Cookie Policy
Last updated: 2024. This Cookie Policy explains how Cottage Broom uses cookies and similar technologies to recognize you when you visit our website. It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control our use of them in accordance with Canadian federal and provincial laws.
Introduction and Legal Framework
Cottage Broom ("we", "us", and "our") is committed to protecting your privacy while you navigate our resources on Canadian will drafting and estate planning. This Policy applies to our website based in Ottawa, Ontario.
Our use of cookies is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Ontario’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) where applicable. Under Canadian law, specifically the guidelines issued by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC), cookies that collect personal information require meaningful consent.
What are Cookies?
Cookies are small data files that are placed on your computer or mobile device when you visit a website. Cookies are widely used by website owners in order to make their websites work, or to work more efficiently, as well as to provide reporting information.
Cookies set by the website owner (in this case, Cottage Broom) are called "first-party cookies". Cookies set by parties other than the website owner are called "third-party cookies". Third-party cookies enable third-party features or functionality to be provided on or through the website (e.g., advertising, interactive content, and analytics).
Categories of Cookies We Use
A. Strictly Necessary Cookies
These cookies are essential for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences or logging into secure areas related to your estate planning documents.
- Example: Session identifiers, Security tokens.
- Lifespan: Session-based or up to 30 days.
B. Performance and Analytics Cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site, ensuring our "Will Drafting Protocols" and "Tax Optimization" guides are easy to find.
- Example: Google Analytics, Hotjar.
- Lifespan: 24 hours to 2 years.
C. Functional Cookies
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalization. They may be set by us or by third-party providers whose services we have added to our pages, such as embedded maps for our Ottawa office or video tutorials on probate processes.
- Example: Language preferences, Font size settings.
- Lifespan: Persistent (up to 1 year).
D. Targeting/Marketing Cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device.
- Example: Facebook Pixel, LinkedIn Insight Tag.
- Lifespan: Up to 90 days.
Legal Basis for Processing
In Canada, the "opt-out" model is often used for non-sensitive information, but for the collection of more detailed data via cookies, Cottage Broom adheres to a "meaningful consent" standard.
By continuing to use our site after being presented with our cookie banner, you consent to our use of non-essential cookies. However, you have the right to withdraw this consent at any time. Strictly necessary cookies do not require your consent as they are vital for the delivery of the requested service (e.g., accessing the "Asset Distribution Framework").
How to Manage Cookies
You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can exercise your cookie rights by setting your preferences in the Cookie Consent Manager.
You can also set or amend your web browser controls to accept or refuse cookies. If you choose to reject cookies, you may still use our website though your access to some functionality and areas of our website (like the "Final Estate Checklist" interactive tools) may be restricted.
Browser-specific instructions:
- • Google Chrome: Settings > Privacy and Security > Cookies and other site data
- • Mozilla Firefox: Options > Privacy & Security > Cookies and Site Data
- • Safari: Preferences > Privacy > Block all cookies
- • Microsoft Edge: Settings > Cookies and site permissions
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our use of cookies or other technologies, please contact the Cottage Broom Data Protection Liaison at:
Cottage Broom Privacy Office
Address: 156 Woodridge Crescent, Ottawa Email: Phone: +1 (360) 457-8637