Tory launches innovative campaign website

Ontario PC Party
News Release

********************

The Ontario PC Party has launched the most innovative campaign website in Canadian politics today. The new site - www.leadershipmatters.ca - is an online community that provides a forum for people from across Ontario to interact with the Leader, the party and each other, and to take action to support John Tory and the Ontario PC Party's plan for a better Ontario.

"We believe that the number one issue in this campaign will be leadership - and specifically, which person Ontarians trust will be an effective, honest and action-oriented Premier for the Province," said John Laschinger, Campaign Director for the Ontario PC Party. "Leadershipmatters.ca will help us to spread that message across Ontario."

Leadershipmatters.ca is designed to be the opposite of a traditional 'top down' flow of information. The new site takes full advantage of the growing trend of social networking opportunities - integrating sites like Facebook, Flickr, and YouTube right into the main site.

The focal point is a multi-author blog that will bring different voices to the campaign site - starting with John Tory and expanding over time to include candidates and party activists from across the province. The Party wants to hear from Ontarians about the issues that matter to them.

"We want to engage Ontarians in the debate about the important issues in this province," said Laschinger.

The site also includes simple, one-click navigation to: a 'Meet John Tory' section; a 'Take Action' section where activists and supporters can contribute to the online campaign through a variety of activities; an 'Issues Update' section offering access to the Party's complete set of policy announcements; a 'Featured Candidate' section where Ontarians can get to know the Ontario PC Party team, and a place where visitors can 'Share Your Story' online. Finally, the 'Media Room' provides easy access to the Party's recent policy and media announcements and supporting materials.

"The interactivity made possible by the newest web technologies is changing the face of political campaigning," said Laschinger. "We are very excited to be the first party in Canada to harness the opportunities these technologies provide to connect with our supporters and voters and to provide them with the tools they need to take part in our campaign at a whole new level."

********************