COVID-19 POLICY
As part of our COVID-19 precautions, we advise hand sanitization and the use of face coverings when entering both our premises and events held in off-site venues. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
If you have any questions about our COVID-19 policy, please contact info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp.
PRIVACY POLICY
The Japan Foundation, Toronto asks for your consent to send out information about our events, classes, exhibitions, grants, volunteer activities and other programs. We will never share or sell your personal information. You may unsubscribe from our newsletters at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” button at the bottom of the email message.
Detailed information about The Japan Foundation’s privacy policies is available at The Japan Foundation Headquarters’ website.
If you have any questions about our privacy policy, please contact info_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp.
SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
The Japan Foundation is a specialized organization that carries out comprehensive international cultural exchange programs across the globe. The Japan Foundation offers opportunities for people to interact through various projects and by providing information in order to increase the world and Japan’s understanding of each other.
Today, the entire world interacts freely across national borders through social media such as Twitter and blogs. The Japan Foundation believes that now is the best opportunity to promote its programs more effectively.
The Japan Foundation will actively utilize social media, using this Policy as a basis.
List of the Japan Foundation’s Worldwide Social Media Accounts
Please visit here for a list of official social media accounts operated by the Japan Foundation worldwide and note that any social media account not included in this list is not operated by the Japan Foundation, even if it uses the name “the Japan Foundation.”
Use of the Japan Foundation, Toronto’s Official Accounts
Facebook: JFToronto
Twitter: JFToronto
Instagram: jftoronto
YouTube: JFToronto
The official accounts managed by the Japan Foundation, Toronto (JFT) are used for the following purposes, in order of priority:
Promotion of JFT events
• General information on the Japan Foundation
• Promotion of events sponsored, co-presented or co-sponsored by JFT
• Promotion of local events related to Japanese culture
• News related to Japan and Japanese culture
Please be aware of the following when using the Foundation’s official accounts:
• JFT pays the utmost attention to the accuracy of content posted, security required for management, etc., and personal information protection when transmitting information via its official accounts. However, JFT is not responsible for any damage that arises as a result of any user using information found on its official accounts.
• In addition, in order to provide the public with information, the content of transmissions made via JFT’s official accounts includes information transmitted by organizations other than the Foundation. As such, JFT is not responsible for any damage that arises as a result of any user using such information.
• The format of the service content on the JFT’s official accounts may change, or all or part of the features provided may be suspended or terminated, without prior notice.
Handling of Information Posted on JFT’s Official Accounts
If posts include the following contents and are likely to impede the operation of an established online community, such posts may be deleted at the discretion of the administrator.
• Content that is contrary to, or is likely to be contrary to, any laws, regulations, or public order and good morals
• Content that is linked to, or is likely to be linked to, a criminal act
• Inappropriate content, including statements made using indecent or obscene language
• Content that includes impersonation of another person or that contains a falsehood
• Acts that infringe on another party’s rights, such as the JFT’s or a third party’s copyrights or likeness rights
• Content that discriminates against, or is slanderous or defamatory against, a specific third party
• Content that identifies, discloses, or divulges personal information without that party’s consent
• Content that harms the reputation or credibility of the Japan Foundation or a third party, which is used for political activities, electoral campaigns, or religious activities
• Content that includes commercial acts such as referrals and advertisements for specific products, stores, or companies
• Content that prevents constructive discussion
• Spam
• Harmful programs
• Other acts or content that the administrator of the social media deems inappropriate
SCENT FREE POLICY
Information is based on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, an agency of the Government of Canada. https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html
Policy: Due to the health concerns arising from exposure to scented products, The Japan Foundation, Toronto has instituted this policy to provide a scent-free environment for all employees and visitors.
Definition: The use of scented products will not be allowed within our facilities at any time. In addition, all materials used for cleaning will be scent-free.
QUESTIONS
What is meant by scent-free?
When we talk about scents, we usually mean the smells or odours from cosmetics (perfume, make-up, shampoo, deodorant, etc.) or from other products such as air fresheners, cleaners, etc.
Unfortunately, there is no exact definition for scent-free, fragrance-free or unscented. Products labelled as unscented may actually contain ingredients that are used to mask or hide the smell of other ingredients. However, certain product composition statements are required, including odour or fragrance.
What is “odour” or “fragrance”?
If a product formulation has been amended to add or change a fragrance, terms such as “fresh scent,” “floral scent” or “lemon scent” that describe the resulting odour may be added by notification. The terms “fragrance-free” or “unscented” may be added by notification if the product is odourless or nearly odourless, and contains no odour-masking ingredients such as a perfume. The term “de-scented” may be added if the product contains an odour-masking ingredient.
Can scents cause health problems?
When scented products have been blamed for adversely affecting a person’s health, some or all of the following symptoms are reported:
- headaches
- dizziness, lightheadedness
- nausea
- fatigue
- weakness
- insomnia
- numbness
- upper respiratory symptoms
- shortness of breath
- skin irritation
- malaise
- confusion
- difficulty with concentration
Allergic and asthmatic patients, as well as those with other conditions, report that certain odours, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an attack.
The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many ‘normal’ activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places). As a consequence, some patients report feelings of depression or anxiety.
These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental sensitivities. According to the Women’s College Hospital:
“Environmental sensitivities (ES) describes a chronic condition whereby a person has symptoms when exposed to certain chemicals or other environmental agents at low levels tolerated by most people. The symptoms may range in severity from mild to debilitating.
ES has also been called multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical intolerance, environmental hypersensitivity, environmental illness, toxicant-induced loss of tolerance, and idiopathic environmental intolerance.”
Are there laws in Canada that cover environmental sensitivities?
Yes. Accommodation is required under the federal and provincial human rights Acts. Please contact your local Human Rights Commission for more information.
Employers should be aware that there are differences between individuals, and build these concepts into their workplace standards or policies as proactively as possible.
More information can be found on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website here > https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/scent_free.html
