This policy explains how the Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank (BCLQ) website, bclq.org, collects, uses and protects personal information, in accordance with Quebec privacy legislation, including the changes introduced by Law 25 (An Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information).
Scope
This policy applies only to this website. The samples and clinical data of people taking part in the BCLQ biobank are governed by the information and consent form they sign and by the oversight of the research ethics board (see Ethics).
Information we collect
Information you send us
If you contact us by email or telephone, or send us documents for a request for samples or data, we use your name, contact details and the content of your message only to answer you and process your request.
Audience measurement — only with your consent
If you accept cookies, we use Google Analytics 4 to understand how the site is used: pages viewed, approximate location (country, city), type of device and browser, the site you came from, and a pseudonymous identifier stored in a cookie. Google Analytics 4 does not store IP addresses. Advertising features are not used. If you decline, or make no choice, Google Analytics is not loaded at all.
Technical data
Our hosting provider, Google Firebase Hosting, processes technical information such as your IP address and browser type in order to deliver pages and protect the site. This information is used for no other purpose.
Embedded videos
The testimonial video is hosted by Vimeo and embedded in “do not track” mode. When a page containing the video is displayed, Vimeo receives technical information such as your IP address and browser type.
Cookies and similar technologies
| Name | Purpose | Duration | When |
|---|---|---|---|
bclq-consent (local storage) | Remembers your cookie choice | 12 months | Always (strictly necessary) |
bclq-theme (local storage) | Remembers the light or dark theme you picked | Until you change it | Only if you use the theme button |
_ga | Google Analytics: distinguishes visitors | 2 years | Only if you accept |
_ga_<ID> | Google Analytics: keeps the state of a visit | 2 years | Only if you accept |
Your choice and how to change it
On your first visit, a banner lets you accept or decline audience-measurement cookies; both options are equally easy, and tracking stays off until you accept. You can change your mind at any time with the “Cookie preferences” link at the bottom of every page. Declining after having accepted deletes the Google Analytics cookies. Your choice is asked again after 12 months.
Information processed outside Quebec
Google (Analytics and Firebase Hosting) and Vimeo may store or process information outside Quebec, including in the United States.
Retention
Audience-measurement data is kept for the retention period configured in our Google Analytics account, which does not exceed 14 months. Messages and documents you send us are kept only as long as needed to handle your request and to meet our legal obligations.
Security
The site is served exclusively over an encrypted connection (HTTPS), and access to the information we receive is limited to the people who need it to do their work.
Your rights
You may ask to access the personal information we hold about you, to have it corrected, and you may withdraw your consent at any time. If you are not satisfied with our answer, you may file a complaint with the Commission d’accès à l’information du Québec.
Contact
For any question about this policy, or to exercise your rights, contact the person in charge of the protection of personal information:
Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank
Centre de recherche de l’Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont
5415 de l’Assomption blvd., Montreal, QC, H1T 2M4
Email: bclq@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy; the date of the latest version is shown below.
Last updated: October 14, 2026