1. Introduction
The Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC) website is owned and administered by the Genetic Aortic Disorders Association (GADA) Canada (“GADA Canada”, “MAC”, “we”, “our”, or “us”).
We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of the personal information entrusted to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, store, and protect personal information when you visit our website or interact with MAC.
By using this website, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.
2. Contact Information
Montalcino Aortic Consortium (MAC)
Administered by Genetic Aortic Disorders Association (GADA) Canada
P.O. Box 42257
Mississauga RPO Maple Woods
Ontario L5M 4Z0
Canada
Email: info@gadacanada.ca
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us using the information above.
3. Information We Collect
Depending on how you interact with our website, we may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:
- Name
- Professional title
- Institution or organization
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Country
- Information submitted through contact forms
- Membership application information
- Event registration information
- Newsletter subscription information
- Any information voluntarily provided in correspondence with MAC
You are not required to provide personal information simply to browse this website.
4. Information We Do Not Collect
The MAC website does not collect, receive, store or process:
- patient medical records;
- research participant data;
- clinical registry data;
- genetic testing results;
- protected health information;
- identifiable healthcare records.
Research data is collected only by participating institutions using their own approved research systems, ethics approvals and secure research platforms.
5. How We Use Personal Information
We may use your information to:
- respond to inquiries;
- process membership applications;
- communicate with members;
- administer MAC activities;
- register participants for meetings and educational events;
- distribute newsletters and updates;
- improve our website and services;
- comply with legal obligations.
We use personal information only for purposes consistent with those for which it was collected.
6. Newsletter Communications
If you subscribe to receive MAC communications, your email address will be added to our mailing list.
We currently use Mailchimp to manage email communications.
You may unsubscribe at any time by selecting the “Unsubscribe” link included in every email.
Once you unsubscribe, you will no longer receive newsletters unless you subscribe again.
7. Membership Applications
Membership applications submitted through this website are reviewed manually by the MAC Executive Committee.
Information submitted as part of a membership application is retained as part of MAC’s administrative records.
Membership accounts may be approved, declined, suspended or terminated in accordance with MAC governance policies.
8. Cookies
Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to improve website performance and user experience.
Cookies may be used to:
- remember website preferences;
- improve website functionality;
- measure website performance;
- support website security.
Visitors may accept or decline non-essential cookies through our cookie management tools.
Disabling cookies may affect certain website functions.
9. Website Analytics
MAC may use website analytics services, including Google Analytics, to understand how visitors use our website.
Analytics information may include:
- browser type;
- operating system;
- pages visited;
- referring website;
- time spent on pages;
- general geographic location;
- device information.
Analytics information is generally collected in an aggregated and non-identifiable manner.
10. Website Technologies
The MAC website currently uses technologies including:
- WordPress
- Elementor
- JetEngine
- Yoast SEO
- LiteSpeed Cache
- Google reCAPTCHA
- Mailchimp
These services may process limited technical information necessary for website operation.
Please refer to each provider’s own privacy policies for additional information.
11. Sharing Personal Information
MAC does not sell personal information.
We may share personal information only:
- with trusted service providers assisting MAC;
- when required by law;
- to protect legal rights;
- with your consent.
Any service providers receiving personal information are expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security.
12. International Visitors
The MAC website is available internationally.
Personal information submitted through this website is stored in Canada.
Authorized administrators located in other countries may access information where necessary for the administration of MAC activities.
By using this website, you acknowledge that your information may be transferred internationally where permitted by applicable law.
13. Data Retention
Unless a longer retention period is required by law, MAC generally retains information as follows:
|
Information |
Retention |
|
Contact inquiries |
Retained for organizational records |
|
Membership applications |
Retained indefinitely |
|
Event registrations |
Retained indefinitely |
|
Newsletter subscriptions |
Until you unsubscribe |
|
Administrative correspondence |
Retained as organizational records |
14. Security
MAC takes reasonable administrative, technical and organizational measures to protect personal information against:
- unauthorized access;
- loss;
- theft;
- misuse;
- alteration;
- disclosure.
While we strive to protect personal information, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure.
15. Your Privacy Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may request to:
- access personal information we hold about you;
- correct inaccurate information;
- withdraw consent where appropriate;
- inquire about our privacy practices.
Requests should be directed to info@gadacanada.ca.
16. Children’s Privacy
The MAC website may be used by parents, guardians and caregivers seeking information regarding children with genetic aortic disorders.
The website is not intended for children to independently submit personal information.
Parents or legal guardians should supervise children’s use of the website.
17. Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites.
MAC is not responsible for the privacy practices, security or content of external websites.
Users should review the privacy policies of those websites independently.
18. Accessibility
MAC is committed to making this website accessible to all users.
If you require this Privacy Policy in an alternative format or experience accessibility barriers while using our website, please contact us.
19. Changes to This Privacy Policy
MAC may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
When changes are made, the revised version will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date.
Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Privacy Policy.
20. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy shall be governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the applicable federal laws of Canada.
Any disputes relating to this Privacy Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario, Canada.