Editorial

Click here for the Editorial Guidelines on submissions to CDL's quarterly newsletter - Hearsay.

Diversity

Diversity is a core value at CDL and fundamental to the success of the association. We embrace the benefits and contributions that the perspectives, backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences that a diverse membership provides. Inclusiveness is a valuable means to increase the diversity of CDL’s membership and leadership positions. CDL encourages all defence organizations to promote diversity and inclusion in their membership and leadership. Click here to learn more about CDL's Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Sister Associations

CDL supports other professional organizations representing lawyers and their clients and encourages cooperation with them on initiatives of mutual benefit that will add value to CDL's members.

Privacy

CDL is committed to protecting the privacy of personal information of its members, sponsors, event participants, and all users of its services. This privacy policy provides information on CDL’s practices concerning the collection, use and disclosure of personal information and to comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). This policy also supports CDL’s compliance with the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), taking effect July 1, 2014.

Defining Personal Information

Personal information is any information about an “identifiable individual” that can be used to distinguish, identify or contact a specific individual. Business contact information that is publically available through published directories, websites or on a business card is not considered personal information.

Collection of Personal Information 

CDL collects no personal information about you unless you choose to provide it. CDL does retain information about your transaction history with the association (i.e. membership, registration at events, leadership involvement).

CDL Website

A visitor to the CDL website is not required to reveal any individually identifiable information, nor is the information collected passively by electronic means. We do collect statistical data about website visitors that is available only in aggregate form.

Use of Information

CDL does not share its membership list with third parties, nor offer it for purchase. CDL may, on occasion, advise its members of activities by third parties deemed to be of interest, the dissemination of which will comply with CASL. Attendee lists at CDL events are compiled and available to all attendees at that specific event.

Security of Information

CDL endeavours to maintain appropriate safeguards and technical security with respect to storage of data. To ensure the integrity and privacy of personal and credit card information passed to CDL via online transactions, CDL has obtained a SSL Server Certificate that uses the TLS 1.2 protocol, which is the most current version and is considered to be the most secure. Hard copies of financial data, including payment information, are stored in the CDL office and maintained by staff. Financial records are shredded in a timely manner, subject to Canada Revenue Agency guidelines on record-keeping.

Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL)

Any message from CDL will:

• identify the sender - embedded in email signatures
• provide sender’s contact information - embedded in email signatures
• provide disclosure if we are sending information on behalf of a third party - CDL occasionally publicizes programs from other associations such as DRI or OTLA. This is noted in introductory text embedded in the email.

Unsubscribe mechanisms will:

• be easy to spot and use
• take effect within 14 days after an unsubscribe request is received
• be processed manually by CDL staff

Consent

Implied consent applies to CDL in the following ways:

• An existing business relationship
• Approved existing non-business relationship
• Recipient has previously conspicuously published email address
• Recipient has previously provided email address to sender and message is relevant to recipient’s business, role, function or duties in a business or official capacity

Express consent is obtained by CDL in the following ways:

• Each time someone signs up for a program
• Embedded in the membership form both online and on paper

AODA

Canadian Defence Lawyers is committed to excellence in serving all customers including people with disabilities.

Assistive devices: we will ensure our staff are familiar with various assistive devices that may be provided upon request by customers with disabilities when accessing our services.

Communication: we will communicate with people with disabilities in ways that take into account their disability.

Service animals: we welcome people with disabilities and their service animals, and ensure our services are provided in venues that do the same.

Support person: a person with a disability who requires a support person will be allowed to have that person accompany them to our programs at no additional charge.

Notification of temporary disruption: In the event of a planned or unexpected disruption to our services for customers with disabilities, we will notify customers promptly.

Training: CDL will provide accessible customer service training to our employees, volunteers and others who deal with the public or other third parties on our behalf.

Feedback process: Customers who wish to provide feedback on the way CDL provides services to people with disabilities can contact the Executive Director via email or regular mail. The Executive Director will respond to the feedback within 10 business days.