PRIVACY COMMITMENT - Your privacy is very important to
us
Your privacy is very important to us. We are committed to earning your trust by safeguarding your personal information. All the information you provide to us is securely maintained and is kept strictly confidential. We do not, and will not, sell or rent our customer lists or private health information to other companies.
This Privacy Commitment describes clearly the information we collect, how we use it and how it is protected. It also details how to verify the accuracy of your personal information.
The following principles govern our collection and use of your personal information:
Who are we?
Metro Ontario Inc. operates grocery stores across Ontario, under the names of Metro, Dominion, A&P, Ultra Food & Drug, The Barn Markets and Food Basics. Metro Ontario Pharmacies Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary that operates pharmacies in some of those stores. We have been serving Canadians since 1927.
What information do we collect and why do we collect it?
We may collect personal information about you through various contacts, such as:
The type of personal information we collect may include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and shopping transaction history, including store, date and time, total spent, payment type (e.g. cash, debit or credit – but not your card number), items purchased, use of coupons and participation in promotions. When you use our pharmacy service, we may also collect your personal health information, in strict compliance with applicable laws.
The collection of information through the AIR MILES Collector Card is necessary for you to receive the AIR MILES reward miles to which you are entitled. Metro Ontario Inc. provides the AIR MILES Reward Program only with the Collector and transaction information necessary to administer and market the AIR MILES Reward Program.
We collect the same information as described above for the A&P Thunder Bucks program in Thunder Bay , using the Super Saver Card. The collection of this information is necessary for you to receive the Thunder Bucks (Grocery Gift Certificates) to which you are entitled.
We collect personal information to operate the programs you have joined or to offer additional products and services that we believe may interest you.
Satisfying your needs is very important to us. The information we collect is used to better understand what our customers buy so that we can keep improving our products and services . From time to time, with your consent, we may contact you for market research purposes. We may also select a limited number of special offers, free samples or other information to send you. We are committed to ensuring that you only receive those communications that would be of most interest to you. We use the information we collect to streamline communications so what you receive is specifically tailored to meet your needs. If at any time you would like us to stop sending you this type of material, please contact us at the address below.
In exceptional circumstances, we may use your information to contact you on occasions where we have determined that it is both necessary and beneficial to you. For example, we may contact you if you forget your property in the store or if we discover that we have not given you sufficient change or your cash back with your debit card.
If you have signed up for in-store cheque cashing privileges, we may also use your information to contact you if we have any questions about a cheque you have written.
At our pharmacies, we may collect your name, date of birth, weight (if under age 13), previous and current medical conditions, allergies, previous medication history, drug plan information (if applicable, including OHIP number for the Ontario Drug Plan over age 65 patients), physician information, pregnancy/lactation status (if applicable), and other pertinent health care information necessary to service your health needs.
Our pharmacies collect personal information to perform the following:
Who has access to your personal information?
Selected Metro Ontario Inc. employees: Access to your personal information is limited to a select group of Metro Ontario Inc. employees who use it only for purposes explained in the previous sections. All these employees are bound by this Privacy Commitment. Unauthorized access to, misuse and/or disclosure of customer information by an employee of Metro Ontario Inc. is strictly prohibited. All employees are expected to maintain the confidentiality of customer information at all times and failing to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary measures.
Outside service suppliers: We sometimes use outside organizations to provide services such as analysis, market research, data processing and printing. Our pharmacies may utilize a medication delivery service or supplementary health information service, but only with your consent. All these suppliers are bound by strict contracts to protect the privacy and security of your information, and they are given only the information necessary to perform those services. They are also prohibited from storing, analyzing or using that information for any other purpose.
AIR MILES Reward Program: Metro Ontario Inc. provides the AIR MILES Reward Program with Collector and transaction information necessary to administer and market the AIR MILES Reward Program of which Metro Ontario Inc. is a Sponsor. For information about the AIR MILES Privacy Commitment, visit www.airmiles.ca or call 1 888 AIR MILES.
No collection of personal information during web browsing
Metro Ontario Inc. (Metro) gathers no personal information concerning you while you are surfing the web site and only when you willingly subscribe to a specific service and you are asked to provide such information.
Information gathered in the “Personalize your site” section
In the “Personalize your site” section, Metro asks you to supply your first and last name, e-mail address, postal code and certain other information. All this information serves solely to personalize your visit, to let you print electronic coupons and, should you so wish, to send you various information by e-mail. You are free to alter at any time the information supplied and the preferences outlined in your user profile in the “Personalize your site” section. You can also ask Metro to delete your user profile by contacting Metro’s Customer Service at the following address: consumer@metro.ca.
Non-disclosure of personal information
Except as provided in this paragraph, Metro does not divulge to third parties personal information gathered on its Web site, unless Metro obtains your authorization to do so or in particular circumstances, as for example, when Metro believes in good faith that the law requires it. Moreover, Metro does not sell its list of Web site users. Only the employees, representatives or officers of Metro responsible for the management and development of Metro’s Web site have access to the information collected there. These employees, representatives or officers all have been instructed to comply with the policy in force with respect to confidentiality.
Other information gathered for statistical purposes
Certain information is collected automatically whenever you access Metro’s Web site, but none of this information identifies you personally. Among other data, it notes the domain name and IP address used to access Metro’s Web site as well as the type of browser and system you are using. Metro makes use of information gathered for statistical purposes to keep track of the number of visits to its Web site with a view to introducing improvements.
Cookies
Metro employs “cookies”. “Cookies” are small text files copied to your hard disk from Metro’s Web site. “Cookies” enable Metro to recognize your browser (the software you use to surf the Internet) when you visit Metro’s Web site. “Cookies” mainly help Metro offer better service by making it possible to personalize the content of the Web site. For example, the use of “cookies” makes it possible to refer to favorite recipes in the “Cookbook” section, to go to your grocery list in the “Grocery List” section and to print electronic coupons. You may choose at any time not to have “cookies” simply by modifying the configuration of your browser.
Risks associated with the Internet
Despite Metro’s efforts to ensure third parties will not access or obtain personal information concerning you through its Web site, complete confidentiality and security cannot be guaranteed currently on the Internet. Communication via the Internet is subject to interception, loss or alteration. You acknowledge and agree that Metro cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from the transmission of confidential information or personal information over the Internet and that such communications are at your own risk.
Hyperlinks to other sites
Metro’s Web site may contain hyperlinks enabling users to visit sites maintained by other companies. Metro has no control over these sites and is not responsible for those listed on its site. Any information you transmit to these sites will be subject to confidentiality policies applicable to those sites.
Consent
By browsing Metro’s Web site, you consent, without qualification, to the current policy with respect to confidentiality.
For any question concerning our current policy respecting confidentiality, please contact Customer Service at the following address: consumer@metro.ca. Drug Benefit Plans: We disclose personal information to drug benefit plan administrators in order for them to pay for the medication(s) and service(s) provided. These insurance providers do have the ability to internally audit the pharmacy upon sufficient notice.
Government Authorities: If we are required by law or a court order to disclose personal information, we will disclose only that information that is legally required.
How do we safeguard your information?
We are committed to keeping secure the data we collect and take precautions to protect it from unauthorized access, loss, misuse or alteration. The following are the security safeguards that we have in place to provide necessary protection:
Giving Consent
The cornerstone to protecting your privacy is consent. We only collect, use, and disclose your personal information with your consent, unless otherwise required by law. Your consent to disclosure can be either express or implied.
Express Consent: You can give us your express consent in writing, in person, electronically, by telephone, or by using a check-off box.
Implied Consent: Your implied consent may be as a result of some action or inaction on your part. One action that signifies your implied consent is when you voluntarily provide your personal information to us. Your consent is also implied when you use your AIR MILES Collector Card in our stores.
Whether your consent is express or implied, you are not consenting to Metro Ontario Inc. sharing your personal information beyond what has been described in this Commitment. Under no circumstances will we sell or rent customer lists or personal information to others.
Accessing your personal information
You may access and verify your personal information and find out to whom we have disclosed it by contacting us at the address below. We will respond to your request as quickly as possible and no later than 30 days after receipt of your request. Responding to a request for information will usually be done at no cost to you. However, a fee for reasonable costs incurred may be charged in responding to more complex or multiple queries. We will notify you of such costs before processing the request.
Contacting Us
If you have any questions about our Privacy Commitment or would like to access or verify your personal information, you can contact us via e-mail at fresh@metro.ca or by writing to:
Metro Ontario Inc. Privacy Commitment
P.O. Box 68, Station A
Toronto, ON , M5W 1A6
Our Opt Out Policy
At any time, you can contact us at the above address if you do not want to receive any marketing and/or promotional communications from Metro Ontario Inc. in electronic, printed or verbal format.
AIR MILES Reward Program Opt Out Policy
If you do not wish to receive marketing or promotional communications in electronic, printed or verbal format, other than AIR MILES Summaries, simply inform the AIR MILES Reward Program in writing at:
AIR MILES ® Customer Service
P.O. Box 602, Station A
Scarborough, Ontario M1K 5K7
or by e-mail to privacyoffice@airmiles.ca . Your ability to collect or redeem AIR MILES reward miles will not be affected. For more information, visit www.airmiles.ca or call 1 888 AIR MILES.
® AIR MILES is a trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty One, Inc. and Metro Ontario Inc.
Your privacy is very important to us. We are committed to earning your trust by safeguarding your personal information. All the information you provide to us is securely maintained and is kept strictly confidential. We do not, and will not, sell or rent our customer lists or private health information to other companies.
This Privacy Commitment describes clearly the information we collect, how we use it and how it is protected. It also details how to verify the accuracy of your personal information.
The following principles govern our collection and use of your personal information:
- Information is only gathered with your consent.
- Information is kept strictly confidential and secure.
- Information is only used for the purposes stated.
- Information is checked for accuracy.
- You may have access to your personal information upon request.
Who are we?
Metro Ontario Inc. operates grocery stores across Ontario, under the names of Metro, Dominion, A&P, Ultra Food & Drug, The Barn Markets and Food Basics. Metro Ontario Pharmacies Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary that operates pharmacies in some of those stores. We have been serving Canadians since 1927.
What information do we collect and why do we collect it?
We may collect personal information about you through various contacts, such as:
- through the use of loyalty cards, such as the AIR MILES ® Collector Card or the A&P Super Saver Card (in Thunder Bay only).
- through the use of the A&P Super Saver Cheque Cashing/Savings Card.
- via direct mail.
- over the phone (i.e. when you call our Customer Care Department at 1-877-76 FRESH) or in person at our Customer Service Desk.
- through the internet (e.g. ‘Contact Us', flyer subscription, contests, etc.).
- when you use our pharmacy service.
The type of personal information we collect may include your name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and shopping transaction history, including store, date and time, total spent, payment type (e.g. cash, debit or credit – but not your card number), items purchased, use of coupons and participation in promotions. When you use our pharmacy service, we may also collect your personal health information, in strict compliance with applicable laws.
The collection of information through the AIR MILES Collector Card is necessary for you to receive the AIR MILES reward miles to which you are entitled. Metro Ontario Inc. provides the AIR MILES Reward Program only with the Collector and transaction information necessary to administer and market the AIR MILES Reward Program.
We collect the same information as described above for the A&P Thunder Bucks program in Thunder Bay , using the Super Saver Card. The collection of this information is necessary for you to receive the Thunder Bucks (Grocery Gift Certificates) to which you are entitled.
We collect personal information to operate the programs you have joined or to offer additional products and services that we believe may interest you.
Satisfying your needs is very important to us. The information we collect is used to better understand what our customers buy so that we can keep improving our products and services . From time to time, with your consent, we may contact you for market research purposes. We may also select a limited number of special offers, free samples or other information to send you. We are committed to ensuring that you only receive those communications that would be of most interest to you. We use the information we collect to streamline communications so what you receive is specifically tailored to meet your needs. If at any time you would like us to stop sending you this type of material, please contact us at the address below.
In exceptional circumstances, we may use your information to contact you on occasions where we have determined that it is both necessary and beneficial to you. For example, we may contact you if you forget your property in the store or if we discover that we have not given you sufficient change or your cash back with your debit card.
If you have signed up for in-store cheque cashing privileges, we may also use your information to contact you if we have any questions about a cheque you have written.
At our pharmacies, we may collect your name, date of birth, weight (if under age 13), previous and current medical conditions, allergies, previous medication history, drug plan information (if applicable, including OHIP number for the Ontario Drug Plan over age 65 patients), physician information, pregnancy/lactation status (if applicable), and other pertinent health care information necessary to service your health needs.
Our pharmacies collect personal information to perform the following:
- To provide enough health information for our pharmacists to properly counsel, fill, and recommend products to match your health care needs, and to assist physicians and other health care providers in managing your drug therapy.
- To manage an accurate database of your health information to assist other health care professionals as needed.
- To allow third party public and private drug benefit administrators enough information to pay for the medication(s) and service(s) provided.
- Call-backs and therapy changes – we may call you after the prescription filling process to follow up on your drug therapy.
Who has access to your personal information?
Selected Metro Ontario Inc. employees: Access to your personal information is limited to a select group of Metro Ontario Inc. employees who use it only for purposes explained in the previous sections. All these employees are bound by this Privacy Commitment. Unauthorized access to, misuse and/or disclosure of customer information by an employee of Metro Ontario Inc. is strictly prohibited. All employees are expected to maintain the confidentiality of customer information at all times and failing to do so will result in appropriate disciplinary measures.
Outside service suppliers: We sometimes use outside organizations to provide services such as analysis, market research, data processing and printing. Our pharmacies may utilize a medication delivery service or supplementary health information service, but only with your consent. All these suppliers are bound by strict contracts to protect the privacy and security of your information, and they are given only the information necessary to perform those services. They are also prohibited from storing, analyzing or using that information for any other purpose.
AIR MILES Reward Program: Metro Ontario Inc. provides the AIR MILES Reward Program with Collector and transaction information necessary to administer and market the AIR MILES Reward Program of which Metro Ontario Inc. is a Sponsor. For information about the AIR MILES Privacy Commitment, visit www.airmiles.ca or call 1 888 AIR MILES.
No collection of personal information during web browsing
Metro Ontario Inc. (Metro) gathers no personal information concerning you while you are surfing the web site and only when you willingly subscribe to a specific service and you are asked to provide such information.
Information gathered in the “Personalize your site” section
In the “Personalize your site” section, Metro asks you to supply your first and last name, e-mail address, postal code and certain other information. All this information serves solely to personalize your visit, to let you print electronic coupons and, should you so wish, to send you various information by e-mail. You are free to alter at any time the information supplied and the preferences outlined in your user profile in the “Personalize your site” section. You can also ask Metro to delete your user profile by contacting Metro’s Customer Service at the following address: consumer@metro.ca.
Non-disclosure of personal information
Except as provided in this paragraph, Metro does not divulge to third parties personal information gathered on its Web site, unless Metro obtains your authorization to do so or in particular circumstances, as for example, when Metro believes in good faith that the law requires it. Moreover, Metro does not sell its list of Web site users. Only the employees, representatives or officers of Metro responsible for the management and development of Metro’s Web site have access to the information collected there. These employees, representatives or officers all have been instructed to comply with the policy in force with respect to confidentiality.
Other information gathered for statistical purposes
Certain information is collected automatically whenever you access Metro’s Web site, but none of this information identifies you personally. Among other data, it notes the domain name and IP address used to access Metro’s Web site as well as the type of browser and system you are using. Metro makes use of information gathered for statistical purposes to keep track of the number of visits to its Web site with a view to introducing improvements.
Cookies
Metro employs “cookies”. “Cookies” are small text files copied to your hard disk from Metro’s Web site. “Cookies” enable Metro to recognize your browser (the software you use to surf the Internet) when you visit Metro’s Web site. “Cookies” mainly help Metro offer better service by making it possible to personalize the content of the Web site. For example, the use of “cookies” makes it possible to refer to favorite recipes in the “Cookbook” section, to go to your grocery list in the “Grocery List” section and to print electronic coupons. You may choose at any time not to have “cookies” simply by modifying the configuration of your browser.
Risks associated with the Internet
Despite Metro’s efforts to ensure third parties will not access or obtain personal information concerning you through its Web site, complete confidentiality and security cannot be guaranteed currently on the Internet. Communication via the Internet is subject to interception, loss or alteration. You acknowledge and agree that Metro cannot be held responsible for damages resulting from the transmission of confidential information or personal information over the Internet and that such communications are at your own risk.
Hyperlinks to other sites
Metro’s Web site may contain hyperlinks enabling users to visit sites maintained by other companies. Metro has no control over these sites and is not responsible for those listed on its site. Any information you transmit to these sites will be subject to confidentiality policies applicable to those sites.
Consent
By browsing Metro’s Web site, you consent, without qualification, to the current policy with respect to confidentiality.
For any question concerning our current policy respecting confidentiality, please contact Customer Service at the following address: consumer@metro.ca. Drug Benefit Plans: We disclose personal information to drug benefit plan administrators in order for them to pay for the medication(s) and service(s) provided. These insurance providers do have the ability to internally audit the pharmacy upon sufficient notice.
Government Authorities: If we are required by law or a court order to disclose personal information, we will disclose only that information that is legally required.
How do we safeguard your information?
We are committed to keeping secure the data we collect and take precautions to protect it from unauthorized access, loss, misuse or alteration. The following are the security safeguards that we have in place to provide necessary protection:
- Physical measures such as secure filing cabinets.
- Technology tools such as user ID numbers, passwords and firewalls.
- Organizational controls such as limiting access on a ‘need-to-know' basis, staff training, and confidentiality agreements.
- Compliance with the patient confidentiality requirement of the Drug and Pharmacy Regulations Act.
Giving Consent
The cornerstone to protecting your privacy is consent. We only collect, use, and disclose your personal information with your consent, unless otherwise required by law. Your consent to disclosure can be either express or implied.
Express Consent: You can give us your express consent in writing, in person, electronically, by telephone, or by using a check-off box.
Implied Consent: Your implied consent may be as a result of some action or inaction on your part. One action that signifies your implied consent is when you voluntarily provide your personal information to us. Your consent is also implied when you use your AIR MILES Collector Card in our stores.
Whether your consent is express or implied, you are not consenting to Metro Ontario Inc. sharing your personal information beyond what has been described in this Commitment. Under no circumstances will we sell or rent customer lists or personal information to others.
Accessing your personal information
You may access and verify your personal information and find out to whom we have disclosed it by contacting us at the address below. We will respond to your request as quickly as possible and no later than 30 days after receipt of your request. Responding to a request for information will usually be done at no cost to you. However, a fee for reasonable costs incurred may be charged in responding to more complex or multiple queries. We will notify you of such costs before processing the request.
Contacting Us
If you have any questions about our Privacy Commitment or would like to access or verify your personal information, you can contact us via e-mail at fresh@metro.ca or by writing to:
Metro Ontario Inc. Privacy Commitment
P.O. Box 68, Station A
Toronto, ON , M5W 1A6
Our Opt Out Policy
At any time, you can contact us at the above address if you do not want to receive any marketing and/or promotional communications from Metro Ontario Inc. in electronic, printed or verbal format.
AIR MILES Reward Program Opt Out Policy
If you do not wish to receive marketing or promotional communications in electronic, printed or verbal format, other than AIR MILES Summaries, simply inform the AIR MILES Reward Program in writing at:
AIR MILES ® Customer Service
P.O. Box 602, Station A
Scarborough, Ontario M1K 5K7
or by e-mail to privacyoffice@airmiles.ca . Your ability to collect or redeem AIR MILES reward miles will not be affected. For more information, visit www.airmiles.ca or call 1 888 AIR MILES.
® AIR MILES is a trademark of AIR MILES International Trading B.V. Used under license by Loyalty One, Inc. and Metro Ontario Inc.