The International Youths in Canadian Agriculture (IYCA) is committed to protecting the privacy, dignity, and personal information of all individuals who interact with our programs, website, and services.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect personal information, in accordance with Canadian privacy laws, including the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial legislation.
Scope of This Policy
This Privacy Policy applies to:
Visitors to the IYCA website (www.iyca.ca)
Applicants and participants in IYCA programs (including mentorship)
Mentors, mentees, volunteers, and partners
Online and virtual engagement platforms used by IYCA
By using IYCA services or submitting personal information, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
Information We Collect
IYCA collects only the information necessary to operate its programs responsibly and safely.
This may include:
Name, email address, and contact details
Educational or professional background
Program preferences and availability
Application responses (mentor or mentee forms)
Demographic information (optional and voluntary)
Communication records related to program participation
For participants under 18, limited additional information may be collected for safeguarding and parental/guardian consent purposes.
How We Use Your Information
Personal information is used to:
Process applications and match mentors and mentees
Communicate program updates and opportunities
Ensure participant safety and safeguarding
Administer programs and events
Meet legal, ethical, and reporting obligations
Improve IYCA programs and services
IYCA does not sell, trade, or rent personal information.
Safeguarding and Youth Protection
IYCA works with youth and young adults and takes safeguarding seriously.
Personal information may be used or disclosed only where necessary to:
Protect the safety and wellbeing of participants
Enforce the IYCA Safeguarding & Code of Conduct Policy
Respond to safeguarding concerns or reports
Comply with legal or regulatory requirements
All safeguarding-related information is handled with strict confidentiality and shared only with authorized individuals or authorities when required.
Consent
By submitting personal information to IYCA, you consent to its collection and use as described in this policy.
Participation is voluntary
Optional questions may be skipped
Consent may be withdrawn, subject to legal or program obligations
For participants under 18, parental or guardian consent is required.
Sharing of Information
IYCA may share personal information only when:
Required to deliver programs (e.g., mentor matching)
Necessary for safeguarding or safety
Required by law or regulatory authorities
Authorized by the individual or guardian
All third parties are expected to respect confidentiality and privacy standards.
Virtual Platforms and Online Engagement
IYCA uses virtual platforms (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Forms) to deliver programs.
While IYCA takes reasonable steps to protect privacy, users should be aware that third-party platforms have their own privacy policies. IYCA encourages participants to review those policies.
Virtual mentorship is used as a risk-reduction and safeguarding measure.
Data Storage and Security
IYCA takes reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational measures to protect personal information from:
Unauthorized access
Loss or misuse
Disclosure or alteration
Access to personal data is limited to individuals who need it for legitimate program purposes.
Retention of Information
Personal information is retained only for as long as necessary to:
Fulfill program and legal obligations
Address safeguarding or compliance matters
Information is securely destroyed when no longer required.
Access and Correction
Individuals have the right to:
Request access to their personal information
Request corrections if information is inaccurate or incomplete
Requests can be made by contacting IYCA using the details below.
Changes to This Policy
IYCA may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Changes will be posted on the IYCA website with an updated effective date.
Continued participation in IYCA programs constitutes acceptance of any updates.
Contact Information
For questions, concerns, or requests related to privacy or safeguarding, please contact:
IYCA Program Team @