1. What is the Canada Post name and address database?

Canada Post has an operational mail delivery database which is compiled of name and address information. This database is maintained for operational purposes, ensuring that all mail gets delivered accurately and efficiently. The name and address database is a database of consumer and business addresses sourced from the operational mail delivery database and publicly-available third-party data sources. Canada Post uses the name and address database to provide mailing lists to third parties who will use the information to ensure that they have reliable, complete and accurate addresses for direct mail campaigns. A description of the personal information collected by Canada Post and its uses can be found in Canada Post's Personal Information Banks.

2. How does Canada Post get my name and address information?

Name and address information for consumers and businesses are compiled through two sources:

1. Addresses (including Business Names) are sourced from Canada Post's operational mail delivery database – this database ensures that all mail gets delivered accurately and efficiently.
2. Consumer names are sourced through publicly available telephone directories published by Canada's 14 telephone companies.

3. If I don’t want my business or name and address information in the Canada Post name and address database, how do I opt out?

You cannot opt-out of the operational mail delivery database that Canada Post uses to ensure that mail is delivered accurately and efficiently to all Canadians.

However, you can opt-out of having information from the name and address database shared with third parties who will use the information to ensure that they have reliable, complete and accurate addresses for direct mail campaigns. To opt-out of receiving targeted advertising from third parties generated from our name and address database, you can go to: http://www.canadapost.ca/list_optout

After completing the above opt-out option, it may take up to 15 business days for your name and address to clear entirely from the name and address database. Canada Post processes opt-out requests promptly upon receipt, but due to marketing campaigns already underway, you may receive marketing materials for up to 90 days after you opt-out.

Your address information along with your name if it is published in the phone directory will be removed from our name and address database for three years. Keep in mind this means that all residents at this address will not receive promotional materials enabled by Canada Post's name and address database.

If you move, you will need to opt-out again with your new address. To re-new after a move or after three years, simply re-enter your information on the link below again: http://www.canadapost.ca/list_optout

Also, one of the most effective ways to receive less advertising mail at home is to use the Canadian Marketing Association's (CMA's) Do Not Contact Service. Through this service, you can choose to limit all future direct mail. As a CMA member, Canada Post subscribes to and suppresses any name and address on the CMA's Do Not Contact Service file from its direct mail marketing lists. You can also consider opting out of the phone directory to prevent other companies from renting your name and address information.

For further information, please email our Data and Targeting Services at data.targetingsolutions@postescanada.canadapost.ca or write us at Data Products and Services, 1 Dundas Street West, 4th Floor, Toronto, ON, M5G 2L5

For further information about Privacy at Canada Post, please visit our website at: http://www.canadapost.ca/cpo/mc/personal/help/privacy.jsf or write to privacy@canadapost.ca or the Canada Post Privacy Office, 2701 Riverside Dr., N1180, OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1.