Policies

Venture for Canada: Privacy Policy: Last updated, March 3rd, 2021

Venture for Canada Gift Acceptance Policy (To follow): Last updated, March 3rd, 2021

Venture for Canada Program Participant  Harassment Policy: Last updated, October 28, 2022

Venture for Canada Events Liability: Last updated, November 7, 2022

 

PRIVACY POLICY 

Venture for Canada (VFC) is committed to the privacy of our clients, employees, and website visitors. This policy specifies how we collect and use your data.

Data We Collect: We collect the following data: Your identity (name, email, phone, and title); Your company and title; other information provided in forms; Your IP address. 

How we collect your data: We collect and process data when you: Voluntarily complete a customer survey or provide feedback via our contact form; Use or view our website via your browser’s cookies. We may receive your data indirectly via the following sources: Referrals sent via email or phone. 

How we use data: We collect data to perform the following: Process, manage and fulfil contracts; Email and/or SMS exclusive offers on products and services; Enhance our services, website, and products. 

  • Our company does not share your data with partner companies.
  • Our company will use third parties to process data. In these cases, only the required information is shared.

How we store data: We store your data on secure cloud platforms that we review.

Marketing: VFC would like to send you information about products and services that we think you may like. If you have agreed to receive e-mail marketing, you may opt-out at any time. VFC uses online advertising via Google Ads. You can review Google Ads privacy brief, Google Ads Privacy Policy, and your Google Ads Settings for more details. 

Data protection rights: VFC would like to ensure you are aware of your data protection rights.

The right to access: You have the right to request VFC for copies of your personal data. We may charge a small fee for this service.

The right to rectification: You have the right to request that VFC correct any information you believe is inaccurate. You also have the right to request VFC complete information you believe is incomplete.

The right to erasure : You have the right to request that VFC erase your personal data, under certain conditions.

The right to restrict processing: You have the right to object to VFC’s processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.

The right to object to processing: You have the right to object to VFC’s processing of your personal data, under certain conditions.

The right to data portability: You have the right to request that VFC transfer the data that we have collected to another organization, or directly to you, under certain conditions. If you make a request, we have 30 business days to respond to you. If you would like to exercise any of these rights, please contact us at:

Email: privacy@ventureforcanada.ca Write: Venture for Canada, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4

Cookies: Cookies are text files placed on your computer to collect standard Internet log information and visitor behaviour information. When you visit our websites, we may collect information from you automatically through cookies or similar technology. For further information, visit allaboutcookies.org.

VFC uses cookies to improve your experience on our website, including Keeping you signed in; Understanding how you use our website.

Cookies we use: We use two different types of cookies: Functionality – VFC uses these cookies to recognize you on our website and remember previously selected preferences. These can include your location, language, and cookie preferences. A mix of third-party cookies is used. Advertising – VFC uses these cookies to collect information about your visit to our website, the content you viewed, and the links you followed. These cookies also provide information about your browser, device, and your IP address. We may share online data collected through cookies with our advertising partners. This means that when you visit another website, you may be shown advertising based on your browsing patterns on our website.

Manage your cookies: You can set your browser not to accept cookies, and the above website tells you how to remove cookies from your browser. However, in a few cases, some of our website features may not function as a result.

Privacy collection policies of other websites: VFC’s website contains links to other websites. Our privacy policy applies only to our website. If you click on a link to another site, you should read their privacy policy.

Changes to our policy: VFC keeps its privacy policy under regular review and places any updates on this web page. This policy was last updated on January 28, 2021.

Contact us: If you have questions about this policy, the data we hold on you, or you would like to exercise one of your data protection rights, please do not hesitate to contact us.​

Email: privacy@ventureforcanada.ca, Write: Venture for Canada, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto, ON M5S 2R4

 

GIFT ACCEPTANCE POLICY

Last updated: March 3rd, 2021

Venture for Canada Fellowship Institute referred to as “Venture for Canada” or “VFC” is a registered Canadian charity that has the mission of fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindset in young Canadians. As such, we welcome the gifts of individuals, corporations, and foundations to help us achieve our mission.

Scope: This policy applies to donations received through all fundraising activities of VFC, including general donations, annual giving, planned gifts, special fundraising initiatives and campaigns.

Gift Eligibility For VFC Charitable Tax Receipts: The following gifts are deemed eligible for VFC charitable tax receipts:

  • Cash: Venture for Canada accepts cash, credit card payments, direct debit payments and cheques or money orders made payable to “Venture for Canada Fellowship Institute.”
  • Testamentary bequests and trusts: A testamentary trust is a trust that is established in accordance with the instructions contained in a last will and testament. Bequests made to VFC may qualify as a charitable gift if the terms and conditions of the bequest are acceptable under VFC’s gift acceptance policies. Official receipts will be issued to the estate of the deceased. VFC requires a copy of documents naming VFC as a beneficiary for our files, prior to a tax receipt being issued.
  • Beneficiary designations under life insurance policies: VFC will accept a life insurance policy as a gift if it is named as beneficiary or is both the irrevocable owner and beneficiary. The tax receiptable amount will be determined according to CRA Guidelines. Any premiums due are the responsibility of the donor. If the insurance policy lapses for non-payment prior to maturity because a donor fails to provide for remium payments, VFC may:
    • Continue to pay the premiums,
    • Convert the policy to paid-up insurance,
    • Surrender the policy for its current cash value.
    • When a life insurance policy is absolutely assigned to VFC, any consent that is required by provincial regulations to change a beneficiary must be signed before the transfer represents a valid charitable donation.
    • Beneficiary designations under retirement funds: VFC will accept the proceeds of a retirement fund as a gift if VFC is named as beneficiary. The tax receiptable amount will be determine according to CRA Guidelines
    • Publicly traded securities: As a general rule, VFC will only accept gifts of securities that are publicly traded stocks and bonds. The value and the tax receiptable amount of such a donation is determined by the value of trading on the date of receipt of donation. All stocks and securities VFC receives from donors will be sold upon completion of the stock transfer without exception.
    • Gifts of real estate: Gifts of real estate will be reviewed with special care to ensure that acceptance will not involve financial commitments in excess of budgeted items or other obligations disproportionate to the use or value of the gift.
    • All gifts of real-estate must receive an independent external appraisal.
    • All gifts of real-estate must be approved by the VFC Finance and Risk Committee.
  • In-kind gifts are ineligible for VFC charitable tax receipts: VFC may accept and record in-kind gifts pursuant to the In-Kind Contribution Policy included in the VFC Financial Controls.

Principle:

As a matter of principle, we engage in the following practices:

  1. VFC will not accept gifts that are not recognized by CRA, or violate federal, provincial or municipal laws.
  2. VFC will not accept gifts, enter into partnerships, or accept support that will compromise its commitment to its mission and essential values as articulated in VFC’s values.
  3. VFC values will protect its integrity, autonomy and funding freedom, and VFC will not accept gifts when a condition of such acceptance would compromise these fundamental principles.
  4. VFC reserves the right to accept or decline any gift. The final decision to decline a gift rests with the CEO.
  5. Ownership of all gifts directed to VFC vests in VFC, whether said gifts are for the benefit of VFC generally or for some specific purpose in it.

Procedures:

We are committed to the following procedures in accepting donations:

  1. Designated gifts will be used for the purposes for which they are provided.
  2. Undesignated gifts will be used for the most-needed initiatives as determined by the CEO in conjunction with the Board of Directors.
  3. Accountability to donors must be of the highest calibre, through appropriate acknowledgment, and accurate and timely reporting by the relevant VFC staff.
  4. Where appropriate, gift agreements will be recorded between donors and VFC and these will be adhered to by VFC.
  5. All donations will be recorded and receipted in accordance with the rules and regulations set out by the CRA. VFC will issue an official receipt for donations of $20 or more that qualify as charitable gifts, in accordance with CRA guidelines. Receipts for donations of less than $20 will be issued only when requested by the donor
  6. Anonymity will be granted to any donor who makes this request.
  7. If, following internal consultations, uncertainty remains as to whether a donation qualifies as a charitable gift, a ruling may be sought from VFC’s legal counsel, auditor and/or the CRA.

PROGRAM PARTICIPANT  AND VOLUNTEER HARASSMENT POLICY 

Enacted February 7th, 2018 

Venture for Canada Fellowship Institute, hereinafter referred to as Venture for Canada,  is committed to providing an environment where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.  

For the purposes of this policy, “Program Participant” is defined as “any individual  selected to participate in a Venture for Canada educational program.’ “Volunteer” is defined as “any individual selected to volunteer and content time to Venture for Canada’s programs, events, virtual activations, podcast participation and all other paid and non-paid activities. 

Harassment will not be tolerated by any person through his or her participation in any educational Venture for Canada programming, including but not limited to Fellow  Training Camp, Fellow Selection Days, Fellow REFRESH, Fellow graduation, and ongoing Venture for Canada training. Harassment is not tolerated by Program  Participants, Venture for Canada employees, or Venture for Canada volunteers. 

Harassment means engaging in the course of vexatious comment or conduct against a  Venture for Canada employee, volunteer, or Program Participant, which is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome or sexual harassment. Sexual  harassment means: 

  • Engaging in the course of vexatious comment or conduct against a participant in because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, where  the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to  be unwelcome, or 
  • Making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation  or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to  the participant and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the  solicitation or advance is unwelcome; 
  • Reasonable action taken by the employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of Program Participants is not harassment. 

Program Participants are encouraged to report any incidents of harassment to the appropriate person, as listed in the below program. 

Management or designated parties will investigate and deal with all complaints or incidents of harassment in a fair, respectful and timely manner. Information provided about an incident or about a complaint will not be disclosed except as necessary to protect Program Participants, to investigate the complaint or incident, to take corrective action or as otherwise required by law. 

Program Participants and volunteers are expected to adhere to this policy and will be held responsible by Venture for Canada for any breach thereof. Program Participants are not to be penalized or disciplined for reporting an incident or for participating in an investigation involving harassment. 

If a Program Participant needs further assistance, one may contact the CEO, Scott  Stirrett, at scott@ventureforcanada.ca, or the Chair Parm Gill at parm@gillgroup.ca.  

Submitting a Harassment Report to Employers: Venture for Canada Program Participants, volunteers, and clients are not employees of Venture for Canada.  Through participating in Venture for Canada educational programs, Venture for Canada facilitates participants to find employment at Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  

The aforementioned policy and the below program do not relate to any incident(s) that take place during one’s employment at any SMEs. If one would like to submit a  harassment complaint/report regarding an issue at one’s SME employer, one should  follow the policies/procedures of one’s employer.

Venture for Canada Program Participant Harassment Program: Venture for Canada is committed to providing an educational environment in which all  Program Participants are treated with respect and dignity. Harassment will not be tolerated from any person in the (including Venture for Canada employees/ volunteers,  Program Participants, and members of the public, as applicable). 

The harassment program applies to all Program Participants, including managers,  supervisors, temporary employees, students, Venture for Canada Program Participants and subcontractors. 

  1. Harassment 

Harassment means engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a  participant in a that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome or sexual harassment. Sexual harassment means: 

  • Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a participant in because of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, where  the course of comment or conduct is known or ought reasonably to be known to  be unwelcome, or
  • Making a sexual solicitation or advance where the person making the solicitation  or advance is in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to  the participant and the person knows or ought reasonably to know that the  solicitation or advance is unwelcome;
  1. Reporting harassment 

2A. How to report harassment:

Program Participants can report incidents or complaints of harassment verbally or in writing. Before submitting a formal harassment claim, Program Participants have the option to keep Venture for Canada updated about potentially inappropriate incidents through submitting an incident report (the report can be structured as the participant deems fit). 

When submitting a written harassment complaint, please use the harassment complaint form (see below). When reporting verbally, the reporting contact, along with the participant complaining of harassment, will fill out the complaint form. 

  1. Harassment Complaint Form:

The report of the incident should include the following information: 

  • Name(s) of the participant who has allegedly experienced harassment (the  “Complainant”) and contact information:
  • Name of the alleged harasser(s) (the “Defendant”), position and contact  information (if known): 
  • Names of the witness(es) (if any) or other person(s) with relevant information  to provide about the incident (if any) and contact information (if known) • Details of what happened including date(s), frequency and location(s) of the  alleged incident(s) 
  • Any supporting documents the Complainant may have in his/her possession that are relevant to the complaint; i.e. emails, texts, voice messages, etc. • List any documents a witness, another person or the alleged harasser may have in their possession that are relevant to the complaint.

2B. Who to report harassment to:

If the report is related to other Venture for Canada Program Participants, Venture for  Canada volunteers, Venture for Canada employees, or members of the public, the  report should be submitted to the CEO.  

If the CEO or a Board member is the individual being reported for harassment, then the report should be sent to the Chair of the Venture for Canada board. If the Chair is being reported for harassment, then the report should be sent to the secretary of the  Board.  

  1. Investigation 

3A. Commitment to investigate

Venture for Canada will ensure that an investigation appropriate in the circumstances is conducted when a Venture for Canada employee receives a  complaint of harassment.

1. Who will investigate

The designated individual, as listed in 2C above, will determine who will conduct the investigation into the incident or complaint of harassment, and should, if possible, defer to legal counsel or an internal or external human resources consultant. 

2. Timing of the investigation

The investigation must be completed in a timely manner and generally within 90  days or less unless there are extenuating circumstances (i.e. illness, complex investigation) warranting a longer investigation.

3. Investigation process

The person conducting the investigation whether internal or external will, at  minimum, complete the following: 

The investigator must ensure the investigation is kept confidential and identifying information is not disclosed unless necessary to conduct the investigation. The investigator should remind the parties of this confidentiality obligation at the beginning of the investigation. 

The investigator must thoroughly interview the Complainant and the Defendant(s), if the Defendant(s) is a Program Participant. 

The investigator must collect and review any relevant documents. 

The investigator must take appropriate notes and statements during interviews with the Complainant, and any witnesses. 

The investigator must prepare a written report summarizing the steps taken during the investigation, the complaint, the allegations of the Complainant, the response from the Defendant(s), the evidence of any witnesses, and the evidence gathered. The report must set out findings of fact and come to a conclusion about whether harassment was found or not.

4. Results of the investigation

Within 10 days of the investigation being completed, the Complainant and the  Defendant(s), if he or she is a participant of the employer, will be informed in writing of the results of the investigation and any corrective action taken or that will be taken by the employer to address harassment.

5. Confidentiality

Information about complaints and incidents shall be kept confidential to the extent possible. Information obtained about an incident or complaint of harassment,  including identifying information about any individuals involved, will not be disclosed unless disclosure is necessary to protect Program Participants, to investigate the complaint or incident, to take corrective action or otherwise as required by law. 

While the investigation is on-going, the Complainant, the Defendant(s) and any witnesses should not to discuss the incident or complaint or the investigation with each other or other Program Participants or witnesses unless necessary to obtain advice about their rights. The investigator may discuss the investigation and disclose the incident or complaint-related information only as necessary to conduct the investigation.

All records of the investigation will be kept confidential.

6.Handling complaints

Venture for Canada will set out any interim measures that may be taken after the complaint is received and during the investigation. Venture for Canada will also set out how the organization might deal with the complaint of harassment if harassment is found. This may include discipline up to and including termination. 

  1. Record keeping 

The organization will keep records of the investigation including: 

  • A copy of the complaint or details about the incident; 
  • a record of the investigation, including notes; 
  • a copy of the investigation report (if any); 
  • a summary of the results of the investigation that was provided to the  participant who allegedly experienced the harassment; 
  • a copy of any corrective action taken to address the complaint or incident of harassment. 

All records of the investigation will be kept confidential. The investigation documents, including this report, should not be disclosed unless necessary to investigate an incident or complaint of harassment, take corrective action or otherwise as required by law.

EVENTS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIAPTION LIABILITY:

LIABILITY

In organizing, promoting, hosting and facilitating conferences, in-person events, and community gatherings, Venture for Canada will use best efforts to create and contribute to an environment that is accessible, respectful, productive, and professional for speakers, volunteers, attendees and participants in compliance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct. However, Venture for Canada disclaims legal liability for any physical, psychological, emotional or any other damages, losses or injury incurred by the speakers, attendees, volunteers, and participants due to the conduct of said parties that is outside Venture for Canada’s reasonable control.