Cookie Policy

1. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your computer, tablet, or mobile device when you visit our website. They help us remember your preferences, understand how you use our site, and improve your overall browsing experience.

Types of Data Stored in Cookies

• User preferences and settings
• Login status and session information
• Website navigation patterns
• Language and regional preferences
• Shopping cart contents (if applicable)
• Analytics and performance data

2. Types of Cookies We Use

Essential Cookies

These cookies are necessary for our website to function properly and cannot be disabled:

• Session Cookies: Maintain your connection and session state
• Security Cookies: Help protect against fraudulent activity
• Load Balancing: Ensure optimal website performance
• Cookie Consent: Remember your cookie preferences

Performance and Analytics Cookies

These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website:

• Google Analytics: Track website usage and performance
• Heat Mapping: Understand user behavior patterns
• Page Load Times: Monitor and improve site speed
• Error Tracking: Identify and resolve technical issues

Functional Cookies

These cookies enhance your browsing experience by remembering your preferences:

• Language Settings: Remember your preferred language
• Contact Form Data: Retain form information during your session
• Accessibility Settings: Maintain your accessibility preferences
• Theme Preferences: Remember your display settings

Marketing Cookies (Optional)

These cookies help us provide relevant information and improve our services:

• Conversion Tracking: Measure the effectiveness of our communications
• Retargeting: Show relevant content based on your interests
• Social Media Integration: Enable sharing and social features
• Email Campaign Tracking: Understand engagement with our communications

3. Third-Party Cookies

Some cookies on our website are set by third-party services that we use to enhance functionality:

Google Services

• Google Analytics: Website traffic and usage analysis
• Google Fonts: Enhanced typography and design
• Google Maps: Location services and mapping (if applicable)

Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

• Performance Optimization: Faster content delivery
• Geographic Load Balancing: Improved site speed globally
• Security Enhancement: Protection against malicious attacks

These third-party services have their own privacy policies and cookie practices, which we encourage you to review.

4. Cookie Duration

We use both session cookies and persistent cookies:

Session Cookies

• Temporary cookies that expire when you close your browser
• Used for essential website functionality
• Do not store personal information permanently

Persistent Cookies

• Short-term (1-30 days): Form data and recent preferences
• Medium-term (1-12 months): User preferences and settings
• Long-term (1-2 years): Analytics and performance tracking
• Cookie Consent: Up to 1 year to remember your choices

5. Managing Your Cookie Preferences

Browser Settings

You can control cookies through your browser settings:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and other site data
• Firefox: Options → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
• Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies and website data
• Edge: Settings → Cookies and site permissions → Cookies and site data

Cookie Consent Management

When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner allowing you to:

• Accept all cookies for the best experience
• Accept only essential cookies
• Customize your cookie preferences
• Learn more about our cookie practices

Opting Out of Analytics

You can opt out of Google Analytics by:

• Installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on
• Using browser privacy modes (incognito/private browsing)
• Disabling cookies in your browser settings
• Using ad-blocking software with privacy features

6. Impact of Disabling Cookies

While you can disable cookies, doing so may affect your experience on our website:

Essential Cookies Disabled

• Website functionality may be limited
• Forms may not work properly
• Security features may be compromised
• Session data may not be maintained

Analytics Cookies Disabled

• We cannot improve user experience based on usage data
• Performance issues may not be identified quickly
• Content optimization may be less effective

Functional Cookies Disabled

• Preferences will not be remembered between visits
• You may need to re-enter information repeatedly
• Personalization features will not work

7. Mobile App Considerations

If we develop mobile applications in the future, similar tracking technologies may be used:

• Device Identifiers: For analytics and personalization
• Local Storage: To maintain app functionality
• Push Notifications: For important updates (with permission)
• Location Data: For location-based services (with permission)

Any future mobile applications will include appropriate privacy controls and consent mechanisms.

8. Canadian Privacy Compliance

Our cookie practices comply with Canadian privacy legislation:

• PIPEDA Compliance: Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act
• Provincial Laws: Compliance with applicable provincial privacy laws
• Consent Requirements: Obtaining appropriate consent for cookie use
• Data Minimization: Collecting only necessary information
• Transparency: Clear information about our practices

9. Updates to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in:

• Our cookie practices and technologies
• Legal requirements and regulations
• Industry best practices
• Website functionality and features

When we make significant changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date
• Notify users through website banners
• Request new consent when required
• Send email notifications for major changes

10. Contact Us About Cookies

If you have questions or concerns about our use of cookies, please contact us:

We are committed to addressing your concerns and providing clear information about our cookie practices.

11. Related Policies

For more information about how we handle your personal information, please review our related policies:

• Privacy Policy - Comprehensive privacy practices
• Terms and Conditions - Website usage terms
• Disclaimer - Important legal information