(Don't you hate it when you type out a bunch of stuff only to hit the wrong button and erase it? Let's try this again...)
Comparing Canadian and US parties is akin to comparing apples to oranges almost. Different priorities also make it harder to compare policies and mandates.
Conservative Party of Canada:
- Business oriented (suits and ties), with a focus on fiscal responsibility.
- While this is from last year, here is their platform, and links to priorities.
http://www.conservative.ca/EN/2590/
- Motto is:
Integrity, family, respect for work, achievement – Canada
strong and free
- Controversy around gay marriage legality. Seem to be against it, but have stated that they will allow a free vote on the subject. Their apparent views agains gay marriage was what cost them the election in 2004.
***note that there aren't necessarily Conservative parties in the Provinces. British Columbia does not have one, although the provincial Liberal party (currently in majority power) is very similar. Gordon Campbell's platform was basically copied by the current Prime Minister.
Liberal Party of Canada
- Difficult to describe them right now. Have been rocked by scandal, which cost them the recent election.
- Suits and ties, but not as starchy
- Currently rebuilding, would call them "Conservative Lite".
- Ex-NHL goalie Ken Dryden is a member. Previously held the position of Minister of Social Development.
- There have been so many defections between the Libs and the Conservative that I can't remember them all!
- Members of this party also include politico's from several provincial parties including the NDP and Liberals.
- Here's there main website:
http://www.liberal.ca/default_e.aspx. It's really to difficult for me to describe them at this stage in their rebuild.
New Democratic Party of Canada (NDP)
- If the Conservatives are right wing, and the Liberals are middle of the road...the NDP are bringing up the left wing.
- Dress pants and shirt, rolled up sleeves.
- Almost wiped out about 10 years ago, have come back with the recent issues with the Conservatives and Liberals.
- Not really a threat to become governing party of Canada, they simply take votes away from the two main parties at elections. Because of that, they actually have a lot of power in that they are being woed from both sides. The ideas and policies they suggest are often taken into consideration by the Libs and Conservatives so they can steal away precious votes.
- All about holding the governing power to account.
- All about the environment and the working people.
- NDP are the same, be it provincial or national. They often use each other during campaigns.
- If the Liberals are middle of the road between the Conservatives and the NDP, then the NDP are middle of the road between the Liberals and the Green Party
- website:
http://www.ndp.ca/
Green Party of Canada
- Name says it all: Green. All about the environment and sustainability.
- Not a true contender, although have made strides in recent years.
- Current featured blog on their website is entitled: "Al Gore and me"
- 2006 election platform:
http://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform2006/intro
- Motto is:
We Can
- Logo is a sunflower
- Outfit of choice is usually some kind of cotton or hemp dressy outfit. All about the natural look
The others aren't really worth mentioning, but here's a list of federal parties, including the Marijuana party 
http://www.altstuff.com/federal.htm
Helpful?