Privacy Policy

PLEASE READ THE PRIVACY POLICY CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS WEBSITE AND MEARIE SERVICES

PLEASE READ THE PRIVACY POLICY CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THIS WEBSITE AND MEARIE SERVICES

Last Updated:  July 2, 2019

The MEARIE Group, its subsidiaries and affiliates (collectively referred to as “MEARIE”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) are committed to protecting the confidentiality, security and accuracy of the personal information we receive about you.

This Privacy Policy explains the ways in which we collect, use and disclose the Personal Information and Technical Information (both as defined below) of users (referred to as “you” and “your”) of our employee benefits administration and other services (“Services”).  It applies to any Personal Information that is collected by us or provided to us, whether it is collected or provided in person, over the telephone, in writing, or electronically, including through our website or mobile applications (the “Site”). 

By using our Services and this Site, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions outlined on the Site and are consenting to our treatment of your Personal Information and Technical Information as described in this Privacy Policy, as well as any other terms that are described to you when your Personal Information is collected.  

We may modify, revise or update this Privacy Policy at any time by updating this posting.  If this Privacy Policy changes materially, we will take reasonable measures to notify you, including emailing you and/or posting a copy of the revised Privacy Policy to our Site.  Each time you use the Site, the version of this Privacy Policy then posted will apply to that use, you are encouraged to check the Privacy Policy each time you use the Site.  Your use of the Site after such revised Privacy Policy is made available will signify your consent to the revised Privacy Policy.  

 
 

What Information Do We Collect?

Information that we collect falls into the following two categories:
  • Personal Information”, meaning information about an identifiable individual; and

  • Technical Information”, meaning information that is collected automatically by our server logs from your browser or device.

More information about these categories is provided below.
 
 

Personal Information

The Personal Information collected, used and disclosed by MEARIE in accordance with this Privacy Policy may include, depending on the service provided to you, your:
  • name

  • residential and mailing address

  • e-mail address

  • telephone number

  • social insurance number

  • date of birth

  • benefits claim history

  • driver’s license number & record

  • vehicle identification number

  • criminal record

  • annual income & employment information

  • individual assets & liabilities

  • previous insurance experience & claims history

  • health information & lifestyle-related information

  • investigative information for handling claims

  • payment information for MEARIE and associated services

Consent may be obtained by MEARIE from you when we receive Personal Information directly from you, or indirectly through your authorized representatives, employer or plan sponsor when they provide us with your Personal Information for benefits administration purposes.


In accordance with applicable law, you may decline to consent, or revoke consent, to the collection, use or disclosure of your Personal Information for any of the purposes for which it was collected.  However, this may impact our ability to fully provide you with our Services.

 

Using Personal Information

We use Personal Information to:

  • provide our Services to you, such as processing applications for benefits coverage, underwriting and quoting insurance applications, handling insurance claims or registering you for educational courses

  • provide you with information about our Services and products in accordance with applicable law

  • enhance our overall service delivery

  • acting as required or authorized by law

We may also create anonymous and aggregate statistics and reports (i.e., with no personally identifiable information) (“De-identified Data”) about MEARIE’s Services, service standards and trends for employers and plan sponsors and for audit and quality control.

MEARIE may use Personal Information for marketing purposes, such as identifying and communicating with individuals who are most likely to find our products and Services of interest. Each marketing email will include an unsubscribe mechanism, available for you at any time to withdraw your consent.

 

Disclosure of Personal Information

MEARIE does not trade or sell Personal Information to others.

Personal Information is sought and exchanged with various providers at the time of assessing an application for benefits, providing an insurance quote, processing a training transaction, to the extent necessary to determine the status of coverage, and to process claims. 

MEARIE retains service providers (“Authorized Service Providers”) to perform certain functions on our behalf, in support of the Services we provide. Accordingly, in certain instances these Authorized Service Providers will be provided with Personal Information to the extent that it is necessary in the performance of their specific services. MEARIE obligates all Authorized Service Providers to use and take steps to protect Personal Information with no lower requirements than set out in this Privacy Policy.

MEARIE may transfer your Personal Information as an asset in connection with any contemplated or actual sale, merger or other disposal of all or part of our business or assets, or as part of a corporate reorganization or other change in corporate control, including for the purposes of determining whether to proceed with such transaction or fulfilling any records or other reporting requirements to such parties. In such circumstances, we will ensure that any transfer of Personal Information is subject to applicable law and reasonable data protection security protocols.

 

Processing and Storage of Personal Information

Some of our Authorized Service Providers may be located in a foreign jurisdiction outside of Canada. When this occurs, your Personal Information may be processed or stored outside of Canada and, as a result, may be accessible without notice to you by the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of that jurisdiction. 

 

Technical Information

Whenever you interact with our Site, we automatically receive and record certain Technical Information as follows: 

  • Through your Internet browser: Certain information is collected by most websites, such as your IP address (i.e., your computer’s address on the Internet), screen resolution, operating system type (Windows or Mac) and version, Internet browser type and version, time of the visit and the page or pages visited. We use this information for purposes such as calculating our Site usage levels, helping diagnose server problems, and administering our Site.

  • Using cookies: MEARIE collects information about you through your visits to our websites using cookies. Cookies are files sent to your browser from a web server and stored on the hard drive of your device to allow a website to identify that device whenever a user returns to the website. We use these cookies for a variety of reasons, most commonly to distinguish you from other users and to help us compile aggregate statistics about our websites. We also use cookies to personalize your visit and make it more efficient. Refer to your browser instructions or the help section of your browser to learn more about these functions.

  • Using pixel tags, web beacons, clear GIFs or other similar technologies: These may be used in connection with some of our Site pages and HTML-formatted e-mail messages to, among other things, track the actions of our Site users and e-mail recipients, measure the success of our marketing campaigns, and compile statistics about our Site usage and response rates. These technologies usually work in conjunction with cookies. If you do not want your cookie information to be associated with your visits to these pages, you can set your browser to turn off cookies. If you turn off cookies, web beacons (or similar technologies) will still detect visits to these pages, but the notices they generate cannot be associated with other non-identifiable cookie information and are disregarded.

  • Third party analytics providers: We use Google Analytics, which uses cookies and web beacons, to help us understand more about how our Site is used so we can continue to improve it. This provider does not have the right to use the information we provide to it beyond what is necessary to assist us. For more information on Google Analytics service, including how to opt-out of it, please visit: https://marketingplatform.google.com.

Please note that we may use and disclose Technical Information for any purpose, except where we are required to do otherwise under applicable law. If we are required to treat Technical Information or De-identified Data as Personal Information under applicable law, then in addition to the uses listed in this section, we may use and disclose Technical Information and De-identified Data for all the purposes for which we use and disclose Personal Information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Safeguarding Your Information

We implement security safeguards to protect Personal Information against loss or theft, as well as unauthorized access, disclosure, copying, use or modification, regardless of the format in which the information is held.  We use physical, organizational, contractual confidentiality covenants and technological measures to protect Personal Information, such as locked filing cabinets, firewalls, encryption, and employee education.  We apply appropriate safeguards to our computer networks and physical files and we restrict access to Personal Information to those MEARIE employees and Authorized Service Providers who need to know that information in order to provide you with our Services.

We endeavor to protect all Personal Information in our possession and control.  Please be aware, however, that despite our efforts, no security measures are perfect or impenetrable and no method of data transmission can be guaranteed against any interception or other type of misuse. 


Accuracy of and Access to Your Personal InformationMEARIE maintains procedures to ensure that the information we collect and use is accurate, up-to-date, and as complete as possible. However, we rely on individuals to disclose all material information to us and to inform us of any changes required. With proof of entitlement, a request to correct information in our possession may be made by contacting the Privacy Officer at the address set out below in the section called “Questions or Further Information”.

If you have any questions about the accuracy of the Personal Information that we have collected about you, you can have access to that Personal Information in order to verify and update it, unless we are permitted or required under applicable laws to refuse your access to such Personal Information. You may contact our Privacy Officer at the contact information below to request access to Personal Information that we have about you.  We will respond to requests within 30 days.

 

Retention and Disposal of Your Personal Information

We retain Personal Information for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy but only for so long as is necessary to fulfill the purpose for which it was collected and to meet our legal and contractual obligations. We use secure means of disposing of Personal Information.

 

Use of Site by Minors

Our Site is not directed to individuals under the age of 18, and we request that these individuals do not provide Personal Information through our Site. We will only accept the Personal Information of minors if it provided with the consent of a parent or legal guardian in connection with our Services.

 

Third Party Websites

This Privacy Policy does not address, and we are not responsible for, the privacy, information or other practices of any third parties, including any third party operating any website to which our Site contains a link. In visiting any third-party websites, whether linked to this Site or otherwise, you do so at your own risk and you assume all responsibility in that regard. We make no representations or warranties regarding, and do not endorse, any third-party website or any content in such website. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each website visited before using those websites or disclosing any Personal Information to third parties.

 

Questions or Further Information

We are accountable for all Personal Information in our custody and control, including Personal Information that has been transferred to Authorized Service Providers for processing or storage. We have designated a Privacy Officer, who is ultimately accountable for the handling of all Personal Information in our custody and control and for ensuring that the principles described in this Privacy Policy are being complied with.

Requests for further information or for access to your Personal Information, or any concerns about how we handle your Personal Information should be referred to our Privacy Officer by email at privacy@mearie.ca.

 

AODA

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) is a law  that was passed by the Province of Ontario which allows the government to develop and enforce specific standards for accessibility. The standards are intended to achieve accessibility for people with disabilities in the areas of customer service, transportation, the built environment, information and communication, and employment. The Customer Service Regulation establishes accessibility standards for the provision of goods and services, and applies to private sector organizations as of January 1, 2012.

The MEARIE Group is committed to providing services in a way that respects the dignity and independence of people with disabilities. The organization strives to ensure that people with disabilities are able to receive accessible services. The MEARIE Group delivers services and information through different channels in different formats, including: Websites, Electronic Communications, Phone, and Print based formats. Please contact us if you require more information.

 

Use of mearie.ca

The MEARIE Group is concerned about the privacy rights of visitors to its Site and the security of the information presented on the Site. The purpose of the Statements is to ensure visitors are familiar with The MEARIE group standards for responsible use of the Site and to disclose how the information you share with The MEARIE Group is secured. The MEARIE Group wants you to use the information provided on this Site to get to know The MEARIE Group, our products and services. These terms of use may be revised from time to time and it is your responsibility to review them periodically.

 

Where You Live

The MEARIE Group is a diverse organization that represents the entities of The Municipal Electric Association Reciprocal Electric Exchange (MEARIE) and MEARIE Management Inc. MEARIE is licensed to do business in the province of Ontario. Products and services offered through MEARIE Management Inc. and it's affiliates may operate across Canada. We provide the Site and the products and services described herein to residents or citizens of Canada ("Canadians"). The Site is not intended to be used by, to solicit business from, or to provide any information concerning products to be sold to, any person located outside of Canada. Although this Site may be accessed from all other places around the world, The MEARIE Group makes no claims that the information posted on the Site may be lawfully viewed or downloaded outside of Canada. If you access this Site from outside of Canada, you do so at your own risk and are responsible for compliance with the laws of your jurisdiction.

 

Information Available to You

The MEARIE Group intends this Site to provide you with clear and current information and makes reasonable efforts to do so. The information provided on this Site is of a general nature only and is provided "as is". No representations or warranties of any kind are made concerning information posted to the Site. The information may at times contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Visitors are asked to notify The MEARIE Group if any inaccuracies or typographical errors are noticed. The MEARIE Group will make reasonable efforts to ensure that this Site and the information provided is accurate, reliable, complete, and current. Changes are periodically made to this Site and may be made at any time.

 

Registering On-Line

The MEARIE Group is actively involved in conference and events planning. On occasion, we promote the use of on-line registration to facilitate error free registration and to simplify the registration process. The MEARIE Group uses industry standard encryption for all on-line registration forms.

 

Trademarks and Copyright

Unless otherwise specifically noted, images, trademarks and logos displayed on the Site are the property of The MEARIE Group and may not be used without prior written consent. Any unauthorized use of the images may violate copyright, trademark or privacy laws and regulations. The source code and contents of this Site, such as text, graphics, images, logos, button icons, software and other information, including the compilation (meaning the collection, arrangement and assembly), of all content (collectively, the "Material") on this Site is the exclusive property of The MEARIE Group and is protected under both Canadian and foreign copyright, trademark and other laws. Unauthorized use of the Material may violate copyright, trademark and other laws. You must retain all copyright, trademark, service mark and other proprietary notices contained in the original Material on any copy you make of the Material. You may not sell or modify the Material in any way.The MEARIE Group makes available for your use on this Site information and documents, subject to the terms and conditions in the Statements. You may reproduce, display, distribute or otherwise use the Material provided in this Site for personal purposes only and strictly in accordance with The MEARIE Group's guidelines, and any applicable legislative or regulatory requirements. The use of the Material on any other web site or in a networked computer environment for any purpose is prohibited, unless otherwise stated. You shall not copy or adapt the HTML code that The MEARIE Group creates to generate its pages. It is also protected by The MEARIE Group's copyright.

 

Links to / From Third Party Web Sites

If you use any links provided in the Site to Web sites not owned, maintained nor hosted by The MEARIE Group ("Link Sites"), you will leave the Site. A Link Site may also contain links to this Site or other The MEARIE Group sites, which may or may not be sanctioned by The MEARIE Group. The MEARIE Group is not responsible for any Link Site's privacy policies, terms of use, or the use of personally identifiable information by a Link Site. No judgment or warranty is made with respect to the accuracy, timeliness, or suitability of the content of any Link Sites, and The MEARIE Group disclaims all responsibility for such sites. A link to or from a service or Web site outside of the Site is not an endorsement by The MEARIE Group of the service or the Web site, its content, or its sponsoring organization. You hereby irrevocably waive any claim against The MEARIE Group with respect to such Web sites.

 

Contact Information

Contact Information for The MEARIE Group and its affiliated companies:
The MEARIE Group, 3700 Steeles Ave. West, Suite 1100, Vaughan, Ontario L4L 8K8
Phone: 1.800.668.9979 or 905.265.5300

 

Disclaimer

THE MEARIE GROUP, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NON-INFRINGEMENT. THE MEARIE GROUP MAKES NO WARRANTIES ABOUT THE ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, COMPLETENESS, OR TIMELINESS OF THE MATERIAL, SERVICES SOFTWARE, TEXT, GRAPHICS, OR LINKS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE MEARIE GROUP BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOST PROFITS, OR DAMAGES RESULTING FROM LOST DATA OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) RESULTING FROM THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS WEB SITE AND THE MATERIAL, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, AND WHETHER OR NOT THE MEARIE GROUP IS ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE MEARIE GROUP DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THIS WEB SITE WILL OPERATE ERROR-FREE OR THAT THIS WEB SITE AND ITS SERVER ARE FREE OF COMPUTER VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL MECHANISMS. IF YOUR USE OF THIS WEB SITE OR THE MATERIAL RESULTS IN THE NEED FOR SERVICING OR REPLACING EQUIPMENT OR DATA, THE MEARIE GROUP IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE COSTS.