Privacy Policy

    Last Updated: October 4, 2025

    1. Introduction

    Island Career Academy ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, enroll in our programs, or use our services.

    This policy complies with the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA), the Nova Scotia Private Career Colleges Act, and all other applicable Nova Scotia and Canadian privacy legislation.

    2. Accountability

    Island Career Academy is responsible for all personal information under our control. We have designated a Privacy Officer who is accountable for our compliance with this Privacy Policy and applicable privacy laws.

    Privacy Officer Contact:
    Island Career Academy
    Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
    Email: admissions@islandcareer.ca
    Phone: (902) 564-6112

    3. Information We Collect

    We collect the following types of personal information:

    • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
    • Student Information: Date of birth, previous education, transcripts, emergency contact information
    • Financial Information: Payment information processed through our secure payment processor (Stripe)
    • Booking Information: Massage therapy clinic appointment details, service preferences, health information relevant to services
    • Website Usage Information: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, cookies and similar technologies
    • Academic Records: Enrollment records, attendance, grades, certifications, practicum information
    • Communications: Correspondence with us via email, phone, or other channels

    4. How We Use Your Information

    We use your personal information for the following purposes:

    • Educational Services: To process applications, deliver programs, track academic progress, issue certificates and diplomas
    • Clinic Services: To manage massage therapy clinic appointments, provide treatments, process payments
    • Communication: To respond to inquiries, send program information, provide updates and announcements
    • Payment Processing: To process tuition payments, appointment fees, and refunds
    • Legal Compliance: To comply with the Private Career Colleges Act, reporting requirements to the Nova Scotia Department of Advanced Education, and other legal obligations
    • Website Improvement: To analyze website usage, improve user experience, and maintain website security
    • Marketing: To send promotional information about programs and services (with your consent)

    5. Consent

    We obtain your consent before collecting, using, or disclosing your personal information, except where permitted or required by law. Consent may be express (such as when you submit a form or enroll in a program) or implied (such as when you provide information for an obvious purpose).

    You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting our Privacy Officer. However, withdrawing consent may affect our ability to provide certain services or fulfill our legal obligations.

    6. Disclosure of Information

    We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share your information with:

    • Government Authorities: Nova Scotia Department of Advanced Education, Service Nova Scotia, or other regulatory bodies as required by the Private Career Colleges Act
    • Service Providers: Third-party service providers who assist us (payment processors like Stripe, email services, website hosting). These providers are contractually bound to protect your information
    • Practicum Partners: Healthcare facilities and organizations where students complete clinical placements
    • Educational Institutions: When transferring credits or verifying credentials (with your consent)
    • Law Enforcement: When required by law or to protect our rights and property

    International Data Transfers: Some of our service providers (such as Stripe) may store or process data outside of Canada. We ensure these providers maintain appropriate safeguards for your information.

    7. Student Files and Records

    In accordance with Section 60 of the Private Career Colleges Operational Regulations, this section describes our practices regarding student files:

    • Access to Student Files: Only authorized staff members including instructors, administrators, and the Privacy Officer have access to student files
    • Use of Information: Information in student files is used for educational administration, program delivery, compliance reporting, and providing student services
    • Student Rights: Students have the right to request and receive a copy of their complete student file. Requests can be made to admissions@islandcareer.ca
    • Retention: Student records are maintained for a minimum of 5 years after program completion as required by regulation

    8. Security Safeguards

    We implement appropriate physical, technical, and administrative security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include:

    • Secure SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
    • Secure database storage with access controls
    • Password protection and authentication systems
    • Regular security assessments and updates
    • Staff training on privacy and security practices
    • Secure physical storage of paper records

    9. Retention and Disposal

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

    • Student Records: Minimum 5 years after program completion (as required by Private Career Colleges Act)
    • Financial Records: 7 years (as required by tax regulations)
    • Booking Records: 2 years after appointment date
    • Marketing Communications: Until consent is withdrawn

    When information is no longer needed, it is securely destroyed or anonymized.

    10. Accuracy of Information

    We strive to keep your personal information accurate, complete, and up-to-date. You can help us maintain accuracy by informing us of any changes to your information.

    11. Your Rights

    You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

    • Access: Request access to your personal information and student file
    • Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
    • Withdrawal of Consent: Withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
    • Complaint: File a complaint about our privacy practices

    To exercise these rights, contact our Privacy Officer at admissions@islandcareer.ca or (902) 564-6112. We will respond to your request within 30 days.

    12. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

    Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us:

    • Remember your preferences and settings
    • Understand how you use our website
    • Improve website functionality and performance

    You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

    13. Privacy Breach Notification

    In the event of a privacy breach that poses a real risk of significant harm, we will:

    • Notify the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
    • Notify affected individuals as soon as feasible
    • Maintain records of all breaches for 24 months
    • Take steps to mitigate harm and prevent future breaches

    14. Questions and Complaints

    If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to file a complaint about our privacy practices, please contact:

    Privacy Officer
    Island Career Academy
    Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
    Email: admissions@islandcareer.ca
    Phone: (902) 564-6112

    If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to:

    Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
    30 Victoria Street
    Gatineau, Quebec K1A 1H3
    Toll-free: 1-800-282-1376
    Website: www.priv.gc.ca

    15. Changes to This Policy

    We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date. Significant changes will be communicated to current students and applicants.

    16. Contact Information

    For any questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

    Island Career Academy
    Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
    Email: admissions@islandcareer.ca
    Phone: (902) 564-6112
    Website: www.islandcareer.ca