Privacy policy
Last updated: July 20, 2026
This Privacy Policy explains how Black Spruce Research collects, uses, discloses and protects personal information when you visit our website, communicate with us or place an order. Our store is hosted by Shopify, which provides the e-commerce platform used to operate the store.
Information we collect
Depending on how you interact with us, we may collect:
• contact information, such as your name, email address, telephone number, billing address and shipping address;
• order and transaction information, such as products ordered, order history, payment status, shipping details, returns and customer-service records;
• payment-related information processed by Shopify, financial institutions or payment providers. We do not necessarily receive or store complete payment credentials;
• account information, if customer accounts are enabled;
• device and usage information, such as IP address, browser type, device identifiers, cookie data, pages viewed and interactions with the store;
• communications, feedback, claim photographs and other information you choose to provide; and
• marketing preferences and records of consent, where applicable.
How we use information
We may use personal information to:
• process, verify, fulfil, ship and support orders;
• provide order confirmations, payment information, shipping updates, delivery notices and other transactional communications;
• administer the store, confirm order information and address fraud risk or compliance concerns where appropriate;
• answer questions and handle claims, returns, refunds, disputes and customer service;
• operate, secure, troubleshoot and improve the website and our business;
• maintain business, tax, accounting, security and compliance records;
• detect or prevent fraud, misuse, security incidents and unlawful activity;
• comply with legal obligations, lawful requests and enforcement requirements; and
• send promotional email or SMS messages when we have the consent or other lawful basis required to do so.
Order notifications and marketing
We may use the email address or mobile number supplied with an order to send communications necessary to complete or support that transaction, including order, payment, shipping and delivery notifications.
Promotional email and SMS marketing is separate from transactional notifications. Where required, we will obtain valid consent before sending promotional messages, identify the sender and provide a working unsubscribe mechanism. You may unsubscribe from promotional communications at any time. Unsubscribing from marketing does not prevent service messages that are reasonably necessary for an active order or customer request.
Cookies and similar technologies
Our store and service providers may use cookies, pixels and similar technologies to operate the store, remember preferences, maintain security, measure performance and understand website use. Some technologies may also support analytics or advertising where enabled. Browser settings can be used to control certain cookies, but disabling necessary cookies may affect store functions.
How we disclose information
We may disclose personal information to service providers that help us operate the business, including Shopify, hosting and technology providers, payment and banking providers, fraud-prevention services, shipping carriers, analytics providers, customer-support providers and professional advisers. We may also disclose information:
• when you direct us or consent;
• to complete a transaction or provide a requested service;
• to comply with applicable law, court orders or lawful government requests;
• to investigate fraud, security incidents, misuse or suspected unlawful activity;
• to protect the rights, property and safety of customers, the public, Black Spruce Research or others; or
• as part of a legitimate business transaction such as a financing, sale, merger or reorganization, subject to appropriate safeguards.
Shopify and cross-border processing
Shopify and other service providers may process or store personal information outside your province or outside Canada. Information processed in another jurisdiction may be accessible to courts, law-enforcement agencies or regulators under that jurisdiction's laws. For information about Shopify's privacy practices, consult Shopify's current privacy materials.
Retention
We retain personal information only as long as reasonably required for the purposes described in this policy, including order fulfilment, customer service, security, dispute resolution and legal, tax, accounting and regulatory obligations. Retention periods vary according to the type of information and applicable requirements. When information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to delete, anonymize or securely dispose of it.
Security
We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the information in our control. No website, transmission or storage system can be guaranteed completely secure.
Your privacy choices and rights
Subject to applicable law, you may ask to access or correct personal information we hold about you, withdraw consent where processing depends on consent, or raise a question or complaint about our privacy practices. We may need to verify your identity before completing a request. Some information may need to be retained or may be exempt from access or deletion where permitted or required by law.
Age restriction
The store is not intended for individuals under 19 years of age. We do not knowingly seek to collect personal information from anyone under 19. If you believe a person under 19 has provided personal information, contact us.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy to reflect operational, legal or regulatory changes. The revised version will be posted with a new “Last updated” date. Material changes will be communicated where required by law.
Privacy contact
For privacy questions, requests or complaints, contact our Privacy Officer:
Black Spruce Research
Attention: Privacy Officer
PO Box 11996
Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 3C3
Canada
info@blackspruceresearch.ca