Terms and conditions


Privacy notice

The Government of Canada and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada are committed to providing websites that respect the privacy of visitors. This privacy notice summarizes the privacy practices for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's online activities.

All personal information collected by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is governed by the Privacy Act. This means that you will be informed of the purpose for which your personal information is being collected and how to exercise your right of access to that information.

Your privacy and the Internet

The nature of the Internet is such that web servers automatically collect certain information about a visit to a website, including the visitor's Internet Protocol (IP) address. IP addresses are unique numbers assigned by Internet service providers (ISP) to all devices used to access the Internet. Web servers automatically log the IP addresses of visitors to their sites. The IP address, on its own, does not identify an individual. However, in certain circumstances, such as with the cooperation of an ISP for example, it could be used to identify an individual using the site. For this reason, the Government of Canada considers the IP address to be personal information, particularly when combined with other data automatically collected when a visitor requests a web page, such as the page or pages visited, date and time of the visit.

In cases where services are provided by organizations outside of the Government of Canada, such as social media platforms or mobile applications, IP addresses may be recorded by the web server of the third-party service provider. Unless otherwise noted, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada does not automatically gather any specific information from you, such as your name, telephone number or email address. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada would obtain this type of information only if you supply it to us, for example, by email or by filling in a contact form. In such cases, how your personal information is handled will be provided in a Personal Information Collection Statement.

Communicating with the Government of Canada

If you choose to send Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada an email or complete a feedback form online, your personal information is used by the department to respond to your inquiry. The information you provide will only be shared with another government institution if your inquiry relates to that institution. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada does not use the information to create individual profiles nor does it disclose the information to anyone other than to those in the federal government who need to provide you with a response. Any disclosure of your personal information is in accordance with the Privacy Act.

Emails and other electronic methods used to communicate with the Government of Canada are not secure unless it is specifically stated on a web page. Therefore, it is recommended that you do not send sensitive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number or your date of birth, through non-secure electronic means.

Personal information from emails or completed feedback forms is collected pursuant to the provision in Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's enabling statutes. Such information may be used for statistical, evaluation and reporting purposes and is included in Personal Information Bank PSU 914—Public Communications.

Survey respondents

Provision of the information collected in surveys conducted by and for Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is voluntary. The collection and use of your personal information is authorized by section 7 of the Financial Administration Act and is protected under the provisions of the federal Privacy Act.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's commitment to keeping the confidentiality of the information obtained from the Canadian public is enshrined in the Privacy Act. All information provided to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada through surveys is confidential. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada does not release any information that identifies an individual or group without prior consent.

Any personal information that may be collected is described in the Standard Personal Information Bank entitled Public Communications, PSU 914, which can be found on Canada.ca. The personal information collected will only be kept by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for a period of five years of the completion of a survey after which all personal information will be deleted.

Under the Privacy Act, you have the right of access to, and correction of, your personal information, if you have provided any. Note however, that to exercise this right, you must make a request for access to your personal information before the retention period has expired.

If you wish to avail yourself of this right or require clarification about this Statement, you may make a privacy inquiry. For more information on privacy issues and the Privacy Act in general, consult the Office of the Privacy Commissioner website or call 1-800-282-1376.

Third-party social media

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's use of social media serves as an extension of its presence on the Web. Social media account(s) are public and are not hosted on Government of Canada servers. Users who choose to interact with us via social media should read the terms of service and privacy policies of these third-party service providers and those of any applications you use to access them. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada uses Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube (language selection is available at the bottom of the page on the YouTube site).

Personal information that you provide to the Government of Canada via social media account(s) is collected under the authority of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's enabling statutes. This information is collected to capture conversations (e.g. questions and answers, comments, "likes", retweets) between you and Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. It may be used to respond to inquiries, or for statistical, evaluation and reporting purposes. Comments posted that violate Canadian law will be deleted and disclosed to law enforcement authorities. Comments that violate our rules of engagement will also be deleted. The personal information is included in Personal Information Bank PSU 914—Public Communications and PSU 938—Outreach Activities.

Improving your experience on Government of Canada websites

Chatbot

A chatbot is a software application used to conduct an artificial on-line chat conversation via text or text-to-speech. Our chatbot is called Business Assistant. We may store your questions in order to improve our chatbot's interactivity. However, we do not store or use your profile information to train the chatbot.

The information you provide while using our chatbot will be used to provide you with information regarding the government programs and services you have interest in. When you connect to a live agent, the personal information collected will also be used to improve your ongoing user experience and call centre experience. This information is collected under the authority of the Department of Industry Act, and is contained in Personal Information Bank No. PSU 912 – Public Communications.

Any disclosures of your personal information beyond those described are governed by the Privacy Act.

You have the right to refuse to provide your personal information. If you choose not to provide this information, then you will not be able to subscribe to information updates, though you will still be able to access and use the application to obtain information on programs and services.

You have the right of protection of your personal information under the control of the Government of Canada. You also have the right of access to and correction of that information. Such enquiries should be directed to:

Director, Access to Information and Privacy Services
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Access to Information and Privacy Services
235 Queen St., 2nd Floor
OTTAWA ON  K1A 0H5

You have the right to file a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada regarding the handling of your personal information. Such complaints should be directed to:

Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
30 Victoria St.
GATINEAU QC  K1A 1H3

Digital markers (including cookies)

A digital marker is a resource created by the visitor's browser in order to remember certain pieces of information for the web server to reference during the same or subsequent visits to the website. Examples of digital markers are "cookies" or HTML5 web storage. Some examples of what digital markers do are as follows:

  • they allow a website to recognize a previous visit each time the visitor accesses the site;
  • they track what information is viewed on a site, which helps website administrators ensure visitors find what they are looking for.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada uses sessional and/or persistent digital markers on some portions of its website. During your online visit, your browser exchanges data with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's web server. The digital markers used do not allow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to identify individuals.

The provision of personal information for communications and information technology web analytics purposes is optional. You may refuse the installation of or delete the digital markers used by our web analytics tools from your device through the settings of your web browser (more information). This will not affect the website's performance or restrict your ability to access information from our website.

Web analytics

Web analytics is the collection, analysis, measurement and reporting of data about web traffic and visits for purposes of understanding and optimizing web usage. Information in digital markers may be used for the purpose of web analytics to remember your online interactions with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's website.

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada uses Site Improve on its website. When your computer requests an Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada web page, the department collects the following types of information for web analytics:

  • the originating IP address
  • the date and time of the request
  • the type of browser used
  • the page(s) visited

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada uses Site Improve internally and retains information collected for web analytics for a maximum period of 18 months. After this period, the information must be disposed of in accordance with the Standard on Privacy and Web Analytics and as authorized by the Librarian and Archivist of Canada. The information is not disclosed to an external third-party service provider.

Information used for the purpose of web analytics is collected pursuant to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's enabling statutes. Such data may be used for communications and information technology statistical purposes, audit, evaluation, research, planning and reporting. For more information on how your privacy is safeguarded in relation to web analytics, see the Standard on Privacy and Web Analytics.

Protecting the Security of Government of Canada websites

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information or otherwise cause damage. This software receives and records the IP address of the computer that has contacted our website, the date and time of the visit and the pages visited. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada makes no attempt to link these addresses with the identity of individuals visiting the site unless an attempt to damage the site has been detected.

This information is collected pursuant to section 161 of the Financial Administration Act. The information may be shared with appropriate law enforcement authorities if suspected criminal activities are detected. Such information may be used for network security–related statistical purposes, audit, evaluation, research, planning and reporting and is included in Personal Information Bank PSU 914—Public Communications.

Privacy inquiry

Any questions, comments, concerns or complaints you may have regarding the administration of the Privacy Act and privacy policies related to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's web presence may be directed to the departmental Privacy Coordinator by email, by telephone or in writing to:

Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Services
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
2nd Floor, West Tower
C.D. Howe Building
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario  K1A 0H5

Telephone: 343-291-2788
Fax: 343-291-1893
Email: [email protected]

If you are not satisfied with our response to your privacy concern, you may wish to contact the Office of the Privacy Commissioner by email at [email protected] or by telephone at 1‑800‑282‑1376.

Using files located on non-government of Canada servers

To improve the functionality of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada websites, certain files (such as open source libraries, images and scripts) may be delivered automatically to your browser via a trusted third-party server or content delivery network. The delivery of these files is intended to provide a seamless user experience by speeding response times and avoiding the need for each visitor to download these files. Where applicable, specific privacy statements covering these files are included in our Privacy Notice.

Providing content in our official languages

The Official Languages Act, the Official Languages (Communications with and Services to the Public) Regulations and Treasury Board policy requirements establish when we use both English and French to provide services to or communicate with members of the public. When there is no obligation to provide these in both official languages, content may be available in one official language only. Information provided by organizations not subject to the Official Languages Act is in the language(s) provided. Information provided in a language other than English or French is only for the convenience of our visitors.

Linking to non-Government of Canada websites

Links to websites not under the control of the Government of Canada are provided solely for the convenience of our website visitors. We are not responsible for the accuracy, currency or reliability of the content. Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada does not offer any guarantee in that regard and is not responsible for the information found through these links, nor does it endorse the sites and their content.

Visitors should also be aware that information offered by non-Government of Canada websites to which this website links is not subject to the Privacy Act or the Official Languages Act and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. The information offered may be available only in the language(s) used by the sites in question. With respect to privacy, visitors should research the privacy policies of these non-Government of Canada websites before providing personal information.

Ownership and usage of content provided on this site

Materials on this website were produced and/or compiled by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada for the purpose of providing Canadians with access to information about the programs and services offered by the Government of Canada. You may use and reproduce the materials as follows:

Non-commercial reproduction

Unless otherwise specified, you may reproduce the materials in whole or in part for non-commercial purposes, and in any format, without charge or further permission, provided you do the following:

  • exercise due diligence in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced;
  • indicate both the complete title of the materials reproduced as well as the author (where available); and
  • indicate that the reproduction is a copy of the version available at [URL where original document is available].

Commercial reproduction

Unless otherwise specified, you may not reproduce materials on this site, in whole or in part, for the purposes of commercial redistribution without prior written permission from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

To obtain permission to reproduce Government of Canada materials on this site for commercial purposes, Apply for crown copyright clearance or write to:

ISED Citizen Services Centre
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
C.D. Howe Building
4th Floor, East Tower
235 Queen Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
K1A 0H5

Email: [email protected]

You may also contact us to obtain additional information concerning copyright ownership and restrictions, as some of the content on this site may be subject to the copyright of another party. Where information has been produced or copyright is not held by Government of Canada, the materials are protected under the Copyright Act and international agreements. Details concerning copyright ownership are indicated on the relevant page(s).

Reproduction of government symbols

The official symbols of the Government of Canada, including the Canada Wordmark, the Arms of Canada and the flag symbol, may not be reproduced, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, without prior written authorization. Request for authorization from the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat may be addressed to:

Federal Identity Program
Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
300 Laurier Avenue West
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0R5

Email: [email protected]

Trademark notice

The official symbols of the Government of Canada, including the Canada wordmark, the arms of Canada and the flag symbol, may not be reproduced, whether for commercial or non-commercial purposes, without prior written authorization.

Our commitment to accessibility

The Government of Canada is committed to achieving a high standard of accessibility as defined in the Standard on Web Accessibility. In the event of difficulty using our web pages, applications or device-based mobile applications, please contact us for assistance or to obtain alternate formats, such as regular print, Braille or another appropriate format.

Interacting with us on social media

This notice has been written to explain how Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada interacts with the public on social media platforms.

Content and frequency

We use our social media accounts as an alternative method of sharing the content posted on our website and interacting with our stakeholders. By following our social media accounts ("following," "liking" or "subscribing" to), you can expect to see information about the programs and services we provide.

By following our ministers' official social media accounts ("following," "liking" or "subscribing" to), you can expect to see information about events and announcements relating to Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada's programs and services.

We understand that the Web is a 24/7 medium, and your comments are welcome at any time. You should expect to see new content posted Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time). Comments submitted after hours or on weekends will be read and responded to as soon as possible.

Because the servers of social media platforms are managed by a third party, our social media accounts are subject to downtime that may be out of our control. As such, we accept no responsibility for platforms becoming unresponsive or unavailable.

Our social media accounts may post or display links or ads for websites that are not under our control. These links are provided solely for the convenience of users. The Government of Canada is not responsible for the information found through these links or ads, nor does it endorse the sites or their content.

Following, "Favouriting" and subscribing

Our decision to "follow," "favourite" or "subscribe" to another social media account does not imply an endorsement of that account, channel, page or site, and neither does sharing (re-tweeting, reposting or linking to) content from another user.

Comments and interaction

We will read comments and participate in discussions when appropriate. We ask that your comments be relevant and respectful. We reserve the right to delete comments that violate this notice, and the user may be blocked and reported to prevent further inappropriate comments.

We cannot engage in issues of party politics or answer questions that break the rules of this notice.

We reserve the right to edit or remove comments that:

  • Contain personal information;
  • Are contrary to the principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms;
  • Express racist, hateful, sexist, homophobic, slanderous, insulting or life-threatening messages;
  • Put forward serious, unproven or inaccurate accusations against individuals or organizations;
  • Are aggressive, coarse, violent, obscene or pornographic;
  • Are offensive, rude or abusive to an individual or an organization;
  • Are not sent by the author or are put forward for advertising purposes;
  • Encourage illegal activity;
  • Contain announcements from labour or political organizations;
  • Are written in a language other than English or French;
  • Are unintelligible or irrelevant;
  • Are repetitive or spam; and
  • Do not, in our opinion, add to the normal flow of the discussion.

In short, please be respectful and make sure that your comments are relevant to where they are posted. The views of users commenting on our social media accounts do not necessarily represent the views of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada or the Government of Canada.

Accessibility of social media platforms

Social media platforms are third-party service providers and are not bound by Government of Canada standards for Web accessibility.

If you have difficulty accessing content on our social media accounts, please contact us and we will try to solve the problem or provide you with the information in a different format.

Information that we post is subject to the Copyright Act.

Privacy

Our social media accounts are not Government of Canada websites and represent only our presence on third-party service providers.

For more information, please refer to our Privacy Notice regarding third-party social media.

Official languages

Many social media platforms have multiple language options and provide instructions on how to set your preferences. The Government of Canada respects the Official Languages Act and is committed to ensuring that our information is available in both French and English and that both versions are equal quality.

We reply to comments in the official language in which they are posted. If we think the response is a question of general public interest, we may respond in both official languages.

We may share links that direct users to sites of organizations or other entities that are not subject to the Official Languages Act and available only in the language(s) in which they are written. When content is available in only one language, we make an effort to provide similar content in the other official language.

Questions and media requests

For general enquiries, please visit our Contact us page.

Media inquiries

Reporters are asked to send questions to:

Telephone: 343-291-1777
Email: [email protected]
Business hours (Eastern time): 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.