This policy applies to the information we collect in the
operation of BC Housing’s website, the Online Housing
Application and the eRecruit system.
As a public body, BC Housing is subject to British
Columbia’s Freedom of Information and Protection of
Privacy Act (FIPPA). This is legislation that, among other things,
governs the collection, use, disclosure, storage and retention of
personal information. FIPPA defines personal information as
recorded information about an identifiable individual, excluding
business contact information.
The privacy, confidentiality and security of your personal
information are of great importance to BC Housing. We are committed
to maintaining your confidentiality and respecting your personal
privacy in a manner that complies with FIPPA.
Privacy Policy
Click the links below for more information:
BC Housing collects only the personal information that relates
directly to and is necessary for the administration of our programs
and activities as permitted in section 26(c) of FIPPA.
What personal information does
BC Housing collect?
BC Housing collects personal information as described below in the operation of bchousing.org, the Online Housing Application and the eRecruit system.
BC Housing collects personal information as described below in the operation of bchousing.org, the Online Housing Application and the eRecruit system.
Web User
When you visit www.bchousing.org, our web server automatically
collects a limited amount of information essential for the
operation and security of our website. Some of this information
(e.g. browser type) does not identify who you are, while other
information, such as your Internet domain name or IP address may
identify you. The extent of personal identification depends, in
large part, on the "naming standards" followed by your Internet
Service Provider.
Websites may distribute small pieces of information (called
"cookies") to web browsers to assist you when you return to
specific areas on the site. If you subscribe to the email
notifications on BC Housing’s website, your user
information is stored in a database, and is retrieved as needed to
distribute email notifications. A cookie is only being used to
identify you as an email notification subscriber for future
sessions. There are no other cookies on the BC Housing website.
If you have concerns about this, you can change your web browser
to not accept this information or display warning messages.
Online Housing Application
Applicants searching for subsidized housing have the option of
using the Online Housing Application to submit an application to
The Housing Registry.
The Housing Registry is a centralized database for housing
providers that contains current applicant information. Housing
providers use the information to identify potential tenants when
units become available. Individuals searching for subsidized
housing can submit one application form to be considered for any
available housing units in developments managed by The Housing
Registry Members. Therefore, the personal information you submit
using the Online Housing Application will be made available to
Housing Registry members.
The personal information collected in the Online Housing
Application is used to:
-
Determine eligibility for subsidized housing through The Housing Registry;
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Assess housing need; and
-
Identify housing developments that suit your needs.
Applicant Satisfaction Survey
When you apply using the Online Housing Application, you will be
given the option to complete the Online Housing Applicant
Satisfaction Survey. The survey questions gather your feedback
about the online housing application process and how it may be
improved. BC Housing uses FluidSurveys, a Canadian-based online
survey tool to gather survey responses. BC Housing collects no
personally identifiable information in the survey.
eRecruit System
eRecruit is BC Housing’s online system to view and
apply for jobs. If you are applying for employment through BC
Housing’s eRecruit system, you will be required to
provide personal information pertinent to your application for
employment. The personal information you provide will be used by BC
Housing hiring managers and human resources personnel to:
-
Review your application for employment
-
Assess your qualifications
-
Contact you for an interview, if you are shortlisted
BC Housing has safeguards in place to protect your personal
information against such risks as unauthorized access, collection,
use, disclosure or disposal. BC Housing is subject to the Document
Disposal Act, which governs the retention and destruction of our
records.
BC Housing stores and processes your personal information on our
computers exclusively in Canada. Your information is protected
using technical and administrative security measures to reduce the
risks of loss, misuse, unauthorized access, disclosure and
alteration. Some of the safeguards used are firewalls, intrusion
detection, physical access controls to our data centers, and
information access authorization controls.
To obtain access to your records or to request a correction to a
record you must make a written request. You may complete the
Request for Access to Records form
or provide your request in a letter or email. Please be as
specific as possible in describing the records you are requesting,
so that we can ensure our response meets your needs. If BC Housing
does not have custody or control of your records, we will provide
you with the contact information of the organization that holds
your records.
If you have any questions or concerns about BC
Housing’s privacy policy, you may contact BC Housing`s
Privacy Officer as follows:
By mail:
Privacy Officer
1701-4555 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8
1701-4555 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4V8
By phone:
604-433-1711 or toll-free 1-866-465-6973
604-433-1711 or toll-free 1-866-465-6973