Privacy Policy

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully.

wheelhouseresearch.com is a marketing communications website, operated by "Winter Packet Enterprises, Inc." (WIPEI). The goal of the website is the furtherance of a relationship with prospective clients of Foster & Associates. Foster & Associates Financial Services Inc (Foster) is in business to provide you with a variety of investment services and products. To meet your needs and to serve you well, Foster needs to obtain from you certain personal information that may be transmitted via communications with WIPEI. 

You, as an individual, have a right to know how WIPEI obtains, uses, and discloses this personal information. You have a right to expect that, to the best of our ability, your personal information held by us remains accurate, confidential, and secure.

Definition of Personal Information

The term “personal information” refers to information that specifically identifies you as an individual and is provided to or collected by us. It includes, for example, your name and address, age and gender, personal information records, identification numbers, including your Social Insurance Number (SIN) and your employment information.

For business clients, personal information includes the above data plus names of officers, directors, owners, shareholders, jurisdiction of incorporation, financial information, and ownership structure.

SMS Messaging and Phone Numbers

We respect your privacy when it comes to SMS messaging and phone numbers. Specifically:

  • SMS messages are used for the purposes related to the furtherance of arranging or confirming meetings, or phone calls.  
  • We do not share, sell, rent, or trade SMS messaging data or phone numbers with any third parties for marketing or commercial purposes.
  • Any SMS communications will comply with applicable laws and regulations.
  • You have the right to opt-out of SMS communications at any time by following the instructions provided in the messages.

Terms and Conditions of Service for SMS Communications

By opting in to receive SMS messages from WIPEI ("Winter Packet Enterprises Inc.", "we," "our," or "us"), you agree to these Terms and Conditions. This service allows users to receive SMS communications regarding promotions, alerts, notifications, and important updates.

  • Consent to Receive Messages By providing your phone number and opting in to receive SMS communications, you expressly consent to receive automated and non-automated text messages from us. Message frequency may vary.
  • Opt-Out You can opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any message you receive from us. After opting out, you will receive one final message confirming your decision to unsubscribe. 
  • Message and Data Rates Standard message and data rates may apply to SMS communications from us. Please check with your mobile carrier for details on your plan.
  • Supported Carriers SMS communications are supported by most major carriers. However, we cannot guarantee message delivery in the event of carrier restrictions or technical difficulties.
  • User Obligations By opting in, you confirm that you are the authorized user of the device receiving SMS messages and that you are over the age of 18 or have received parental consent.
  • Privacy Your privacy is important to us. We will not share your phone number or SMS opt-in data with third parties, except as required to provide this service or as required by law. For more information, please review our complete Privacy Policy, of which this is part.
  • Limitation of Liability We are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages, nor are we responsible for any costs associated with receiving SMS communications.
  • Changes to Terms and Conditions We reserve the right to update these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued participation in SMS communications constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
  • Contact Us If you have any questions or need further information, please text "HELP".

Why Do We Ask for Your Personal Information

WIPEI asks for a variety of information when you communicate with us. Regulations in the securities industry require us to obtain certain information about you and other information is required so that we may provide an appropriate level of service to you and to guide the proper supervision of your account.

Sharing Your Personal Information

We may use and share your personal information with our employees, third-party service providers and other financial institutions. The information may only be used for the following purposes:

  • To verify your identity and conduct background verification,
  • To operate your account and provide you with products and services you may request,
  • To better understand your financial situation,
  • To help us manage our business and relationship with you,
  • If you provide us your social insurance number, we may share it with government authorities for tax purposes. We may share it with credit reporting services,
  • Agencies to ensure the accurate matching of credit history files,
  • If you select to disclose or specifically direct us to disclose for you, your personal information to a third party (as in the case where you request a product, such as a mutual fund or a service from a third party, after receiving information or to securities issuers under National Instrument 54-101). The only occasions when we are permitted to disclose client information is when it is authorized by the client, which you consent to when opening an account at Foster. The consent you provide to Foster with regards to the collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information may be cancelled at any time by providing written notice to Foster. Note that this may eliminate our ability to conduct business with you.

Foster does not require your consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information where:

  • Such collection, use, and disclosure is reasonably required in the normal course of providing service to your account,
  • For the collection of a debt owed to Foster by you,
  • To a law enforcement agency, securities regulatory authority, or Self-Regulatory Organization,
  • To legal counsel for the purpose of obtaining advice.

Protecting Your Information

At Foster, we have robust security standards in place to protect your information against unauthorized access and use. We only retain your information for as long as required to service your account, or for time periods defined in industry standards.  

Accuracy of Information

Foster expects that clients will contact us when there are material changes to their personal information. This assists us in managing your account to the best of our ability. Material changes can include changes of address, phone number, employment, marital status. If you find that we have incorrect information on file please contact your Investment Advisor or Portfolio Manager, whose contact information is on your statement.

Addressing Concerns

We encourage you to contact our Privacy Officer should you have any questions or concerns about your privacy or this policy. The Privacy Officer can be reached at:

Foster & Associates
Attention: Privacy Officer
25 King Street West, Suite 2100, Commerce Court, PO Box 228
Toronto, Ontario
M5L 1E8
Phone: 1-800-559-8853
E-mail: admin@fostergroup.ca