Connect to Canada

A.	BACKGROUND
	
Connect2Canada.com, a virtual network for Canadians and friends of Canada in the United States, was launched on July 1, 2005. Since that announcement, over 56,000 people have joined "Canada's network in the United States" to receive updates on subjects as diverse as our energy relationship, trade figures, the Canada-US border issues and Canadian cultural events in the United States. The initiative serves to promote Canadian Government interests in the U.S. and further our advocacy, trade and consular goals.  The bilingual tool reaches people who have a connection with Canada, such as Americans doing business with Canada and the Canadian expatriate community in the US. 

	Connect2Canada is a way to exchange news and ideas, and find out what is happening in the U.S. with respect to Canada-related issues. Members of the network can receive email notices on a range of topics and can share their stories with others. As the network continues to grow, it will serve as a knowledge base and a ready resource for facts on the major issues in the United States and Canada.
	
	B.	OBJECTIVE 

To maintain and enhance the online presence for Connect2Canada and Lien Canada, a virtual grassroots network that works in tandem with a database customer relationship management system that allows the Canadian Embassy in Washington, DC and Canadian consulates in the US to easily and effectively recruit new contacts, communicate with members, measure actions taken by network members, and disseminate information in a targeted and timely manner.