Privacy Policy

Personal details, including your name, phone number, or email address, are not automatically captured. Goods Services Tax only collects such information if you provide it via email or by signing up in a secure area of the site for a service or program (e.g., voluntarily providing personal data when filling out an online form or service request).

Due to the Internet’s nature, web servers automatically collect specific information about a site visit, such as the visitor’s Internet Protocol (IP) address. IPs are unique numbers assigned by Internet Service Providers (ISP) to all Internet-connected devices. These IP addresses are automatically logged by web servers. An IP address does not identify an individual alone, but with the collaboration of an ISP, it could be used to identify a user of the site. Hence, the Government of Canada classifies the IP address as personal information when combined with other data automatically collected when a web page is requested, such as the pages visited, and the time and date of the visit.

When services are provided by external organizations, like social media platforms or search or mobile applications, IP addresses may be recorded by the third-party service provider.

All personal information created, held, or collected by Goods Services Tax is protected under the federal Privacy Act. At each collection point, you will be asked for consent to collect your data, or you will be notified of the authority for the collection. You will also be informed about why the personal data is being collected and how to exercise your right to access and correct that data. In such situations, the handling of your personal information is described in a Personal Information Collection Statement.

Typically, visitors’ personal information is not disclosed to anyone except Goods Services Tax personnel who need the information to perform their duties. Any additional disclosure of your personal information would comply with the federal Privacy Act and Part 4 of the Department of Employment and Social Development Act (DESDA), if applicable.

Use of Google Analytics

Goods Services Tax uses Google Analytics, a web analytics service from Google Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics employs “cookies”, which are text files saved on your computer, to assist the website in analyzing how users interact with the site. The information generated by the cookie about your site usage will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States.

Goods Services Tax uses this information to evaluate your usage of the website, to compile reports on website activity, and to offer other services related to website activity and internet usage. This tool helps us improve our services, user experience, and our website’s structure.

Opting Out of Google Analytics

Goods Services Tax understands that not all users want their web visit data stored. Therefore, Google provides an opt-out component for their Analytics program. If you want to opt out of Google Analytics data collection, you can download and install a browser add-on available here: https://tools.google.com/dlpage/gaoptout/. Please note that this will opt you out of Google Analytics on all websites, not just Goods Services Tax’s site.

Alternatively, you can modify your browser settings to reject cookies, which will also prevent Google Analytics from storing your data. However, be aware that refusing cookies may affect your user experience on our site and restrict access to certain features.

We value your privacy and strive to provide you with the control over how your data is used and stored. If you have questions or concerns about how we handle your data, please contact us.

Communicating with Goods Services Tax

If you choose to send an email to Goods Services Tax or fill out an online feedback form, your personal information may be used to respond to your inquiry. Goods Services Tax does not use the information to create individual profiles. Any disclosure of your personal data is in compliance with the Privacy Act and Part 4 of the DESDA, if applicable.

Bear in mind that emails and other electronic methods used to communicate with Goods Services Tax are not secure unless it is specifically mentioned on a webpage. Thus, we recommend that you avoid sending sensitive personal information, such as your Social Insurance Number or date of birth, via non-secure electronic means.

Third-Party Social Media

Goods Services Tax’s usage of social media serves as an extension of its presence on the web. Social media accounts are public and are not hosted on Goods Services Tax’s servers. Users who decide to interact with Goods Services Tax via social media should read the terms of service and privacy policies of these third-party service providers and those of any applications used to access them.