- Administrative procedures, including employee training and confidentiality agreements
Visibility (Openness)
We make information about our privacy practices readily available by:
- Publishing this Privacy Policy on our website
- Providing copies of the policy to clients upon request
- Designating a privacy officer to handle inquiries and complaints
Individual Access
Individuals can access their personal information held by us and request corrections by:
- Submitting access requests to our designated privacy officer
- Expecting responses within 30 days
- Understanding any limitations on access due to legal or investigative constraints
Challenging Compliance
We address privacy-related complaints or concerns through:
- Contacting our designated privacy officer at 647-487-4779
- Investigating and resolving complaints promptly
- Providing information about escalating unresolved issues to the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Contact Information
For any questions, concerns, or complaints regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact our designated privacy officer:
Michele S., Catalyst Investigations
c/o 746 Syndicate Ave North
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7C 3X4
info@catalystinvestigations.com
(647)-487-4779 (ISPY)