[1]Experts from across Canada have come together to select the most impactful .CA websites. Their highly valued knowledge and industry experience in eLearning, small business, not-for profit and web technology and design means ensures that the best websites will be recognized and honoured with a .CA Impact Award [1].
The .CA Impact Awards celebrate people and organizations using their .CA websites to make a positive difference in the lives of their users and their communities. Impact can be social, cultural, political, technological, or economic.
The judging panel is comprised of the following seven members:
- Tony Bates: President and CEO of Tony Bates Associates Ltd. [2], a consulting firm in Vancouver. He has authored nine books and has given hundreds of talks on the importance of technology in higher education.
- David Molenhuis: National Chairman of the Canadian Federation of Students [3] which assists students and provides them a united voice to change policy provincially and nationally.
- Catherine Swift: Chairwoman, President and CEO of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business [4]. She has a depth of experience in the federal government with the Departments of Consumer and Corporate Affairs, and Industry and Communications. She was also a Senior Economist with the TD Bank.
- Maggie Leithead: President and CEO of Charity Village [5] and Webmaster of Charity Village.com, an online source of information, news, jobs, services and resources for the Canadian non-profit community. Ever since she bought her first Commodore Vic 20, she has had a deep interest in computers and technology.
- Karen Branscombe: Superintendent of New Brunswick’s largest school district [6] and a leader in developing Professional Learning Communities. In 2010, she was recognized as one of the most powerful women by the Women’s Executive Network. She is an avid volunteer and is a past board member of the United Way and the Moncton Rotary Club.
- Jean-Guy Rens – Senior Vice President of the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance [7] (CATA), the largest high-tech association in Canada. He specializes in public policy and marketing assistance for the introduction of new products and services. He has produced many independent studies revolving around the IT market in Canada.
- Ben Lewis – Ben Lewis [8] holds a Master’s degree in Communications and Culture from Ryerson University. He has authored papers on the dangers of restrictive copyright legislation, public space on the Internet, and the use of Internet technologies in Canadian universities and colleges. He likes to build things with pixels, blocks, and acrylic paint.
Websites are evaluated based on four categories of expertise:
- Small Business – celebrating a company whose website or application has helped a business contribute to its community, foster sales or create jobs.
- eLearning – recognizing youth and educators who use their .CA website to share knowledge and promote education.
- Not-for-Profit – distinguishing an NGO or association whose website or application is making a difference in the lives of members, donors, or the public.
- Web Technology and Design – recognizing individuals and organizations for innovation and impact in enhancing the speed, reliability, practicality and/or security of the Internet for all users.
The top winners of each category will win $5,000 and their names will be announced at the Awards Gala on the opening night of mesh [9] in Toronto on May 25, 2011.