Cookie Policy and How to Control Cookies
A cookie is a small text file that a website asks your browser to store, then reads back on a later request. It lets a site remember a preference between page loads, because the underlying web protocol keeps no memory of its own from one request to the next.
This page lists the categories in use here, what each one does, how long it lasts and how to switch off everything that is not strictly necessary. Declining optional cookies leaves every page fully readable.
What Cookies Are Used For Here
Four jobs account for all cookie use on this site, and only the first is required for the site to work.
- Function. Recording your cookie choice, remembering a language selection, and load balancing between servers.
- Security. Distinguishing human visitors from automated traffic and blocking repeated abusive requests.
- Measurement. Counting visits, session length and exit points in aggregate to guide editorial priorities.
- Attribution. Recording whether a visit reached an outbound partner link, for commercial reporting purposes.
The Four Categories in Detail
Consent applies to the last three categories. Strictly necessary cookies cannot be declined, because without them the site cannot record that you declined anything.
| Category | Purpose | Consent required | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strictly necessary | Stores the consent choice, session state and load balancing | No | Session to 12 months |
| Preference | Remembers language, region and display settings | Yes | Up to 12 months |
| Analytics | Aggregated audience measurement and page performance | Yes | Up to 24 months |
| Marketing and attribution | Records outbound clicks and campaign source | Yes | Up to 12 months |
First-Party and Third-Party Cookies
First-party cookies are set by this domain and read only by it. Third-party cookies are set by an external service loaded into a page, such as an analytics platform or a content delivery network, and are governed by that provider's own policy.
Some browsers block third-party cookies by default, which affects measurement accuracy but not access to content. Where an analytics provider supports it, IP addresses are truncated or pseudonymised before storage.
Technologies That Work Like Cookies
Three other mechanisms serve similar functions and are covered by the same consent choice.
| Technology | How it works | How to clear it |
|---|---|---|
| Local storage | Stores data in the browser with no expiry date | Clearing site data in browser settings |
| Pixel or tracking tag | A tiny image request that confirms a page or email was opened | Blocking remote images or declining marketing cookies |
| Device fingerprinting signals | Combines screen size, fonts and timezone to recognise a device | Anti-fingerprinting settings in Firefox, Safari or Brave |
Turning Cookies Off in Your Browser
Two routes exist. The cookie banner on this site controls categories for this domain, while browser settings control cookies everywhere.
| Browser | Path to cookie controls |
|---|---|
| Chrome | Settings, then Privacy and security, then Third-party cookies |
| Safari on macOS | Settings, then Privacy, then Block all cookies or Manage Website Data |
| Safari on iOS | Settings app, then Safari, then Block All Cookies or Clear History and Website Data |
| Firefox | Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Enhanced Tracking Protection |
| Edge | Settings, then Cookies and site permissions |
| Android Chrome | Three-dot menu, then Settings, then Site settings, then Cookies |
Blocking all cookies across every site tends to break logins and shopping baskets elsewhere. Blocking third-party cookies while allowing first-party ones is the setting that balances privacy against everyday usability.
Private or incognito browsing discards cookies when the window closes, which is a practical option for a one-off visit. It does not hide activity from a network provider or an employer.
Changing Your Consent Later
A consent choice is stored for up to 12 months, after which the banner appears again. Reopening the cookie settings link in the site footer allows a choice to be changed at any time before then.
Clearing site data in the browser also erases the stored consent record, which means the banner will reappear on the next visit.
Do Not Track and Global Privacy Control
The Do Not Track header is no longer honoured consistently across the web and most sites ignore it, so it should not be relied on. Global Privacy Control, supported in Firefox and Brave among others, sends a machine-readable opt-out signal that a growing number of sites and providers respect.
FAQ
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No. Every page stays fully readable with only strictly necessary cookies active.
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Because one of them stores your consent decision. Without it the banner would reappear on every page load.
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From a single session up to 24 months, depending on category. Analytics cookies have the longest lifespan; preference and attribution cookies expire within 12 months.
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No. They record device-level and aggregate signals, and analytics data is truncated or pseudonymised where the provider supports it.
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It removes the files from your device. Aggregated statistics already collected are covered by the retention periods in the privacy policy.
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Consent is stored per browser and per device, so a choice made on a laptop does not carry across to a phone.
19+ in most provinces, 18+ in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec. Free confidential support: ConnexOntario, 1-866-531-2600, available 24/7.