Privacy & Terms

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

The BC Addiction Recovery Association (BCARA) is committed to protecting your personal information and treating it with care, respect, and transparency.

We recognize that trust and confidentiality are essential in recovery-oriented and learning communities. Protecting your privacy is a key part of creating safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces.

2. Privacy Legislation

BCARA operates in accordance with British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), which governs how organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information.

We collect, use, and disclose personal information only for purposes that a reasonable person would consider appropriate in the circumstances.

3. What Information We Collect

We collect only the information needed to support our work as a membership-based association.

This may include:

• Name and contact information (e.g., email, phone number)
• Organization or affiliation, including organizational membership details and designated contacts
• Membership registration and renewal information
• Participation in events, Communities of Practice, or working groups
• Communications you choose to share with us
• Basic website usage data (e.g., cookies or analytics)

You are not required to provide personal information to browse our website.

4. Sensitive Information and Lived Experience

• You are not required to share personal recovery information to engage with BCARA
• We collect sensitive information only when necessary and with your knowledge and consent
• Any information shared is treated with confidentiality, dignity, and respect

5. Membership and Community Participation

Individual Members

We collect information to support:

• Membership registration and communication
• Participation in events and learning activities
• Connection within the recovery community

Organizational Members

We collect information such as:

• Organization name and general contact information
• Contact details for designated representatives
• Participation in sector initiatives, events, and knowledge exchange

Organizational membership information may include both organizational details and the contact information of designated representatives.

We use this information to support a connected, collaborative, and learning-focused recovery sector while respecting the privacy of all members.

6. Open and Closed Events

BCARA offers both open (public) and closed (members-only or invitation-based) events and learning spaces.

Open Events

At public events:

• Limited participant information (such as names or organizations) may be visible to others
• Event materials, summaries, or recordings may be shared more broadly
• Personal information is used only for event-related purposes

Closed or Members-Only Events

In closed learning spaces (e.g., Communities of Practice, reflective sessions):

• We prioritize confidentiality, psychological safety, and respectful dialogue
• Participant information is shared only as needed for coordination
• Participants are expected to respect the privacy of others and not share personal or identifying information outside the space

7. Recording and Documentation

If an event is recorded or documented:

• Participants will be informed in advance
• Consent will be obtained where appropriate
• Options to limit participation (such as turning off cameras) will be provided where possible

8. How We Use Your Information

We use personal information only for its intended purposes, including:

• Communicating about programs, events, and opportunities
• Managing membership and participation
• Sharing newsletters or updates (with your consent)
• Supporting Communities of Practice and sector learning
• Improving our services, programs, and website

9. Consent

By providing your personal information, you consent to its collection, use, and disclosure as described in this statement.

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us, subject to legal or contractual obligations.

10. Sharing Your Information

We respect your confidentiality.

• We do not sell or rent your personal information
• We may share information with trusted service providers (e.g., email or event platforms) who are required to protect your information
• We may disclose information if required by law

11. Information Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information, including:

• Secure digital systems and platforms
• Limiting access to authorized individuals
• Administrative safeguards and internal practices

12. Cookies and Website Use

Our website may use cookies or analytics tools to understand how visitors use the site and improve user experience.

You can adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you prefer.

13. Access and Corection

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request corrections if your information is inaccurate or incomplete

We will respond to requests in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

14. Cultural Safety and Respect

We recognize the importance of:

• Dignity and respect for all individuals
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Indigenous data sovereignty and self-determination

We strive to support respectful relationships with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples and all communities we serve.

15. Contact Us

BC Addiction Recovery Association (BCARA)

Email: info@bcaddictionrecovery.ca
Phone: 1.236.235.5058

16. Updates to This Statement