What kind of privacy practices apply to my participation in a survey?
Background and scope
Canadian Medical Association (“CMA”) is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy and personal information of all our survey respondents by adhering to this Survey Policy and our Corporate Privacy Policy Respecting the Collection, Use and Disclosure of Personal Information (“Privacy Policy”). This Survey Policy applies to surveys, polls and research studies1. Where the Privacy Policy refers to “website” or “site”, these terms include any programs or software used during your participation in a survey.
This Survey Policy applies to CMA, as well as CMA Impact Inc. and CMA Foundation.
Access to identifiable information
Only the following people will have access to identifiable data:
- Specifically trained staff working with the data;
- Contractually-bound, or approved by us researchers or organizations; or
- Third parties who help us administer the survey, provide software tools, or who help us analyze the information
In all other circumstances, no identifiable information that is collected will be shared with third parties at any time unless it is shared in accordance with CMA’s Privacy and Survey Policies, or we clearly disclose to you in advance what identifiable information may be shared. Data collected through a survey may be processed and stored in other countries and the governments, courts or law enforcement or regulatory agencies may be able to obtain disclosure of your information under a lawful order made in that country.
Use of anonymized aggregate data
We may share anonymized aggregate data with others. For example, we may use any or all ideas and comments, in anonymous aggregate form for policy development, for advocacy work and engagement efforts. For statistical accuracy purposes, CMA will not share anonymized aggregated data externally where the cohort/group of interest has fewer than 30 respondents. For respondent confidentiality purposes, CMA will not publish aggregate data where the sample size is less than 5, or other number which could result in the disclosure of identifiable personal information.
All data is encrypted and with access only to authorized persons using robust authentication subject to IT security policies. CMA confirms that all appropriate measures to prevent the unauthorized or unlawful processing or disclosure of personal data and the accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data have been taken in accordance with applicable law.
What else do I need to know about participating in a survey?
Terms and conditions
In addition to the cma.ca Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, you understand that when answering a survey, poll and/or study the following terms and conditions apply:
Copyright
You agree that any answers or content that you submit grants us the non-exclusive irrevocable right to use that information in perpetuity. You waive all moral rights in your content. Subject to our Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy and this Survey Policy, you permit us to display, copy, translate, publish, distribute, transmit, print and use this information.
No reproduction of information in survey
From time to time, in the provision of surveys, we may provide you with information that is confidential; you will be asked not to retain, disclose, or use the information in any way other than as set out. You must immediately notify CMA in the event that you become aware of any suspected or real unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or personal information that may have been provided to you in the provision of a survey.
Responsibility for accuracy and completeness of client information
In agreeing to participate in a survey, you agree to using your best efforts to provide accurate and complete data relating to the topic at hand. CMA will use all information and data that you provide without having independently verified the same, except as may be required by prevailing industry standards or practice. CMA assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or data.
General
Your participation in a survey is voluntary, and you may withdraw at any time should you choose to participate. You will not be penalized for withdrawing, however, CMA may not be able to cancel or withdraw withdrawn survey data once that data has been included in an aggregate record.
You may not forward a survey without the permission of CMA.
Please provide only relevant and responsible responses and refrain from using offensive, harassing or otherwise inappropriate language in your responses.
CMA has the right to withdraw or terminate a survey and your opportunity to participate in a survey at any time for any reason.
Limitation of liability
In agreeing to participate in a survey, you and CMA both agree that neither will be liable to the other for any indirect, special, punitive, consequential or incidental damages, including loss of profits.
What if I have questions or concerns?
You may address any questions or concerns relating to the Privacy Policy or the Survey Policy or privacy practices to the Chief Privacy Officer, 1410 Blair Towers Place, Suite 500, Ottawa, Ontario, K1J 9B9, [email protected]. For more information about your personal privacy rights, you might contact the Privacy Commissioner of Canada at https://www.priv.gc.ca/en/ or the applicable privacy commissioner in your province or territory.
1 Periodic research studies are carried out with the approval of a research ethics board.