Terms of Use and Legal Disclaimer

Effective Date: November 15, 2025 | Version: 2.0 | Document Reference: GFSA-TERMS-EN-2025-V2

1. DEFINITIONS AND KEY TERMS

To avoid misunderstanding and potential misinterpretation of our services, the following terms are defined as used throughout this website:

1.1 When We Use These Terms, We Mean:

• "GFSA" or "Association" or "We" - Refers to Global Feng Shui Association, a federal non-profit corporation registered in Canada for cultural and educational purposes only.
• "Educational Services" or "Programs" - Refers to cultural learning activities, courses, and events about traditional Chinese philosophy and cultural heritage. These are NOT professional training programs for regulated occupations.
• "Certificate" or "Certification" - Refers to internal association documentation recognizing completion of our educational courses. These are NOT government-issued licenses, professional qualifications, or regulatory approvals.
• "Member" - Refers to individuals who have joined our cultural and educational community. Membership does NOT confer professional status, licensing, or authorization to practice in regulated fields.
• "Instructor" or "Educator" - Refers to individuals who teach our cultural education courses. This does NOT indicate professional licensing, regulatory approval, or government recognition.
• "Research" - Refers to cultural and historical studies of traditional concepts. This is NOT scientific research following peer-reviewed academic methodology.
• "Standards" - Refers to internal association guidelines for our educational programs. These are NOT professional standards, regulatory requirements, or industry standards.

2. NATURE OF ORGANIZATION AND SERVICES

2.1 What GFSA Is:

• A federal non-profit corporation registered in Canada under the Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act
• A cultural and educational organization focused on traditional Chinese philosophy and cultural heritage
• A community for individuals interested in learning about Feng Shui and I Ching concepts
• A provider of educational courses and cultural events

2.2 What GFSA Is NOT:

• A regulatory body or professional licensing authority
• A government agency or government-affiliated organization
• An accredited educational institution recognized by government education authorities
• A professional association for regulated occupations
• A quality assurance or standards enforcement organization
• An insurance provider or guarantor of member services

2.3 Services Provided by GFSA Include:

• Publishing association updates, cultural information, and traditional cultural research
• Providing cultural education courses and learning programs related to Feng Shui and I Ching
• Organizing cultural exchange seminars, lectures, and cultural activities
• Providing member registration, management, and educational community services
• Implementing internal association course completion certification and inquiry services
• Providing other information and support services related to cultural education mission

GFSA reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate any or all services at any time.

3. EDUCATIONAL SERVICES ONLY - NOT PROFESSIONAL ADVICE

3.1 Nature of Our Services:

ALL services, programs, courses, materials, and information provided by GFSA are for educational, cultural learning, and personal interest purposes only. They are based on traditional Chinese philosophical concepts and cultural heritage studies.

3.2 Our Services Are NOT and Do NOT Constitute:

• Professional advice of any kind including but not limited to:
  • Financial advice or investment recommendations
  • Medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
  • Mental health counseling or psychological advice
  • Legal advice or legal services
  • Architectural or engineering services
  • Interior design services (where licensing is required)
  • Real estate consulting or property valuation
  • Business consulting or strategic planning services
• Professional training for any regulated occupation
• Guaranteed results or specific outcomes
• Scientifically proven methodologies or evidence-based practices
• Government-licensed services or regulatory-approved activities
• Substitute for professional services in regulated fields

4. CERTIFICATION DISCLAIMER (CRITICAL)

4.1 What Our Certificates ARE:

• Internal association documentation of course participation
• Recognition of completion of our educational curriculum
• Proof of membership in our cultural learning community
• Personal achievement documentation for educational purposes

4.2 What Our Certificates ARE NOT:

• Government-issued licenses, permits, or registrations
• Professional qualifications recognized by regulatory bodies
• Authorization to practice medicine, psychology, financial advising, architecture, engineering, real estate services, or any regulated profession
• Accredited academic degrees, diplomas, or educational credentials recognized by government education authorities
• Professional certifications from industry-recognized certification bodies
• Guarantee of competence, skill, ability, or knowledge
• Quality assurance or endorsement of service quality
• Professional liability insurance coverage or legal protection
• Qualification for professional liability insurance coverage
• Authorization to use professional titles or designations protected by law

4.3 Certificate Holder Responsibilities:

If you receive a certificate from GFSA and choose to use concepts learned in any capacity, you are solely and exclusively responsible for:

1. Legal Compliance: Researching, understanding, and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and licensing requirements in your jurisdiction
2. Professional Licensing: Obtaining any necessary professional licenses, permits, or regulatory approvals before providing services
3. Insurance: Obtaining and maintaining appropriate professional liability insurance coverage
4. Truthful Representation: Clearly and accurately disclosing to all parties that:
   • GFSA certificates are educational only and not professional credentials
   • You do not hold professional licenses unless you actually do
   • Services are not scientifically proven or guaranteed
5. Avoiding Misrepresentation: NOT misrepresenting your qualifications, credentials, affiliations, or the nature of GFSA certificates
6. Professional Standards: Complying with all professional codes of conduct and ethical standards applicable to any regulated services you provide

5. NO GUARANTEES OR WARRANTIES OF RESULTS

5.1 Absolutely NO Guarantees:

GFSA makes NO representations, warranties, guarantees, or promises regarding:

• Effectiveness, efficacy, or validity of concepts taught
• Results or outcomes from applying learned concepts
• Improvement in health, wellness, or medical conditions
• Increase in wealth, income, or financial success
• Improvement in relationships or personal life
• Business success or profitability
• Property values or real estate outcomes
• Employment opportunities or career advancement
• Client acquisition or business development
• Return on investment for course fees
• Marketability or value of certificates
• Recognition or acceptance by employers, institutions, or regulatory bodies
• Scientific validity or academic recognition

5.2 Individual Results Disclaimer:

Any testimonials, case studies, examples, or success stories presented on our website or in our materials:

• Are individual experiences and NOT representative of typical results
• Are NOT guarantees of similar outcomes
• May not be verified or validated
• Should be viewed as anecdotal information only
• Are provided for educational discussion purposes only

6. CLARIFICATION OF TERMINOLOGY USED ON WEBSITE

To address potential misunderstandings and ensure transparency, we clarify the intended meaning of terms that may appear on our website:

6.1 Terms Related to Organization Status:

6.2 Terms Related to Services:

6.3 Terms Related to Research and Academic Claims:

6.4 Terms Related to Effects and Benefits:

6.5 Scientific and Modern Technology References:

7. MEMBER DIRECTORY AND LISTINGS DISCLAIMER

If GFSA provides a member directory, practitioner listings, or "find an expert" service:

7.1 What Listings Indicate:

• The person is a GFSA member in good standing
• The person has completed certain GFSA educational courses (if indicated)
• Contact information for educational networking

7.2 What Listings Do NOT Indicate:

• Professional licensing or regulatory approval
• Competence, skill level, or qualifications
• GFSA endorsement, recommendation, or quality guarantee
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Quality, safety, or reliability of any services
• Background checks or credential verification
• Compliance with applicable laws and regulations

7.3 GFSA's Disclaimer Regarding Listed Members:

8. COURSE AND TRAINING DISCLAIMER

8.1 Educational Nature of Courses:

All GFSA courses and training programs are for cultural education and personal learning only. They:

• Explore traditional Chinese philosophical concepts and cultural heritage
• Discuss historical texts and classical teachings
• Provide perspectives on traditional cultural approaches
• Provide theoretical frameworks from classical texts

8.2 What Courses Are NOT:

• Professional training for regulated occupations
• Vocational training leading to employment
• Scientific or technical training
• Medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional education
• Accredited programs recognized by government education authorities
• Qualification for professional practice or licensing

8.3 No Employment or Income Guarantees:

8.4 Course Fee Acknowledgment:

By enrolling in any GFSA course, you acknowledge that:

• Course fees are for educational content delivery only
• Fees are generally non-refundable except as required by law or stated in specific course policies
• You are paying for access to cultural learning, not for professional credentials or guaranteed outcomes
• The value of the education is subjective and may not translate to financial or professional benefits

9. RESEARCH AND PUBLICATIONS DISCLAIMER

9.1 Nature of GFSA "Research":

When GFSA refers to "research," we mean:

• Cultural and historical studies of traditional concepts
• Exploration of classical texts and philosophical writings
• Discussion of traditional approaches and perspectives
• Educational analysis for member learning

9.2 What Our "Research" Is NOT:

• Peer-reviewed scientific research
• Academic research recognized by universities or research institutions
• Evidence-based studies following scientific methodology
• Clinical trials or empirical research
• Research approved by research ethics boards

9.3 Publications Disclaimer:

Any publications, reports, articles, or materials produced by GFSA:

• Are for educational and informational purposes only
• Represent cultural and philosophical perspectives, not scientific facts
• Should not be relied upon for professional, medical, financial, legal, or other important decisions
• Have not been peer-reviewed by academic institutions (unless specifically stated)
• Do not constitute professional or expert opinions

10. SPECIFIC FIELD DISCLAIMERS

10.1 Financial and Investment Activities:

10.2 Health and Medical Activities:

10.3 Mental Health and Counseling:

10.4 Real Estate Activities:

10.5 Architecture and Construction:

10.6 Business Consulting:

11. CODE OF ETHICS CLARIFICATION

If GFSA publishes a "Code of Ethics" or "Professional Conduct Guidelines":

11.1 What It Is:

• Internal association guidelines for member behavior within GFSA activities
• Educational standards for our courses and programs
• Membership conduct expectations

11.2 What It Is NOT:

• Professional code of conduct for regulated occupations
• Legally enforceable beyond association membership
• Substitute for legal or regulatory requirements
• Indication of professional standards or licensing requirements
• Quality assurance or competence guarantee

11.3 Limited Enforcement:

GFSA can only:

• Suspend or terminate association membership
• Revoke internal association certificates
• Remove members from our directory

GFSA cannot and does not:

• Enforce standards outside our membership
• Investigate or adjudicate legal matters
• Impose fines or legal penalties
• Affect professional licenses or legal rights

12. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES AND MEMBER ACTIVITIES

12.1 No Control Over Member Services:

GFSA has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for:

• Services provided by members to their clients
• Business practices of members
• Fees charged by members
• Quality, safety, or legality of member services
• Disputes between members and their clients
• Representations or claims made by members

12.2 Third-Party Content:

Our website may contain:

• Links to third-party websites
• Testimonials from members or users
• Guest articles or contributed content

GFSA does not endorse, verify, or assume responsibility for third-party content. Users access third-party content at their own risk.

13. USER CONDUCT RULES

Users must comply with all applicable Canadian federal and provincial laws and regulations, as well as laws in the user's jurisdiction when using Association services. Users agree not to engage in any of the following:

1. Posting or distributing any illegal, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic, discriminatory content, or content that infringes on others' privacy or intellectual property rights;
2. Impersonating any person or entity, or falsely stating or misrepresenting affiliation with any person or entity;
3. Interfering with or disrupting the normal operation of this website or connected servers or networks;
4. Attempting unauthorized access to any part of the website, other user accounts, or connected systems;
5. Collecting or storing other users' personal information without explicit authorization;
6. Using Association services or content for commercial purposes without written permission;
7. Misrepresenting qualifications, credentials, or authorizations obtained from GFSA;
8. Claiming GFSA certificates are professional licenses or government recognition;
9. Engaging in any other behavior that may harm the Association's reputation, legitimate interests, or normal operations.

The Association reserves the right to take action against users who violate these terms, including warnings, access restrictions, service suspension, account cancellation, and other measures.

14. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

This website and all its content, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, logos, audio, video, data, software, and its design (collectively "Website Content"), are the property of the Association or its content suppliers and are protected by Canadian and international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

Without prior express written authorization from the Association or relevant rights holders, users may not copy, modify, distribute, display, publish, create derivative works, transfer, or sell any Website Content. The Association grants users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the website and services for personal non-commercial purposes only.

15. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

GFSA, its directors, officers, employees, instructors, members, volunteers, and agents SHALL NOT BE LIABLE for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

• Loss of profits, income, or business opportunities
• Loss of property value or investment losses
• Personal injury or health complications
• Emotional distress or mental health issues
• Damage to relationships or reputation
• Business failures or financial losses
• Legal fees or litigation costs
• Any other damages or losses of any kind

ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO:

• Use of or inability to use GFSA services
• Participation in GFSA programs or courses
• Reliance on information provided by GFSA
• Application of concepts learned from GFSA
• Services provided by GFSA members
• Any content on our website
• Any interactions with GFSA or its members

This limitation applies even if GFSA has been advised of the possibility of such damages and regardless of the legal theory (contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise).

15.1 Maximum Liability:

If any jurisdiction does not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability, GFSA's maximum aggregate liability shall not exceed the amount you paid to GFSA in the 12 months preceding the claim.

16. INDEMNIFICATION

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GFSA, its directors, officers, employees, instructors, members, volunteers, and agents from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from:

• Your use of GFSA services or participation in GFSA programs
• Your violation of these Terms of Use
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations
• Your provision of services to third parties using concepts learned from GFSA
• Your misrepresentation of your qualifications, credentials, or affiliations
• Any claims brought by your clients or customers
• Your infringement of any intellectual property or other rights of any person or entity

17. APPLICABLE LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

These Terms of Use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada applicable therein, without regard to conflict of law principles.

Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Terms of Use or GFSA services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario, Canada.

17.1 Compliance with Local Laws:

If you access GFSA services from outside Canada, you are responsible for compliance with all local laws and regulations. If local laws prohibit you from using our services, you must not access our website or services.

18. CHANGES TO TERMS

GFSA reserves the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time without prior notice. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website.

Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the modified terms. It is your responsibility to review these terms regularly.

If you do not agree with any changes, you must immediately stop using GFSA services.

19. OTHER PROVISIONS

19.1 Severability:

If any provision of these terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary so that the remainder of the terms remains in full force and effect.

19.2 Waiver:

GFSA's failure to exercise or delay in exercising any right under these terms shall not constitute a waiver of that right.

19.3 Entire Agreement:

These terms, together with any policies incorporated by reference (such as the Privacy Policy), constitute the complete agreement between users and the Association regarding use of this website and services.

19.4 Language:

These terms are drafted in Chinese and English. If there is any inconsistency between versions, the English version shall prevail unless otherwise required by applicable law.

20. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have questions about these Terms of Use or any disclaimers, please contact: