1. Critique of the Conservative Party of Canada Website
By: Nisha Vijh
Ritesh Kotak
Alex Tong

2. Election Readiness
They have provided enough articles to provide the user with information regarding the conservative party’s platforms and actions regarding voter issues
The user has access to a side bar which conveys a sense of openness to the public in terms of allowing them to be a part of the party’s movement

3. Balance Between Self-Advocacy and Attack
One entire tab has been dedicated to Stephen Harper’s leadership (abilities, past experience, his family-friendly image and even a biography on his wife)
There is a podcast with Stephen Harper speaking
There is only one direct attack in terms of a specific article (the Liberal stance on GST)
Throughout the website there are indirect put downs about the other parties and their faults
The balance would be 75% self advocacy and a mere 25% attack

4. Balance Among Leader, Party, Policy
The leader is given the most attention on the website with majority of the tabs and articles directly about him, his family and even his hobbies
Discretely lays out party’s platform on key issues (policy)
Has adequate information on the party’s history and principles

5. Scope for Citizen Initiative
The side bar allows users to participate in the conservative party endeavour through links that allow them to donate, help, shop, join, own signs, vote and my campaign

6. Social Networking
Strong attempt to captivate to engage the younger public through familiar means such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, etc...

7. Branding, Look and Feel It is a very clean look, visually appealing
Conservative party branding is dominant
Not as user friendly as it can be due to disappearing tabs when scrolling over links with the mouse
Picture of Stephen Harper
Mission statement missing
Very youthful

8. Technological Sophistication
Cycling banner upon the page changing or being refreshed where all pictures emanate a family friendly feel
Utilization of several online techniques to portray the message (podcasts, radio ads etc)

9. Use of Languages
Complete equality is not shown to both the French and English speaking user due to the fact that landing page is automatically set to English
It is easy to switch between the two languages because even with the change the layout and access to all articles and links remains the same

10. Provision for People with Disabilities
There are a great number of pictures, and videos which allows users to access the information via other means than just text

11. Privacy Protection A Privacy Policy is provided
It is very well organized, and is easy for the average citizen to read and understand
It is informative and contact information has also been made available for further inquiries

12. Site’s Effectiveness Pros Great branding
Interactive (social networking and videos)
Contact Us
User friendly
Informative
Everything is accessible within three clicks (information is easily found)
Cons
The option to switch languages is not too obvious as it is only indicated as a mere E or F on the top right hand side of the page
Lack of multiculturalism
Lack of disability tools (audio text and ability to change font size)

13. Recommendations
Flash intro page which gives the option of French or English
Site map
Search Bar
Frequently Asked Questions Section

14. Down With The Coalition Thank You! Any Questions?