Simplify Your Transition to Canada

Cookie Policy

Last Updated: February 12, 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy (“Policy”) explains how New To Canada (“we,” “us,” or “our”) uses cookies and similar tracking technologies when you access or use the New To Canada platform (the “Service”). This Policy should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy, which provides additional information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal information.

A “cookie” is a small text file that is placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) by a website when you visit it. Cookies are widely used to make websites work more efficiently, to remember your preferences, and to provide information to the operators of the website. Cookies may be “session cookies” (which are deleted when you close your browser) or “persistent cookies” (which remain on your device for a set period or until you delete them).

2. Types of Cookies We Use

We categorize the cookies used on the Service as follows:

2.1 Strictly Necessary Cookies

These cookies are essential for the operation of the Service and cannot be disabled without impairing core functionality. They enable basic functions such as user authentication, session management, and security. Without these cookies, the Service cannot function properly. Strictly necessary cookies do not require your consent under applicable data protection legislation.

  • Firebase Authentication Cookies: Used to maintain your authenticated session, verify your identity, and manage secure sign-in and sign-out processes. These cookies are set by Google Firebase and are essential for Account security.
  • CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) Tokens: Security cookies used to protect against cross-site request forgery attacks by verifying that requests originate from the legitimate Service.
  • Session State Cookies: Used to maintain the state of your session as you navigate between pages of the Service.

2.2 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies enable the Service to remember choices you have made and provide enhanced, personalized features. While not strictly necessary for the Service to operate, they improve your experience by remembering your preferences and settings.

  • User Preference Cookies: Store your interface preferences, including navigation state, collapsed or expanded sections, and display settings.
  • Language and Locale Settings: Remember your language and regional preferences for content display.

2.3 Analytics and Performance Cookies

These cookies collect information about how visitors use the Service, including which pages are visited most often, how visitors navigate between pages, and whether visitors encounter error messages. All information collected by these cookies is aggregated and anonymized. We use this information to improve how the Service works.

2.4 Third-Party Cookies

Certain third-party services integrated into the Service may set their own cookies on your device. We do not have direct control over these cookies. The third-party services that may set cookies include:

  • Google (Firebase Services): Firebase Authentication and Firebase Cloud services may set cookies related to authentication, session management, and service operation.
  • Google (Places API): When you use the nearby services feature, Google may set cookies in connection with location-based service requests.

The use of cookies by third parties is governed by their own privacy policies and cookie policies. We encourage you to review the privacy and cookie policies of any third-party services you interact with through the Service.

3. Specific Cookies and Identifiers Used

The following table provides details about the specific cookies and identifiers used by the Service:

Name / IdentifierProviderPurposeDurationType
Firebase Auth ID TokenGoogle FirebaseUser authentication and session management1 hour (auto-refreshed)Strictly Necessary
Firebase Refresh TokenGoogle FirebaseMaintains persistent authentication across sessionsPersistent (until sign-out)Strictly Necessary
__sessionServiceSession state managementSessionStrictly Necessary
IndexedDB (firebaseLocalStorageDb)Google FirebaseOffline data persistence and authentication state cachingPersistent (until cleared)Functional
localStorage entriesServiceUser preferences, UI state, cached profile dataPersistent (until cleared)Functional

Note: IndexedDB and localStorage are browser-based storage mechanisms, not cookies in the traditional sense. They are included in this Policy for transparency because they serve similar purposes to cookies in storing data on your device.

4. Similar Technologies

In addition to cookies, we use the following browser-based storage technologies:

  • IndexedDB: A browser-based database used by Firebase for offline data persistence, authentication state caching, and storing cached application data for improved performance. IndexedDB data persists until explicitly cleared by the user or the application.
  • Local Storage (localStorage): A browser storage mechanism used to persist user preferences, interface settings, and cached data across sessions. Unlike cookies, localStorage data is not transmitted to the server with each HTTP request.
  • Session Storage (sessionStorage): A browser storage mechanism similar to localStorage, but data is cleared when the browser tab or window is closed. Used for temporary state management during your browsing session.

5. Cookie Consent

Under the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and Canada’s Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL), your consent to the use of cookies and similar technologies may be implied through your continued use of the Service, except where express consent is required.

For users accessing the Service from the European Economic Area (EEA) or the United Kingdom, we comply with the requirements of the GDPR and the ePrivacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC). Strictly necessary cookies are placed without consent, as they are essential for the provision of the Service. For all other categories of cookies, we will obtain your prior consent before placing such cookies on your device.

You may withdraw your consent to non-essential cookies at any time by adjusting your browser settings as described in Section 6 below. Please note that withdrawing consent may affect the functionality of certain features of the Service.

6. How to Control Cookies

Most web browsers allow you to control cookies through their settings. You can typically configure your browser to accept all cookies, reject all cookies, or notify you when a cookie is being set. The method for managing cookies varies by browser:

  • Google Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Cookies and Other Site Data
  • Mozilla Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies and Site Data
  • Apple Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data
  • Microsoft Edge: Settings → Cookies and Site Permissions → Manage and Delete Cookies and Site Data

To clear IndexedDB and localStorage data, you may use your browser’s developer tools or clear all site data through your browser’s privacy/security settings.

Important: Disabling or deleting cookies and clearing browser storage may impair the functionality of the Service. In particular, disabling strictly necessary cookies will prevent you from signing in to your Account and accessing authenticated features.

For more information about cookies, including how to see what cookies have been set on your device and how to manage or delete them, you may visit www.allaboutcookies.org or www.youronlinechoices.eu.

7. Changes to This Cookie Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our use of cookies or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies and similar technologies.

8. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Cookie Policy or our use of cookies and similar technologies, please contact us at:

New To Canada — Privacy Officer

Email: privacy@newtocanada.com