Terms of Use

Eligibility

The Platform is intended for individuals and organisations participating in FNOCC certification, renewal, and related services. You must have the legal capacity to enter into these Terms and, where you act on behalf of an organisation, the authority to bind that organisation. You must provide accurate, current, and complete information when registering and when submitting applications.

Accounts and Security

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activity under your account. Notify FNOCC promptly at support@fnocc.ca if you suspect unauthorised access. FNOCC may require email verification before granting full portal access. We may refuse, suspend, or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or create security or operational risk.

Applications, Renewals, and Certification Decisions

Submitting an application or renewal through the Platform does not guarantee certification or renewal approval. FNOCC reviews submissions according to the First Nations Operator Certification Standards, council processes, and applicable policies. We may request additional information, documents, or clarification before making a decision.

Application statuses shown in the portal (such as submitted, under review, more information required, approved, or rejected) are provided for transparency. Official certification outcomes are determined by FNOCC in accordance with its standards and governance.

Document Submissions and Accuracy

You are responsible for the accuracy and authenticity of information and documents you submit. Do not upload false, misleading, forged, or malicious files. By submitting documents, you confirm that you have the right to provide them for FNOCC review and that they are relevant to your application or renewal.

FNOCC may retain, review, and rely on submitted materials for certification decisions, audits, appeals, and record-keeping as described in our Privacy Policy and applicable standards.

Fees and Payments

Fees for applications, renewals, programs, or other services are displayed on the Platform or communicated by FNOCC. Unless otherwise stated, fees are in Canadian dollars.

Online payments are processed by Stripe. Card payments are subject to Stripe’s terms and privacy practices. FNOCC does not receive or store your full payment card number.

Other payment methods (such as cheque, e-transfer, or band invoicing) may be accepted only where FNOCC explicitly approves them. Certification or application processing may depend on payment clearance according to FNOCC policy.

You are responsible for any bank charges, currency conversion, or third-party fees associated with your payment method.

Refunds, Chargebacks, and Billing Disputes

Unless FNOCC states otherwise in writing, fees are generally non-refundable once an application has been submitted or work has begun on a review, except where required by law or where FNOCC determines a refund is appropriate. Chargebacks or payment disputes should be raised with FNOCC promptly at admin@fnocc.ca before initiating a reversal with your financial institution, where possible.

Communications and Newsletter

By creating an account, you consent to operational communications related to your account, security, and applications. If you subscribe to FNOCC email updates, you consent to marketing communications as described in our Privacy Policy and may unsubscribe at any time without affecting essential service messages.

Acceptable Use

You agree not to:

• use the Platform for unlawful, fraudulent, or misleading purposes;
• attempt to gain unauthorised access to accounts, data, or systems;
• upload malware, harmful code, or files you do not have the right to share;
• interfere with Platform operation, security, or other users;
• scrape, harvest, or automate access in a way that burdens the Platform; or
• misrepresent your identity, credentials, experience, or organisational authority.

FNOCC may investigate suspected violations and cooperate with law enforcement where appropriate.

Intellectual Property and Platform Content

Website content, branding, standards references, and Platform software are owned by FNOCC or its licensors and are protected by applicable intellectual property laws. You may not copy, modify, or redistribute Platform materials except as permitted by law or with FNOCC’s written consent.

You retain ownership of documents and information you submit, but you grant FNOCC a licence to use, store, reproduce, and review those materials for certification administration, communication, audits, appeals, and related organisational purposes.

Third-Party Services and Links

The Platform may link to third-party websites or rely on third-party services (including Stripe, email providers, and hosting providers). FNOCC is not responsible for third-party sites or services outside our reasonable control. Your use of third-party services may be subject to their own terms and policies.

Suspension and Termination

FNOCC may suspend or terminate access to the Platform at any time if we reasonably believe you have violated these Terms, created security risk, or engaged in conduct harmful to FNOCC or other users. You may stop using the Platform at any time. Provisions that by nature should survive termination (including payment obligations, record retention, disclaimers, and limitations of liability) will continue to apply.

Disclaimer

The Platform and its content are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. FNOCC strives to keep information accurate and current but does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or complete at all times. Public information on the website does not replace official certification standards, council decisions, or written notices sent to applicants.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, FNOCC and its directors, officers, employees, contractors, and agents will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform, including loss of profits, data, goodwill, or business interruption. FNOCC’s total liability for any claim relating to the Platform will not exceed the greater of (a) the amount you paid to FNOCC through the Platform in the twelve months before the claim, or (b) one hundred Canadian dollars (CAD $100), except where liability cannot be limited by law.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless FNOCC from claims, losses, and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your misuse of the Platform, your submitted information or documents, or your violation of these Terms, except to the extent caused by FNOCC’s wilful misconduct or where prohibited by law.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Saskatchewan and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. You agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Saskatchewan for disputes arising from these Terms or the Platform, except where applicable law requires otherwise.

Changes to These Terms

FNOCC may update these Terms from time to time. We will post the revised Terms on this page and update the “Last updated” date below. Material changes may also be communicated through the Platform or by email where appropriate. Continued use after changes take effect constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms, subject to applicable law.

Contact

Questions about these Terms may be sent to admin@fnocc.ca or through the Contact page. Portal technical issues may be sent to support@fnocc.ca.