Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

HSM Mediation & ADR ("we", "us", or "our") is committed to protecting your personal information and your right to privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect information about you when you use our website or engage our mediation services.

This policy is compliant with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable Nova Scotia provincial privacy legislation.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following types of personal information:

• Identity information: Full name, email address, phone number
• Case information: Nature of dispute, relationship to opposing party, legal status of dispute, duration of dispute
• Opposing party information: Name, contact details (if provided), and consent status
• Supporting documents: Files and attachments uploaded during the booking process
• Payment information: Invoice data, payment method, transaction references, and proof of payment
• Communication data: Messages sent via our contact form or email
• Technical data: IP address, browser type, and usage data collected via cookies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

• To assess the suitability of your case for mediation
• To schedule and conduct mediation sessions
• To communicate with you regarding your case status
• To process payments and issue invoices
• To comply with legal and professional obligations
• To improve our website and services
• To send service-related notifications and confirmations

We will never sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. Confidentiality of Mediation Information

All information disclosed during the mediation process is subject to strict confidentiality obligations. This includes all documents, discussions, positions, and any agreements reached. This information will not be disclosed to any third party without the written consent of all parties, except where required by law.

Our mediators are bound by professional confidentiality obligations in addition to this policy.

5. How We Store Your Information

Your personal information is stored securely on encrypted servers. We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your data against unauthorized access, loss, or destruction.

Supporting documents and payment proofs are stored on private, access-controlled storage and are not publicly accessible.

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and comply with legal obligations, typically for a period of 7 years following the conclusion of your case.

6. Sharing Your Information

We may share your information in the following limited circumstances:

• With the opposing party: Only information necessary for the mediation process and only with your knowledge
• Service providers: Third-party providers who assist us in operating our website and services (e.g., email delivery, cloud storage), who are bound by confidentiality agreements
• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Professional obligations: Where disclosure is required by applicable professional standards

7. Cookies and Tracking

Our website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You may disable cookies through your browser settings, though this may affect the functionality of certain parts of our website.

We use Google reCAPTCHA on certain forms for security purposes. This service is subject to Google's Privacy Policy.

8. Your Rights

Under PIPEDA and applicable Canadian privacy law, you have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Withdraw consent to the collection or use of your information (subject to legal and contractual restrictions)
• Request deletion of your personal information where we have no legal obligation to retain it
• File a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@hsmmediation.com.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourage you to review their privacy policies independently.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our services following any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact our Privacy Officer:

HSM Mediation & ADR
Adv. Henry Massaba
Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Email: info@hsmmediation.com
Phone: +1 782 233 9555