I do apologize for not updating this blog in over a month (MUN, volunteer work, chores, and other life necessities have taken up a considerable amount of time). But getting back on topic, I did notice one thing when I was trying to get a "Youth Organizations Committee" established, and members recruited: most Young people my age have never took part in a board-room committee setting before. But when I really thought about it, and caught up with Steve Penney, James Upshall, and many other of the people that helped the NLFP (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party) grow, an idea came to mind: why not simply create a Facebook group, which would just make use of a 'Invite-only' membership.
In this way, the proceedings of the meetings would be private, except to those on the group, and to the powers that be on Facebook. In this way, accountability mechanisms would still be in place to keep debates reasonable and to ensure things don't get out of hand. Yet, it provides the account of Confidentiality needed for a Committee to operate. Even though Wayne Bennett (the Director of Communications) in the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party had suggested a Yahoo group, I figured most people I don't don't use Yahoo groups. But if anyone believes that establishing such a committee on Yahoo would also be helpful, let me know, and i'll see what I can do!
Other than that, i've got at least 3-4 people interested in sitting on this Y.O. (Youth Organizations) Committee via Facebook, i've also invited some other people who would have more to add to the dialogue and Committee matters. My intentions in creating this Y.O. Committee is not only to plan the establishment of a MUN Youth Wing Association, with its HQ at MUN for the NL First Party, but also to give members of the Committee a forum to bring up Youth Issues that the Youth Wing will need to tackle, plan Fundraising for the Youth Wing's operations, drafting a Youth Wing Constitution, among other things.
Of course, some of these meetings are going to be held in person: the final debate on a Draft Constitution for the Youth Wing of the NL First Party will probably need to take place in person, in order to accommodate those youth people who aren't comfortable with using Facebook to deal with Committee Issues, to clear up any misunderstandings that may come up, to allow for members of the Committee to vote on matters in person who lack Internet Access, and so on. However, in order to stay on as a Permanent member of the Y.O. Committee, people will need to send an e-mail to me, taking between 1/2 a page to 2 pages, explaining any relevant experience they have in dealing with Young people (be it their own age in community activities, hobbies,etc.) Why is this so? In order for me to appoint members permanently to the Committee, I must submit a list of the names of persons to be appointed to the Y.O. Committee. As for the "brief resumes" I mentioned above, this simply helps the EC (Executive Council) of the NL First Party to assess whether such members have the proper credentials to be on such a Committee.
You can expect to hear more about this, as time permits. I'd appreciate from feedback on this entry, so that I may answer any question you all may have. Also, if you're interested in becoming a member of this Youth Organizations Committee, post a comment at the link below this blog. And if you encounter difficulties doing so via a post, you can just e-mail me at jwlatwork@hotmail.com
Other than that, it's going to be interested to see how things play out in the next couple of months! Being Director of Youth Organizations since March 2007 to the Present has been such a Great Experience. ( Who would've imagined that involvement in a political party could start with the simple inquiry of why a website hadn't been updated in a year!)
Friday, November 9, 2007
Sunday, October 7, 2007
We've now got 236 people who successfully got their forms for the Federal Registration of the NLFP ratified: we still need at least 15 more!
Hey everyone, here's a copy of the message I sent out to the 103 members of "The NL First Party Supporters Site" Facebook Group:
"Hello everyone, Wayne Bennett( Director of Communications within the NLFP) has confirmed that 236 forms has been successfully ratified by Elections Canada: we need at least 14 more to go! So ya, do take the time to print off at least 1 Elections Canada form each, find someone who'd be willing to help the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party become a Federally Registered Party and do so.
Remember guys, the Federal Gov't will be presenting its Throne Speech October 16th 2007: a Fall Federal Election could follow it, seeing Canada is experiencing its second consecutive Minority Government. If the Opposition Parties vote down the Budget, that will result in a 'vote of non-confidence', thereby bringing down the Federal Gov't and triggering a Federal Election.
Once again, this is why it's important that you take the time "to do your bit" for the NLFP. But once again, if anything i've stated here isn't quite clear and/or you need more information about how you could help the NLFP not only become a Federally Registered Party, but also to thrive, expand and grow, just let me know!
Sincerely,
Jordan Lester
- Director of Youth Organizations within the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party (NLFP) and Student Rep. on the Executive Council."
This is absolutely vital because in order to run in the Next Federal Election, we must not only meet (or surpass) the 250 member limit for Federal Registration, but we must also have at least one candidate named within 30 days of the writ to an election being dropped. And once again, it's crucial at this time that we give this issue one last "heave-ho" over the 250 member limit, seeing as we can only do so much as a party without Federal Registration.
Once again, I strongly urge you to visit http:///www.nlfirst.ca and either print a form off the "Contact" section of the NLFP website or visit "The NL First Party Supporters Site" Facebook group and print at least one Elections Canada form that way, fill it all out and mail to the NLFP HQ (see the "Contact" section of the NLFP website for details!)
In closing, like the NL Premier said, "we're at a turning point in our history when we have an opportunity to make the long-awaited transition from being a have-not to a have province. We must decide who can lead this province through such exciting times..." Even though he was referring to the 2007 NL Provincial Election Campaign, leading the province of NL and NLers isn't just limited to who leads the Provincial Government: it's also about who represents us in Ottawa.
Under the Danny Williams Administration, an NL Embassy in Ottawa was established, with the purpose of helping to do the 'behind-the-scenes diplomacy' work, which contributed greatly to the successful 2005 Atlantic Accord II deal NL Premier Danny Williams signed with then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. And I now conclude by repeating the mantra of the NLFP, "It's Time".
"Hello everyone, Wayne Bennett( Director of Communications within the NLFP) has confirmed that 236 forms has been successfully ratified by Elections Canada: we need at least 14 more to go! So ya, do take the time to print off at least 1 Elections Canada form each, find someone who'd be willing to help the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party become a Federally Registered Party and do so.
Remember guys, the Federal Gov't will be presenting its Throne Speech October 16th 2007: a Fall Federal Election could follow it, seeing Canada is experiencing its second consecutive Minority Government. If the Opposition Parties vote down the Budget, that will result in a 'vote of non-confidence', thereby bringing down the Federal Gov't and triggering a Federal Election.
Once again, this is why it's important that you take the time "to do your bit" for the NLFP. But once again, if anything i've stated here isn't quite clear and/or you need more information about how you could help the NLFP not only become a Federally Registered Party, but also to thrive, expand and grow, just let me know!
Sincerely,
Jordan Lester
- Director of Youth Organizations within the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party (NLFP) and Student Rep. on the Executive Council."
This is absolutely vital because in order to run in the Next Federal Election, we must not only meet (or surpass) the 250 member limit for Federal Registration, but we must also have at least one candidate named within 30 days of the writ to an election being dropped. And once again, it's crucial at this time that we give this issue one last "heave-ho" over the 250 member limit, seeing as we can only do so much as a party without Federal Registration.
Once again, I strongly urge you to visit http:///www.nlfirst.ca and either print a form off the "Contact" section of the NLFP website or visit "The NL First Party Supporters Site" Facebook group and print at least one Elections Canada form that way, fill it all out and mail to the NLFP HQ (see the "Contact" section of the NLFP website for details!)
In closing, like the NL Premier said, "we're at a turning point in our history when we have an opportunity to make the long-awaited transition from being a have-not to a have province. We must decide who can lead this province through such exciting times..." Even though he was referring to the 2007 NL Provincial Election Campaign, leading the province of NL and NLers isn't just limited to who leads the Provincial Government: it's also about who represents us in Ottawa.
Under the Danny Williams Administration, an NL Embassy in Ottawa was established, with the purpose of helping to do the 'behind-the-scenes diplomacy' work, which contributed greatly to the successful 2005 Atlantic Accord II deal NL Premier Danny Williams signed with then-Prime Minister Paul Martin. And I now conclude by repeating the mantra of the NLFP, "It's Time".
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Does the Federal Youth Criminal Justice Act need to be reformed?
Hello everyone, while listening to VOCM Night Line on Sunday, September 30th, I noticed that 5-6 people called in saying that it's time that we reform the Federal Youth Criminal Justice Act. Among some of the suggestions, it was mentioned that due to the amount of technology available to teenagers these days, youth criminals can get a large gathering of people together almost spontaneously.
Also, it was mentioned that if restitution/rehabilitation made up a greater part of the act, that would help curve crime. For example, one caller mentioned (and VOCM Night Line Linda Swain) mentioned that if someone was caught spraying graffiti on property, part of their punishment should be not only to own up to their mistake, but also to have to re-pay the victim of the graffiti for the damages and to clean it up themselves. Once again, as the Student Rep for the NL First Party and the Director of Youth Organizations within the Party, I know that when I went to my 1st/2nd session of the SJRYP (St.John's Regional Youth Parliament, a voluntary non-partisan way for young people to pass resolutions to be sent to government to pressure them to act on issues affecting young people), a proposal was put forward to abolish the Youth Criminal Justice Act, thereby treating young criminals like adults. However, as a member of the SJRYP, I amended it to say that instead of abolishing it, it should be replacd by another Bill to be written at a future date by the Federal Government. I also added an amendment to state that instead of treating young criminals as adults in the presence of other adults, they should be treated as adults in an institution that'd treat them as adults, but away from reoffenders who are adults. This is because a friend of mine who was a Pastor had told me that too many young people who've committed their offences (who are 18 years of age or older) end up getting even more criminalized by being around repeat offenders and becoming more criminalized when they leave prison.
Unfortunately, the amended version of that Resolution by the SJRYP was defeated by 3 votes (I believe 8 were against it, 5 were in favour, the speaker didn't need to vote and 1 or 2 abstained, if memory serves correct). As a result, this issue wasn't brought to the attention of the NL Provincial and Canadian Federal Governments, given the fact that members of the SJRYP were too divided on the issue to come to an absolute consensus on what exactly would've needed to be done!
So ya, anyone have any comments you want to make?
Also, it was mentioned that if restitution/rehabilitation made up a greater part of the act, that would help curve crime. For example, one caller mentioned (and VOCM Night Line Linda Swain) mentioned that if someone was caught spraying graffiti on property, part of their punishment should be not only to own up to their mistake, but also to have to re-pay the victim of the graffiti for the damages and to clean it up themselves. Once again, as the Student Rep for the NL First Party and the Director of Youth Organizations within the Party, I know that when I went to my 1st/2nd session of the SJRYP (St.John's Regional Youth Parliament, a voluntary non-partisan way for young people to pass resolutions to be sent to government to pressure them to act on issues affecting young people), a proposal was put forward to abolish the Youth Criminal Justice Act, thereby treating young criminals like adults. However, as a member of the SJRYP, I amended it to say that instead of abolishing it, it should be replacd by another Bill to be written at a future date by the Federal Government. I also added an amendment to state that instead of treating young criminals as adults in the presence of other adults, they should be treated as adults in an institution that'd treat them as adults, but away from reoffenders who are adults. This is because a friend of mine who was a Pastor had told me that too many young people who've committed their offences (who are 18 years of age or older) end up getting even more criminalized by being around repeat offenders and becoming more criminalized when they leave prison.
Unfortunately, the amended version of that Resolution by the SJRYP was defeated by 3 votes (I believe 8 were against it, 5 were in favour, the speaker didn't need to vote and 1 or 2 abstained, if memory serves correct). As a result, this issue wasn't brought to the attention of the NL Provincial and Canadian Federal Governments, given the fact that members of the SJRYP were too divided on the issue to come to an absolute consensus on what exactly would've needed to be done!
So ya, anyone have any comments you want to make?
Updates to the NLFP Website, Establishing a Youth Wing at MUN,etc..
Hello everyone, this is Jordan Lester here again. I do apologize for being slow to update this blog (i've been pretty busy with MUN). Anyways, i've been serving as the Student Rep. on the Executive Council and the Director of Youth Organizations since the last Executive Council meeting. In addition, i've begun to fill out an application for the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party to establish a Youth Wing Association on the St.John's MUN Campus. And ya, do check out http://www.nlfirst.ca and notice that the Facebook group I created called 'The NL First Party Supporters Site' is up and running.
Also, i'm looking for people to sign up either as a member of this Youth Association. Also, we're looking for people to put them forward to serve as the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the MUN Youth Wing association. Also, we're having an on-going debate about the new logo for the NLFP, working on hammering out some preliminary policies to put up on the website, a statement on the provincial wing of the party and why we're not running candidates in the October 9th 2007 Provincial Election.
Other than that, NL First Party Leader Tom Hickey appreciated that I told him this Friday (2 days ago) that he should call into open line to say that the NL First Party supports the Danny Williams administration in NL's promise to look for joint management of the fisheries should he be re-elected. As you'll see on the NLFP website, joint management of the fisheries and developing a plan to rebuild the cod fishery are two major pillars of the founding of the NLFP in late 2004.
Anyways, stay tuned from another update from myself and the party: we're but 40-45 members away from becoming a Federally Registered Political Party!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
My First Time Speaking on VOCM Open Line:
Hello everyone, after waiting from 8:32 p.m to 9:37 p.m to move up to Line 5 on VOCM Night Line, I addressed the following points:
1. Why many young people don't vote: the feeling that sometimes politicians put partisan affiliation first, rather than the interests of the province of NL and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the feeling that they agree with some points that every party addresses, but no party consistently puts Newfoundland and Labrador First in Ottawa. I also mentioned that many PC MHA candidates on their websites (such as Sheila Osbourne) have a list of the PC Party's accomplishments in government since taking office, but nothing about what she's accomplished since becoming an MHA. The VOCM Linda Swain's response, (and I paraphrase) 'Well, some candidates prefer to run on what they call "The Team Approach", whereas other candidates like to focus on their individual contributions since becoming from being re-elected in 2003 through 2007. Also, I highlighted PC Mount Pearl North Steve Kent's campaign as a great way of staying in touch with people: 1. he maintains his own personal blog,etc... I also mentioned that many young people today use blogs, Facebook,etc, which lead me to establish a Facebook group [forgot to mention it was called 'The NL First Party Supporters Site']. I did so to give people a way to communicate how they'd like to see NL get put first and to relay that information to the Executive Council. [Also, I forgot to mention that it's also to update people on what's been going on inside the party, upcoming events,etc..]
I also mentioned what I've discovered that most Political Parties set Youth Wing membership from 14-23/25 years of age.
2. How I came to join the NL First Party: an e-mail asking why the Party website hadn't been update from February 2006- January/ February 2007, a phone call from Tom Hickey, a meeting with James Upshall (the former Executive-Youth rep. on the Executive Council) and Ellsworth Penney (a former member of the Executive Council) and making the conversion from the Liberal Party of Canada to the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party in January 2007. I also mentioned that as Director of Youth Organizations and the Student Representative on the Executive Council and in the NL First Party, i'm trying to launch a MUN NL First Party Youth Wing association, mentioned that i've got 2 people signed up. (What I wanted to get to but ran out of time for: 1. that the NL First Party Youth Wing Association has been granted recognition status by the MUNSU, something I was informed for through an e-mail. Also, that we're looking for a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer for the MUN Youth Wing Association.)
Also, I didn't have time to mention that we're looking to sign up members for the Youth Wing
3. I also mentioned that the NL First Party didn't [and isn't] running candidates in the Provincial Election because we agree with NL Premier Danny Williams' stance with Ottawa.
4. I also mentioned that the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party website has been updated and now has a new layout, a link to the Facebook group and the Official Party Blog.
And ya, they thanked me for calling in.....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyways, any questions and comments on things I brought up? Also, does anyone else have any issues on their heart that I didn't have time to bring up?
By the way, i'll be posting a copy of this post on my own personal blog!
Also, i'm looking for people to sign up either as a member of this Youth Association. Also, we're looking for people to put them forward to serve as the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer of the MUN Youth Wing association. Also, we're having an on-going debate about the new logo for the NLFP, working on hammering out some preliminary policies to put up on the website, a statement on the provincial wing of the party and why we're not running candidates in the October 9th 2007 Provincial Election.
Other than that, NL First Party Leader Tom Hickey appreciated that I told him this Friday (2 days ago) that he should call into open line to say that the NL First Party supports the Danny Williams administration in NL's promise to look for joint management of the fisheries should he be re-elected. As you'll see on the NLFP website, joint management of the fisheries and developing a plan to rebuild the cod fishery are two major pillars of the founding of the NLFP in late 2004.
Anyways, stay tuned from another update from myself and the party: we're but 40-45 members away from becoming a Federally Registered Political Party!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
My First Time Speaking on VOCM Open Line:
Hello everyone, after waiting from 8:32 p.m to 9:37 p.m to move up to Line 5 on VOCM Night Line, I addressed the following points:
1. Why many young people don't vote: the feeling that sometimes politicians put partisan affiliation first, rather than the interests of the province of NL and the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, the feeling that they agree with some points that every party addresses, but no party consistently puts Newfoundland and Labrador First in Ottawa. I also mentioned that many PC MHA candidates on their websites (such as Sheila Osbourne) have a list of the PC Party's accomplishments in government since taking office, but nothing about what she's accomplished since becoming an MHA. The VOCM Linda Swain's response, (and I paraphrase) 'Well, some candidates prefer to run on what they call "The Team Approach", whereas other candidates like to focus on their individual contributions since becoming from being re-elected in 2003 through 2007. Also, I highlighted PC Mount Pearl North Steve Kent's campaign as a great way of staying in touch with people: 1. he maintains his own personal blog,etc... I also mentioned that many young people today use blogs, Facebook,etc, which lead me to establish a Facebook group [forgot to mention it was called 'The NL First Party Supporters Site']. I did so to give people a way to communicate how they'd like to see NL get put first and to relay that information to the Executive Council. [Also, I forgot to mention that it's also to update people on what's been going on inside the party, upcoming events,etc..]
I also mentioned what I've discovered that most Political Parties set Youth Wing membership from 14-23/25 years of age.
2. How I came to join the NL First Party: an e-mail asking why the Party website hadn't been update from February 2006- January/ February 2007, a phone call from Tom Hickey, a meeting with James Upshall (the former Executive-Youth rep. on the Executive Council) and Ellsworth Penney (a former member of the Executive Council) and making the conversion from the Liberal Party of Canada to the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party in January 2007. I also mentioned that as Director of Youth Organizations and the Student Representative on the Executive Council and in the NL First Party, i'm trying to launch a MUN NL First Party Youth Wing association, mentioned that i've got 2 people signed up. (What I wanted to get to but ran out of time for: 1. that the NL First Party Youth Wing Association has been granted recognition status by the MUNSU, something I was informed for through an e-mail. Also, that we're looking for a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer for the MUN Youth Wing Association.)
Also, I didn't have time to mention that we're looking to sign up members for the Youth Wing
3. I also mentioned that the NL First Party didn't [and isn't] running candidates in the Provincial Election because we agree with NL Premier Danny Williams' stance with Ottawa.
4. I also mentioned that the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party website has been updated and now has a new layout, a link to the Facebook group and the Official Party Blog.
And ya, they thanked me for calling in.....
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyways, any questions and comments on things I brought up? Also, does anyone else have any issues on their heart that I didn't have time to bring up?
By the way, i'll be posting a copy of this post on my own personal blog!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The new format for the NL First Party website
Oh and by the way, check out http://www.nlfirst.ca for the 'new facelift' for the site that was promised for months (mind you, we'll add in the updated content once we've gone through the necessary procedures).
But ya, just having updated the new design is meant to tell people that we're still alive and kicking! (more details to come!)
But ya, just having updated the new design is meant to tell people that we're still alive and kicking! (more details to come!)
Saturday, September 8, 2007
the September 6th Executive Council Meeting and Related Details
Hello everyone, out of respect for our new Director of Communications, i've replaced this post with a new one that better respects executive confidentiality ( after all, with a Director of Communications in place, I must now run by anything I'm going to write on this blog by him.)
As a result, i'm going to state that i've been elected by the Executive Council as the new Student Rep. (previously Director of Communications!) Seeing as one of my colleagues was tied down with family obligations, i'm now going to be not only be responsible for exploring the set up of a Youth Wing with its HQ at MUN, but also for ensuring it actually gets done if it's feasible (which i'm hoping it will be!) Also, i'm still responsible for setting the age at which membership in the Youth Wing will be appropriate, how the Youth Wing shall be organized and otherwise.
And yes, i'm going to run my original post by the new Director of Communications and see if he has anything to add to it. If he does, i'll add it in, but once again, it's his call as to what can or can't be put up on this blog, seeing as it's the official blog of the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party!
As a result, i'm going to state that i've been elected by the Executive Council as the new Student Rep. (previously Director of Communications!) Seeing as one of my colleagues was tied down with family obligations, i'm now going to be not only be responsible for exploring the set up of a Youth Wing with its HQ at MUN, but also for ensuring it actually gets done if it's feasible (which i'm hoping it will be!) Also, i'm still responsible for setting the age at which membership in the Youth Wing will be appropriate, how the Youth Wing shall be organized and otherwise.
And yes, i'm going to run my original post by the new Director of Communications and see if he has anything to add to it. If he does, i'll add it in, but once again, it's his call as to what can or can't be put up on this blog, seeing as it's the official blog of the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party!
Monday, September 3, 2007
The Next Executive Council Meeting and other events
Monday, September 03, 2007
The Next Executive Council Meeting and other events
Hello everybody, this is another Preliminary entry I posted first on my own personal blog and i'll leave it up here. However, the contents of the following entry are still subject to approval by the EC for clarity, conciseness and content, as to ensure that executive confidentiality on private matters isn't breached. Once again, this is why I focus on trying to wait a few weeks before disclosing details of events that happened previous: by waiting a week or two to post an entry on a particular time period, it helps me to focus more on reflecting on it and writing more clearly, rather than being the subject of my own personal opionion at that moment (that is what personal blogs are for!)
Anyways, take a read through this entry and take the time to provide myself (Director of Youth Organizations, Jordan Lester) some feedback on the comments of this entry versus what you'd like to know. By doing so, I can run your requests by the EC, attempt to strike a balance and update the entry if a balance can be struck between ensuring the grassroots nature of this blog with the certain amount of confidentiality necessary for any executive to function...
Monday, September 03, 2007
The Next Executive Council Meeting and other events
Having returned from my family trip to NBS, i've got some long-needed updates to make:
1. The NLFP's (short for the NL First Party's) Next Executive Council Meeting is set for Thursday, September 6th 2007 at 7pm (If you want more of the details than that, you'd best leave a comment or contact me at guardianshadowknight@hotmail.com to do so). On the Agenda is the adoption of a new Organizational Structure for not only the Executive Council, but for how the Entire Party will function, research, make policies,etc.. (we'll also be aiming to fill any vacancies, shuffle people around as needed and fill new positions: more details to come after the meeting)
2. Fundraising is underway for the Walk-a-thon (nicknamed the 'Walk-a-town' by some members of the party), which is set to take place this coming Sunday, September 9th 2007: exact time and place TBA, as i'll be certain to ask for Clarity about this at the upcoming EC meeting
3. The Web Design Committee (of which I am a part) has been working diligently in not only changing the official party logo to be more inclusive of the entire province, but have been diligently looking through upwards of 20-30 different logo proposals, narrowing it down to 6 or 7, choosing the logo we like the most and in changing the layout of the website. (As of right now, the proposals are being stored in HTML format on a 'Under Construction' Site, which only those in the Web Design Committee knowing the address to it. This is because the committee consists of myself (Director of Youth Organizations, Jordan Lester), Steve Penney (Director of Communciations, who's considering becoming Assistant Director of Communications in favour of Wayne taking over the Dir. of Comm. role. But once again, this change is pending approval from the EC), two of his 'techy friends' (whom I won't name) and some of their close friends.
From what i've seen so far, the NLFP website is about to get a much needed facelift which is not only in touch with the origins of the NLFP, but I believe better reflects the NLFP. But once again, this is something for the EC to discuss in the coming days.
So ya, once i've attended the EC Meeting and verified what further details of these development can or cannot be public knowledge, i'll be updating this blog shortly. In the meantime, do take the time to view the Facebook Group "The NL First Party Supporters Site", as although it was founded by myself (a member of the party and the EC), it also allows for the discussion of how best to put NL First, current issues,etc.. This way even though we have yet to iron out policies on many issues, it allows people an opportunity to have their opionions seen, read and critiqued. This way when it comes time for Policy Formulation, we'll be able to draw on some of the insights that people give on this group, through links or documents they posted links to or otherwise. But more importantly, it also allows for a degree of online networking: helping to 'put a face' (if you will) to some of the names of the members of the EC, to get to chat with them in a 'down-to-earth' matter, to show people the NLFP is still alive, while allowing for a means of communications that far surpasses the telephone or e-mail in terms of response time to quick questions or requests!
Anyways, there's more to come shortly!
In the meantime, don't forget to check back to http://www.nlfirst.ca for updates and take the time to view our Facebook group: the "NL First Party Supporters Site" for some good discussion not only on the NLFP, but also on how best to put NL First and on current issues!
The Next Executive Council Meeting and other events
Hello everybody, this is another Preliminary entry I posted first on my own personal blog and i'll leave it up here. However, the contents of the following entry are still subject to approval by the EC for clarity, conciseness and content, as to ensure that executive confidentiality on private matters isn't breached. Once again, this is why I focus on trying to wait a few weeks before disclosing details of events that happened previous: by waiting a week or two to post an entry on a particular time period, it helps me to focus more on reflecting on it and writing more clearly, rather than being the subject of my own personal opionion at that moment (that is what personal blogs are for!)
Anyways, take a read through this entry and take the time to provide myself (Director of Youth Organizations, Jordan Lester) some feedback on the comments of this entry versus what you'd like to know. By doing so, I can run your requests by the EC, attempt to strike a balance and update the entry if a balance can be struck between ensuring the grassroots nature of this blog with the certain amount of confidentiality necessary for any executive to function...
Monday, September 03, 2007
The Next Executive Council Meeting and other events
Having returned from my family trip to NBS, i've got some long-needed updates to make:
1. The NLFP's (short for the NL First Party's) Next Executive Council Meeting is set for Thursday, September 6th 2007 at 7pm (If you want more of the details than that, you'd best leave a comment or contact me at guardianshadowknight@hotmail.com to do so). On the Agenda is the adoption of a new Organizational Structure for not only the Executive Council, but for how the Entire Party will function, research, make policies,etc.. (we'll also be aiming to fill any vacancies, shuffle people around as needed and fill new positions: more details to come after the meeting)
2. Fundraising is underway for the Walk-a-thon (nicknamed the 'Walk-a-town' by some members of the party), which is set to take place this coming Sunday, September 9th 2007: exact time and place TBA, as i'll be certain to ask for Clarity about this at the upcoming EC meeting
3. The Web Design Committee (of which I am a part) has been working diligently in not only changing the official party logo to be more inclusive of the entire province, but have been diligently looking through upwards of 20-30 different logo proposals, narrowing it down to 6 or 7, choosing the logo we like the most and in changing the layout of the website. (As of right now, the proposals are being stored in HTML format on a 'Under Construction' Site, which only those in the Web Design Committee knowing the address to it. This is because the committee consists of myself (Director of Youth Organizations, Jordan Lester), Steve Penney (Director of Communciations, who's considering becoming Assistant Director of Communications in favour of Wayne taking over the Dir. of Comm. role. But once again, this change is pending approval from the EC), two of his 'techy friends' (whom I won't name) and some of their close friends.
From what i've seen so far, the NLFP website is about to get a much needed facelift which is not only in touch with the origins of the NLFP, but I believe better reflects the NLFP. But once again, this is something for the EC to discuss in the coming days.
So ya, once i've attended the EC Meeting and verified what further details of these development can or cannot be public knowledge, i'll be updating this blog shortly. In the meantime, do take the time to view the Facebook Group "The NL First Party Supporters Site", as although it was founded by myself (a member of the party and the EC), it also allows for the discussion of how best to put NL First, current issues,etc.. This way even though we have yet to iron out policies on many issues, it allows people an opportunity to have their opionions seen, read and critiqued. This way when it comes time for Policy Formulation, we'll be able to draw on some of the insights that people give on this group, through links or documents they posted links to or otherwise. But more importantly, it also allows for a degree of online networking: helping to 'put a face' (if you will) to some of the names of the members of the EC, to get to chat with them in a 'down-to-earth' matter, to show people the NLFP is still alive, while allowing for a means of communications that far surpasses the telephone or e-mail in terms of response time to quick questions or requests!
Anyways, there's more to come shortly!
In the meantime, don't forget to check back to http://www.nlfirst.ca for updates and take the time to view our Facebook group: the "NL First Party Supporters Site" for some good discussion not only on the NLFP, but also on how best to put NL First and on current issues!
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Preliminary new entry.... give me some feedback on this one..
Hey everyone, seeing as it's been almost 3 months since i've updated this blog, I thought i'd post the preliminary entry i'd drafted yesterday and put on my own personal blog: here it is and tell me what you think of it (most of what's covered are things that the executive told me and didn't say anything about that info. being confidential). So, here it is...
'An all so important Update: we're halfway to being a federally Registered Federal Political Party and more..meant for the O.NL First P.B.
Note: The following post you're about to read is NOT the final copy of how it will appear and will still be subject to a certain degree of editing, with input from viewers and the Party Executive, of course....)
Hey guys, sorry I hadn't updated the blog in almost 3 months: I was pretty busy with not only doing 2 courses at MUN over the summer, but I also had a MUCEP Job, a Facebook and Hi5 groups, both called 'The NL First Party Supporters Site' to maintain, in addition to executive meetings, a social life,etc...
Anyways, to view that Facebook group, you can view this link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2230406030 (That is, provided you have a Facebook account, through which you can view the group.... of course, the group had some technical difficulties as of 3:11p.m, but oh well).
Just as an update, we've had about 3-4 Executive meetings over the summer: covering everything from progress of Federal Registration, organizing a Walk-a-thon to take place to raise funds for the party (something that was supposed to be ready for August, but got lost in the midst of other items and such), getting committees in place within the party to study various issues and other items (I can't say much else, due to executive confidentiality. But hey, at the next meeting, i'll make an effort to ask what I can reveal on this blog).
And just for the sake of clarity, the Executive of the NL First Party has passed a motion, along the lines of 'The NL First Party will not be running candidates in the October 2007 Provincial Election. However, we will maintain administrative and policy functions of the provincial wing of the party.' Essentially, this is because going Federal was the 'raison d'etre' of this Party's existence. (For those who don't know french, raison d'etre means 'reason in being/ reason to be')
But other than that, we've now added another new member to the executive, with 2 more soon to be included. In addition, the NL First Party has got approximately 125-155 forms ratified from Elections Canada, out of the 400 we sent to get the party ratified: we'll be needing to ratify at least 250 in total to get register. Luckily, we don't have to start over from scratch: we can just keep sending them until we reach the 250 mark!!
On another note, the next meeting coming up on Thursday will be a key one: we'll be dealing with the issue of the Organization of the NL First Party. (Essentially, what committees, sub-committees,etc... does the Party need in order to function, make policy, do research,etc...) Given how close we are to becoming a Federally Registered Party, now's the time to take a moment to visit http://www.nlfirst.ca to print off a Registration form, follow the directions in filling it out and mail it to the NL First Party HQ. (preferably with a note attached saying that you decided to do so because you seen this post on the Party's blog).
Last, we're currently in the process of updating the party's official website (with a blurb on the main site to say just that), in addition to trying to find a way to change our logo as to include the uniqueness of Labradorians and Rural NL more within the Logo. So ya, myself, a new member of the executive and a few of his friends have been tasked with drafting some new logo designs, with us going to make a decision on which one to choose shortly.
In conclusion, I know that this was a long post, but given the fact that it's been almost 3 months since i've updated this, this is only the tip of the iceberg of what's going on in the party: the rest of the happenings are governed by executive confidentiality, and can therefore only be disclosed with their permission.
Indeed, as is written under the official party logo on most of our executive agenda sheets, 'it's time!'
P.S. Until I can know for certain whether my colleagues agree with its contents, consider this post a draft version of the more polished one soon to be coming to this website blog).'
'An all so important Update: we're halfway to being a federally Registered Federal Political Party and more..meant for the O.NL First P.B.
Note: The following post you're about to read is NOT the final copy of how it will appear and will still be subject to a certain degree of editing, with input from viewers and the Party Executive, of course....)
Hey guys, sorry I hadn't updated the blog in almost 3 months: I was pretty busy with not only doing 2 courses at MUN over the summer, but I also had a MUCEP Job, a Facebook and Hi5 groups, both called 'The NL First Party Supporters Site' to maintain, in addition to executive meetings, a social life,etc...
Anyways, to view that Facebook group, you can view this link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2230406030 (That is, provided you have a Facebook account, through which you can view the group.... of course, the group had some technical difficulties as of 3:11p.m, but oh well).
Just as an update, we've had about 3-4 Executive meetings over the summer: covering everything from progress of Federal Registration, organizing a Walk-a-thon to take place to raise funds for the party (something that was supposed to be ready for August, but got lost in the midst of other items and such), getting committees in place within the party to study various issues and other items (I can't say much else, due to executive confidentiality. But hey, at the next meeting, i'll make an effort to ask what I can reveal on this blog).
And just for the sake of clarity, the Executive of the NL First Party has passed a motion, along the lines of 'The NL First Party will not be running candidates in the October 2007 Provincial Election. However, we will maintain administrative and policy functions of the provincial wing of the party.' Essentially, this is because going Federal was the 'raison d'etre' of this Party's existence. (For those who don't know french, raison d'etre means 'reason in being/ reason to be')
But other than that, we've now added another new member to the executive, with 2 more soon to be included. In addition, the NL First Party has got approximately 125-155 forms ratified from Elections Canada, out of the 400 we sent to get the party ratified: we'll be needing to ratify at least 250 in total to get register. Luckily, we don't have to start over from scratch: we can just keep sending them until we reach the 250 mark!!
On another note, the next meeting coming up on Thursday will be a key one: we'll be dealing with the issue of the Organization of the NL First Party. (Essentially, what committees, sub-committees,etc... does the Party need in order to function, make policy, do research,etc...) Given how close we are to becoming a Federally Registered Party, now's the time to take a moment to visit http://www.nlfirst.ca to print off a Registration form, follow the directions in filling it out and mail it to the NL First Party HQ. (preferably with a note attached saying that you decided to do so because you seen this post on the Party's blog).
Last, we're currently in the process of updating the party's official website (with a blurb on the main site to say just that), in addition to trying to find a way to change our logo as to include the uniqueness of Labradorians and Rural NL more within the Logo. So ya, myself, a new member of the executive and a few of his friends have been tasked with drafting some new logo designs, with us going to make a decision on which one to choose shortly.
In conclusion, I know that this was a long post, but given the fact that it's been almost 3 months since i've updated this, this is only the tip of the iceberg of what's going on in the party: the rest of the happenings are governed by executive confidentiality, and can therefore only be disclosed with their permission.
Indeed, as is written under the official party logo on most of our executive agenda sheets, 'it's time!'
P.S. Until I can know for certain whether my colleagues agree with its contents, consider this post a draft version of the more polished one soon to be coming to this website blog).'
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
One Step closer to Federal Registration: our forms to become a Federally Registered Party are in the mail to be received by Elections Canada!et Others
Hi everyone, Ellsworth told me on the phone (and by e-mail) that the applications (And other requirements) for the NLF Party to become a Federally Registered Party is now in the mail to be received by Elections Canada. So ya, if you were one of the people who filled out an Elections Canada form to help get the NLF Party Federally Registered, be ready for a special application to come into your mail, asking you to confirm that you actually did fill out a form to help the NLF Party become a Federally Registered Party.
So ya, I just thought i'd give you guys that update. In addition, the Federal Organizing Committee Meeting that was Scheduled for tonight has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled shortly (probably for Next Tuesday, although we're not sure yet!)
Last, there's a non-partisan rally coming up on Friday at noon (lunchtime,12pm) at the Confederation Building to spend a message to the Federal Government that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians speak with One Voice, and to show that we won't tolerate the broken promises of the Federal Government on the issue of Equalization!
So ya, I just thought i'd give you guys that update. In addition, the Federal Organizing Committee Meeting that was Scheduled for tonight has been cancelled, and will be rescheduled shortly (probably for Next Tuesday, although we're not sure yet!)
Last, there's a non-partisan rally coming up on Friday at noon (lunchtime,12pm) at the Confederation Building to spend a message to the Federal Government that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians speak with One Voice, and to show that we won't tolerate the broken promises of the Federal Government on the issue of Equalization!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Updates on the NL First Party
Hello everyone, the NL First Party is progressing well, as the Federal Organizing Commitee of the NLF Party has had 1-2 meetings in the last month to get all of the 400+ forms (of the people who'd like to see the NLF Party become federally registered)typed up.
Also, the NLF Party has now completed all but two requirements of the forms and procedures to fill to become a federally registered political party: all they need to do now is get an Auditor for the party and a Concillator (a requirement for all federal political parties).
Other than that, the NLF Party should be in a position to become federally registered within the next 2 weeks or so. After that, we'll be starting to do some fundraising activities (such as Group walks and such).
Indeed, stay tuned for more developments!
Also, the NLF Party has now completed all but two requirements of the forms and procedures to fill to become a federally registered political party: all they need to do now is get an Auditor for the party and a Concillator (a requirement for all federal political parties).
Other than that, the NLF Party should be in a position to become federally registered within the next 2 weeks or so. After that, we'll be starting to do some fundraising activities (such as Group walks and such).
Indeed, stay tuned for more developments!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Update on the NL First Party
Hi everyone, after meeting with Ellsworth Penney today at a local Tim's, I've been informed that the NL First Party has made great progress in getting the party registered: since we should be in a position to get our application to become a Federally Registered party sent off in the next few weeks and now have about 400 people who've filled out forms to get the party federally registered.
In addition, the party is currently looking for candidates to run in the next federal election. If you're interested in running, please contact the NL First Party at the Contact Info to be found at http://www.nlfirst.ca under the heading of "Contact".
Indeed, the party is coming along and Mr. Hickey has been speaking on Open line on various occasions about the NLF Party: another update will be up soon on this blog (and a update for the NLF Party Official Website is underway!)
In addition, the party is currently looking for candidates to run in the next federal election. If you're interested in running, please contact the NL First Party at the Contact Info to be found at http://www.nlfirst.ca under the heading of "Contact".
Indeed, the party is coming along and Mr. Hickey has been speaking on Open line on various occasions about the NLF Party: another update will be up soon on this blog (and a update for the NLF Party Official Website is underway!)
Monday, February 19, 2007
A Recent Issue that came up today on CTV News that could be a issue that the NLF Party tackles at some point..
Here's the post I made today (Monday, February 19th/2007):
Title: Topic: Lost Canadians: the need to Update the Citizenship Act of 1947
'Hi everyone, while on mid-term break today, I caught a newstory on CTV News this morning titled "Lost Canadians": which basically said that because our current citizenship act is archacially 60 years old, there are up to 100,000 to 200,000 canadians who could lose their citizenship upon turning 20 because:
1. They were born out of wedlock
2. They were born before 1977
3. (a)Because one of their parents had to give up their Canadian Citizenship to become an American citizenship
(b) Which has sometimes occured because (as one individual on CTV testified), their father had arthritis and needed to head to the warmer climates of some parts of the US to help their condition
4. The current citizenship act classifies persons with disabilities, lunatics, and criminals as all being in the same category
So basically, this is an issue that not only affects Canadians, but Newfoundlanders as well: I mean if someone can lose their citizenship at age 20 and spend 35 years turning to get it back, what does that mean for people to immigrate into Canada and decide to stay in NL? Is it possible that such individuals might be deported from the country while their Canadian Citizenship is being processed in our overburdened bureaucracy?
Questions and comments? By the way, you should be able to find the Citizenship Act of 1947 at http://www.parl.gc.ca and search "The Citizenship Act of 1947"'
. . . . .
My two later replies to the same topic today:
"Hi, I went on the website and contacted the Parliamentary Library to discover that you can learn more about any legislation regarding citizenship by going to http://laws.justice.gc.ca
Then of course, you can choose to read it in either English of French
Then, you can click "Laws" (if an "Update Notice" comes up, click on the link at the bottom provided to bring you back to the site)
So ya, I searched "Citizenship" and found the "Citzenship Act of 1985" at this link: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-29//20070219/en?command=home&caller=SI&fragment=Citizenship%20&search_type=all&day=19&month=2&year=2007&search_domain=cs&showall=L&statuteyear=all&lengthannual=50&length=50"
"So ya, according to this, there is no mention of those being born out of wedlock, in military bases overseas,etc... as being Canadian citizens (just as CTV said, but hey, I wanted to make sure that spin wasn't being put on the story!)
So, there you have it: questions and comments?!"
Title: Topic: Lost Canadians: the need to Update the Citizenship Act of 1947
'Hi everyone, while on mid-term break today, I caught a newstory on CTV News this morning titled "Lost Canadians": which basically said that because our current citizenship act is archacially 60 years old, there are up to 100,000 to 200,000 canadians who could lose their citizenship upon turning 20 because:
1. They were born out of wedlock
2. They were born before 1977
3. (a)Because one of their parents had to give up their Canadian Citizenship to become an American citizenship
(b) Which has sometimes occured because (as one individual on CTV testified), their father had arthritis and needed to head to the warmer climates of some parts of the US to help their condition
4. The current citizenship act classifies persons with disabilities, lunatics, and criminals as all being in the same category
So basically, this is an issue that not only affects Canadians, but Newfoundlanders as well: I mean if someone can lose their citizenship at age 20 and spend 35 years turning to get it back, what does that mean for people to immigrate into Canada and decide to stay in NL? Is it possible that such individuals might be deported from the country while their Canadian Citizenship is being processed in our overburdened bureaucracy?
Questions and comments? By the way, you should be able to find the Citizenship Act of 1947 at http://www.parl.gc.ca and search "The Citizenship Act of 1947"'
. . . . .
My two later replies to the same topic today:
"Hi, I went on the website and contacted the Parliamentary Library to discover that you can learn more about any legislation regarding citizenship by going to http://laws.justice.gc.ca
Then of course, you can choose to read it in either English of French
Then, you can click "Laws" (if an "Update Notice" comes up, click on the link at the bottom provided to bring you back to the site)
So ya, I searched "Citizenship" and found the "Citzenship Act of 1985" at this link: http://laws.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/C-29//20070219/en?command=home&caller=SI&fragment=Citizenship%20&search_type=all&day=19&month=2&year=2007&search_domain=cs&showall=L&statuteyear=all&lengthannual=50&length=50"
"So ya, according to this, there is no mention of those being born out of wedlock, in military bases overseas,etc... as being Canadian citizens (just as CTV said, but hey, I wanted to make sure that spin wasn't being put on the story!)
So, there you have it: questions and comments?!"
Recent Federal Political Issues that've come up that relate to the Goals and Missions of the NLF Party (and how we should respond)
Here's the post I made February 17th/2007:
Title: The issue of Electoral Reform, whether it's in NL's best interest and the current political atmosphere for Electoral Reform in the Federal Parliament:
'So ya, i'm not sure if many of you are aware, on the NL First Party's webpage, it states that,
"The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party is committed to presenting a united front to the Federal Government and the people of Canada on issues of extreme importance to our future. Beyond the Fair Deal our provincial government has made with the Atlantic Accord, there are still issues to address:
.... • Federal political reforms to increase equity among the provinces and territories"
So ya, what, may you be asking, does this have to do with Electoral Reform? Well, I found out that on the NDP's website (http://www.ndp.ca/page/4051) titled "Electoral reform: make every vote count", they quote some statistics showing some flaws within our current Federal Electoral System and provide some background on them, as well as stating the following, "Leading the way to a fair system
On February 19, NDP MP Catherine Bell will table a motion to get the ball rolling on electoral reform. This motion mandates Parliament to consult with Canadians and choose a fairer voting system like proportional representation.
The last Parliament actually adopted NDP MP Ed Broadbent’s reform process, but the Liberal government broke its promise to move forward.
Make sure votes aren’t wasted any longer - urge your member of Parliament to support the NDP’s campaign for a fair voting system."
Also, this should open the door for debate on the issue of Electoral Reform. So, what do you guys stand on the issue of Electoral Reform?: would you rather see the Federal Electoral System changed to another form of Representative Democracy and/or Proportional Representation, or would you rather things to remain the way they are for now?
So ya, if you want, you can sign the online petition that they have on their website and/or write your Federal MP as to ask them to support and/or amend this motion accordingly if you feel so inclined!
Also, this should open the door for debate on the issue of Electoral Reform. So, what do you guys stand on the issue of Electoral Reform?: let the debate begin!
. . . . . .
Title: The issue of Electoral Reform, whether it's in NL's best interest and the current political atmosphere for Electoral Reform in the Federal Parliament:
'So ya, i'm not sure if many of you are aware, on the NL First Party's webpage, it states that,
"The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party is committed to presenting a united front to the Federal Government and the people of Canada on issues of extreme importance to our future. Beyond the Fair Deal our provincial government has made with the Atlantic Accord, there are still issues to address:
.... • Federal political reforms to increase equity among the provinces and territories"
So ya, what, may you be asking, does this have to do with Electoral Reform? Well, I found out that on the NDP's website (http://www.ndp.ca/page/4051) titled "Electoral reform: make every vote count", they quote some statistics showing some flaws within our current Federal Electoral System and provide some background on them, as well as stating the following, "Leading the way to a fair system
On February 19, NDP MP Catherine Bell will table a motion to get the ball rolling on electoral reform. This motion mandates Parliament to consult with Canadians and choose a fairer voting system like proportional representation.
The last Parliament actually adopted NDP MP Ed Broadbent’s reform process, but the Liberal government broke its promise to move forward.
Make sure votes aren’t wasted any longer - urge your member of Parliament to support the NDP’s campaign for a fair voting system."
Also, this should open the door for debate on the issue of Electoral Reform. So, what do you guys stand on the issue of Electoral Reform?: would you rather see the Federal Electoral System changed to another form of Representative Democracy and/or Proportional Representation, or would you rather things to remain the way they are for now?
So ya, if you want, you can sign the online petition that they have on their website and/or write your Federal MP as to ask them to support and/or amend this motion accordingly if you feel so inclined!
Also, this should open the door for debate on the issue of Electoral Reform. So, what do you guys stand on the issue of Electoral Reform?: let the debate begin!
. . . . . .
More Recent Discussion Topics I authored from the Facebook Group:the "NL First Supporters Site"
Here's the thread I posted in the facebook group on February 13th/2007:
Title:What can and/or will you do to help out the party?
'So ya, now that this group is starting to take off, i'd like to ask, what would everyone like to do to help out the party: become a membership? tell your friends about it? Help sign the petition to get the party federally registered? Willing to become an officer/moderator for this group?
If you're interested in helping out the party,post a response in this thread and i'll see what can be done!
. . . . . . .
Here's another post I made on the Facebook Group of the same name on February 14th/2007:
'Hi everyone, while I was reading the local NL paper "The Telegram", I found an editorial on A6,A7 or A8 titled "a page from Quebec's Books" which was written by a fellow from St.John's about how Newfoundland and Labrador is being pushed and shoved around by the rest of Canada. (To see the article, google http://www.thetelegram.com)
He also talks about how two years ago, he saw the NL First Party as a way of changing this. However, he seems to think the NL First Party is dead, but it's not. This forum and the NLF blog I plan to start is living proof it's still alive!
. . . . . .
(my later reply to this same thread the next day)
Not to mention, my friend James U. is doing some exploratory work into establishing a youth wing here at MUN for the NL First Party.
In addition, i'll probably be starting my "NL First Blog" over mid-term break and such just as soon as I let Ellsworth Penney and James U. know about it
!
So ya, this party is alive and well: just due to the fact that the executive of the party are doing their work for the party on a volunteer basis, they need to work jobs as well. As you'd expect, this means they have more commitments than say, any Leader of the Opposition has ( I mean, how many do you hear of who are working a 2nd job at the same time as being a Leader of the Opp. or party leader: although Danny Williams is probably the exception seeing as he still owns a company or two... I think!
But anyway, we're trying to get people to join the NL First Party and to help the Party get Federally registered, and maybe if we're lucky, we'll be registered in time to get federal NL MP Candidates for the Next Federal Election!
Any Questions or comments you'd like to make?'
. . . . . . .
Here's an excerpt from the Facebook group about a Meeting I had with James at what was originally supposed to be 1pm (that Later become 5:15p.m):
Title:My upcoming meeting with James at 1pm Today
'Remember how i've been saying that this group is for those who want to put NL First and to learn about the NL First Party and to support it?
Well, James will be giving me some NL First Party Memberships Forums (as well as Elections Canada forms to confirm your a Member of the NL First Party and to ratify that you want the party to become Federally Registered). So ya, if anyone studying at MUN (or elsewhere) is interested in becoming a member of the party, let me know and I can arrange to give you the forums in person (or to direct you to where on the nlfirst website to go to print them off yourself as well as where to mail them).
Last, the first 400 members of the NL First Party can join free of charge (because we'll be waiving the normal fee) in an attempt to help make the party more accesible to those interested regardless of income level and such!
So ya, Questions and comments? And ya, i'll be updating this site with more about our meeting!'
. . . . . . .
(my later update that same day as to how the meeting actually went)
Anyways, the meeting actually went ahead at 5:15 p.m. So, here's a list of things we discussed:
1. The Forms for Application to Register the Party (The NL First Party) NOT Membership forms
What does this mean, you ask? It means that someone can fill out a form to register the NL First Party Federally WITHOUT being a Member of the NL First Party (getting people officially registered and on file as members will happen once the party is Federally Registered!)
2(a) However, [James does want me to] keep a contact list of those who want to become members [of the NL First Party when we start officially registering interested people as official members of the party]. This is because the party will need [this list] because once we have at least 200 forms filled out to have the party federally registered, Elections Canada will be mailing a package to each individual to ratify that they actually filled out these forms and to ratify this: once at least 200 people have ratified these forms, the party will be federally registered! () Membership [cards] won't be distributed until after the party is [Federally] Registered.
(b) [I'll also be] keeping a list of those who wish to become members [of the NL First Party]: so, if your interested, let me know as a reply in this thread or PM me!
3. We can't Rush [getting federally registered] just to try to be ready for a possible Federal Election: we need to focus on gettingregistered among other things, next comes membership (then [we can start thinking about other things such as having conventions to adopt official party policies,etc..)
4. The NL First Blog
> James or Ellsworth will tell me what they want for me to put up on it [as this'll serve as the Official Party blog due to technical difficulties with getting the Official Party's website updated].
So ya, any questions or comments?
. . . . . . .
Title:What can and/or will you do to help out the party?
'So ya, now that this group is starting to take off, i'd like to ask, what would everyone like to do to help out the party: become a membership? tell your friends about it? Help sign the petition to get the party federally registered? Willing to become an officer/moderator for this group?
If you're interested in helping out the party,post a response in this thread and i'll see what can be done!
. . . . . . .
Here's another post I made on the Facebook Group of the same name on February 14th/2007:
'Hi everyone, while I was reading the local NL paper "The Telegram", I found an editorial on A6,A7 or A8 titled "a page from Quebec's Books" which was written by a fellow from St.John's about how Newfoundland and Labrador is being pushed and shoved around by the rest of Canada. (To see the article, google http://www.thetelegram.com)
He also talks about how two years ago, he saw the NL First Party as a way of changing this. However, he seems to think the NL First Party is dead, but it's not. This forum and the NLF blog I plan to start is living proof it's still alive!
. . . . . .
(my later reply to this same thread the next day)
Not to mention, my friend James U. is doing some exploratory work into establishing a youth wing here at MUN for the NL First Party.
In addition, i'll probably be starting my "NL First Blog" over mid-term break and such just as soon as I let Ellsworth Penney and James U. know about it
!
So ya, this party is alive and well: just due to the fact that the executive of the party are doing their work for the party on a volunteer basis, they need to work jobs as well. As you'd expect, this means they have more commitments than say, any Leader of the Opposition has ( I mean, how many do you hear of who are working a 2nd job at the same time as being a Leader of the Opp. or party leader: although Danny Williams is probably the exception seeing as he still owns a company or two... I think!
But anyway, we're trying to get people to join the NL First Party and to help the Party get Federally registered, and maybe if we're lucky, we'll be registered in time to get federal NL MP Candidates for the Next Federal Election!
Any Questions or comments you'd like to make?'
. . . . . . .
Here's an excerpt from the Facebook group about a Meeting I had with James at what was originally supposed to be 1pm (that Later become 5:15p.m):
Title:My upcoming meeting with James at 1pm Today
'Remember how i've been saying that this group is for those who want to put NL First and to learn about the NL First Party and to support it?
Well, James will be giving me some NL First Party Memberships Forums (as well as Elections Canada forms to confirm your a Member of the NL First Party and to ratify that you want the party to become Federally Registered). So ya, if anyone studying at MUN (or elsewhere) is interested in becoming a member of the party, let me know and I can arrange to give you the forums in person (or to direct you to where on the nlfirst website to go to print them off yourself as well as where to mail them).
Last, the first 400 members of the NL First Party can join free of charge (because we'll be waiving the normal fee) in an attempt to help make the party more accesible to those interested regardless of income level and such!
So ya, Questions and comments? And ya, i'll be updating this site with more about our meeting!'
. . . . . . .
(my later update that same day as to how the meeting actually went)
Anyways, the meeting actually went ahead at 5:15 p.m. So, here's a list of things we discussed:
1. The Forms for Application to Register the Party (The NL First Party) NOT Membership forms
What does this mean, you ask? It means that someone can fill out a form to register the NL First Party Federally WITHOUT being a Member of the NL First Party (getting people officially registered and on file as members will happen once the party is Federally Registered!)
2(a) However, [James does want me to] keep a contact list of those who want to become members [of the NL First Party when we start officially registering interested people as official members of the party]. This is because the party will need [this list] because once we have at least 200 forms filled out to have the party federally registered, Elections Canada will be mailing a package to each individual to ratify that they actually filled out these forms and to ratify this: once at least 200 people have ratified these forms, the party will be federally registered! () Membership [cards] won't be distributed until after the party is [Federally] Registered.
(b) [I'll also be] keeping a list of those who wish to become members [of the NL First Party]: so, if your interested, let me know as a reply in this thread or PM me!
3. We can't Rush [getting federally registered] just to try to be ready for a possible Federal Election: we need to focus on gettingregistered among other things, next comes membership (then [we can start thinking about other things such as having conventions to adopt official party policies,etc..)
4. The NL First Blog
> James or Ellsworth will tell me what they want for me to put up on it [as this'll serve as the Official Party blog due to technical difficulties with getting the Official Party's website updated].
So ya, any questions or comments?
. . . . . . .
All the other posts from the Facebook group of JWL's making the "NL First Party Supporters Site"
The Vision of the NL First Party and other further discussions (Originally posted January 30th/2007)
A quote from the Facebook group which quoted the NLF Party Website,
''NLFirst
OUR VISION is to realize a Newfoundland and Labrador that is healthy, prosperous and a sharing society with our future in our own hands.
OUR MISSION is to found a new Federal and Provincial political party, the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party, for the purpose of realizing our vision.
We will research issues, poll the public, engage in open debate, critique government policies and practices, present our own, and, when our members decide, we will stand for Federal and Provincial public office in Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Parliament of Canada.
Our first objectives are to fight for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador from within the Province and to recover control of Newfoundland and Labrador's rich natural resources and their revenues, from the federal government of Canada.
February 10, 2006'
[Note: I was speaking with the president of the party, Tom [Gene] Hickey about the party and he told me they've been trying to update the website for some time, but, they've had some technical difficulties. So, you can expect the site to be updated sometime in the future. Otherwise, anyone interested in joining the party can e-mail nlfirst@admin.com [see the website for details]
. . . . . . .
Another post from the same group on the same day:
Title:Information on how to become a membership and to help the NL First Party register as a federal party
Quote from the NLFirst website,
'NLFirst
HOW TO CONTACT US:
by e-mail: info@nlfirst.ca
by mail: NLFirst
P.O.Box 21423
St.John's, NL, A1A 5G6
by telephone: 709-722-NLFP (709-722-6537)
Our standard membership fee is $20 per year. However, we do accept a minimum of $5 for students, seniors and other circumstances. For example, many couples provide $20 for two memberships. For those sending payment by mail, please give your name and address including postal code as a minimum. E-mail addresses and telephone number would be very much appreciated. Minimum age is 16 years. Please indicate any particular talent or service that you may have to offer, e.g. membership drive, fund raising, committee work, mail delivery, etc. We will send a membership card by return mail.
Our beautiful new lapel pin for the party has arrived. It is metal and its design is of the flag, as you see it on this webpage. Please contact us if you are a current member so you can receive one. Pins will be given to new members when they sign up. The pins are $5.00 for non members wishing to acquire one.
Two Steps for Membership:
Click here for (Membership Application.html) or here for (Membership application.pdf). You can print the application, fill it out the section "for office use" and mail it to the above address.
To help us registrar the party federally, please send along a signed declaration form with your cheque if you are using mail. Click here (EC20225_p6.pdf) to download this form. Please print the form, fill it out and send along with your cheque.
We will also be having ?meet and greet? opportunities at various locations on a regular basis. Let us know if you want to drop in on one.
To reach all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at home and abroad, we need your help and participation. It?s time to roll up our sleeves and work together in a concerted fashion.
If you can contribute time, talent or treasure in growing our organization and creating a political alternative that will work for Newfoundland and Labrador, please contact us at info@nlfirst.ca
February 12, 2006'
. . . . .
Another Post from the Same group on February 2nd,2007:
Title:An Upcoming Youth Conference that a rep from the NL First (James) will be attending
Hi,everyone, i've now signed some forms that'll make me a member of the party tonight after having met Mr.Penney and James (on the Executive-Youth) and we've discussed matters such as possibly having a membership drive in the future,etc... However, right now, they told me that becoming a federal registered party is key (see the NLFirst website link and then click "Contact Us/Membership for more details"
In the meantime, Mr.Penney gave me a copy of the e-mail he was sent on the event, here it is:
" Here is our formal invitation letter.
January 31,2007
Ellsworth Penney
NL First Party
Dear Sir/Madam:
FINALY! is developing an exciting youth event for the Clarenville area, entitled, 'ROCK THE VOTE: Music, Politics and Leadership', happening Friday, February 16,2007, at the Clarenville Winter Games Complex. This will be a fun and free event, designed to get local youth, ages 15 to 30, interested in voting, politics, and leadership.
We want this event to answer the question "Why should I care?" for youth in the Clarenville area. We want to show youth how becoming engaged in how their town/province/country is run-- and by whom-- directly impacts their personal success and happiness. We want to show them how their voices CAN be heard and DO MATTER.
A number of speakers from all levels of government will be in attendance, including municipal leaders from across the province as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities board of directiors gathering. The event will also include a fun and informal question-and-answer session between attendees and participants.
We would like to extend to you an invitation to join us and address the crowd from your personal experience on the theme of leadership and politics and inform youth why it is important for them to become involved. The events runs from 7pm to 12am, but our aim is to have most of the formal activities concluded by 10pm.
We also invite you to consider sponsoring/ advertising at this event in the amount of 75$- your contribution will be publicly recognized at the event and we would be happy to provide you with opportunities to promote your party, as you deem appropriate.
Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador's Youth- or FINALY!- is a dynamic youth driven organization that empowers youth to become active participants in decision making and implementation. FINALY!'s involvement in social and economic issues provides an opportunity for youth to build a viable future in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are attaching a brochure that will provide you with a better picture of who we are and what we do- or you can visit our website @ www.finaly.ca.
Please Contact us at your earliest convenience to let us know if you are interested and available in attending ROCK THE VOTE in Clarenville, or if we can provide you with any further details.
Sincerely,
[Jennifer S.]
( I left out this contact information for privacy reasons, as it can be obtained online or upon request)
My reply to this (an update on february 8th/2007):
I just found out today that this event just postponed until March when I was talking to Ellsworth (the vice-pres of NL First)!
. . . . . .
An Entry from the Facebook Group the "NL First Party Supporters Site" from February 11th,2007:
'Hi everyone,
i'm sure you've noticed that this the first new topic i've put on this group in awhile: sorry about that! It's official: my meeting with James U. on the Exective-Youth of the NL First Party is tomorrow and ya, we'll be talking about the party, what's coming on and such. If you guys already aren't aware, the media has been saying for the last 3-4 days that the federal government will be tabling its federal budget around March 20th/07 or so.
What, do you ask, does this have to do with the NL First Party? Everything! How you may ask? Because the NL First Party is trying to reach a goal of having 400 officially registered members of the Party so that the Party can become Federally Registered (and if the Minority Conservative Federal Government gets brought down on the Federal 2007 budget and/or a 'non-confidence motion' by the Opposition Parties, there could be a spring election: if we can get the Party Federally Registered before the budget is tabled, the party will be in decent shape to run candidates in the next federal election.... I hope!
Anyways, i'll update this group about my meeting with James tomorrow,k?
. . . . . . .
(A later update from after the meeting on the same day!)
Basically, James told me that it's his goal to get 12 people to sign the petition to get the NL First Party Federally Registered and such. So ya, other than that, I brought up the idea of creating a NL First Party blog to allow for monthly updates that just aren't happening on the main site due to internal issues.
Other than that, we;ve just been straightening out some other stuff as well!
A quote from the Facebook group which quoted the NLF Party Website,
''NLFirst
OUR VISION is to realize a Newfoundland and Labrador that is healthy, prosperous and a sharing society with our future in our own hands.
OUR MISSION is to found a new Federal and Provincial political party, the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party, for the purpose of realizing our vision.
We will research issues, poll the public, engage in open debate, critique government policies and practices, present our own, and, when our members decide, we will stand for Federal and Provincial public office in Newfoundland and Labrador and in the Parliament of Canada.
Our first objectives are to fight for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador from within the Province and to recover control of Newfoundland and Labrador's rich natural resources and their revenues, from the federal government of Canada.
February 10, 2006'
[Note: I was speaking with the president of the party, Tom [Gene] Hickey about the party and he told me they've been trying to update the website for some time, but, they've had some technical difficulties. So, you can expect the site to be updated sometime in the future. Otherwise, anyone interested in joining the party can e-mail nlfirst@admin.com [see the website for details]
. . . . . . .
Another post from the same group on the same day:
Title:Information on how to become a membership and to help the NL First Party register as a federal party
Quote from the NLFirst website,
'NLFirst
HOW TO CONTACT US:
by e-mail: info@nlfirst.ca
by mail: NLFirst
P.O.Box 21423
St.John's, NL, A1A 5G6
by telephone: 709-722-NLFP (709-722-6537)
Our standard membership fee is $20 per year. However, we do accept a minimum of $5 for students, seniors and other circumstances. For example, many couples provide $20 for two memberships. For those sending payment by mail, please give your name and address including postal code as a minimum. E-mail addresses and telephone number would be very much appreciated. Minimum age is 16 years. Please indicate any particular talent or service that you may have to offer, e.g. membership drive, fund raising, committee work, mail delivery, etc. We will send a membership card by return mail.
Our beautiful new lapel pin for the party has arrived. It is metal and its design is of the flag, as you see it on this webpage. Please contact us if you are a current member so you can receive one. Pins will be given to new members when they sign up. The pins are $5.00 for non members wishing to acquire one.
Two Steps for Membership:
Click here for (Membership Application.html) or here for (Membership application.pdf). You can print the application, fill it out the section "for office use" and mail it to the above address.
To help us registrar the party federally, please send along a signed declaration form with your cheque if you are using mail. Click here (EC20225_p6.pdf) to download this form. Please print the form, fill it out and send along with your cheque.
We will also be having ?meet and greet? opportunities at various locations on a regular basis. Let us know if you want to drop in on one.
To reach all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians at home and abroad, we need your help and participation. It?s time to roll up our sleeves and work together in a concerted fashion.
If you can contribute time, talent or treasure in growing our organization and creating a political alternative that will work for Newfoundland and Labrador, please contact us at info@nlfirst.ca
February 12, 2006'
. . . . .
Another Post from the Same group on February 2nd,2007:
Title:An Upcoming Youth Conference that a rep from the NL First (James) will be attending
Hi,everyone, i've now signed some forms that'll make me a member of the party tonight after having met Mr.Penney and James (on the Executive-Youth) and we've discussed matters such as possibly having a membership drive in the future,etc... However, right now, they told me that becoming a federal registered party is key (see the NLFirst website link and then click "Contact Us/Membership for more details"
In the meantime, Mr.Penney gave me a copy of the e-mail he was sent on the event, here it is:
" Here is our formal invitation letter.
January 31,2007
Ellsworth Penney
NL First Party
Dear Sir/Madam:
FINALY! is developing an exciting youth event for the Clarenville area, entitled, 'ROCK THE VOTE: Music, Politics and Leadership', happening Friday, February 16,2007, at the Clarenville Winter Games Complex. This will be a fun and free event, designed to get local youth, ages 15 to 30, interested in voting, politics, and leadership.
We want this event to answer the question "Why should I care?" for youth in the Clarenville area. We want to show youth how becoming engaged in how their town/province/country is run-- and by whom-- directly impacts their personal success and happiness. We want to show them how their voices CAN be heard and DO MATTER.
A number of speakers from all levels of government will be in attendance, including municipal leaders from across the province as part of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities board of directiors gathering. The event will also include a fun and informal question-and-answer session between attendees and participants.
We would like to extend to you an invitation to join us and address the crowd from your personal experience on the theme of leadership and politics and inform youth why it is important for them to become involved. The events runs from 7pm to 12am, but our aim is to have most of the formal activities concluded by 10pm.
We also invite you to consider sponsoring/ advertising at this event in the amount of 75$- your contribution will be publicly recognized at the event and we would be happy to provide you with opportunities to promote your party, as you deem appropriate.
Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador's Youth- or FINALY!- is a dynamic youth driven organization that empowers youth to become active participants in decision making and implementation. FINALY!'s involvement in social and economic issues provides an opportunity for youth to build a viable future in Newfoundland and Labrador. We are attaching a brochure that will provide you with a better picture of who we are and what we do- or you can visit our website @ www.finaly.ca.
Please Contact us at your earliest convenience to let us know if you are interested and available in attending ROCK THE VOTE in Clarenville, or if we can provide you with any further details.
Sincerely,
[Jennifer S.]
( I left out this contact information for privacy reasons, as it can be obtained online or upon request)
My reply to this (an update on february 8th/2007):
I just found out today that this event just postponed until March when I was talking to Ellsworth (the vice-pres of NL First)!
. . . . . .
An Entry from the Facebook Group the "NL First Party Supporters Site" from February 11th,2007:
'Hi everyone,
i'm sure you've noticed that this the first new topic i've put on this group in awhile: sorry about that! It's official: my meeting with James U. on the Exective-Youth of the NL First Party is tomorrow and ya, we'll be talking about the party, what's coming on and such. If you guys already aren't aware, the media has been saying for the last 3-4 days that the federal government will be tabling its federal budget around March 20th/07 or so.
What, do you ask, does this have to do with the NL First Party? Everything! How you may ask? Because the NL First Party is trying to reach a goal of having 400 officially registered members of the Party so that the Party can become Federally Registered (and if the Minority Conservative Federal Government gets brought down on the Federal 2007 budget and/or a 'non-confidence motion' by the Opposition Parties, there could be a spring election: if we can get the Party Federally Registered before the budget is tabled, the party will be in decent shape to run candidates in the next federal election.... I hope!
Anyways, i'll update this group about my meeting with James tomorrow,k?
. . . . . . .
(A later update from after the meeting on the same day!)
Basically, James told me that it's his goal to get 12 people to sign the petition to get the NL First Party Federally Registered and such. So ya, other than that, I brought up the idea of creating a NL First Party blog to allow for monthly updates that just aren't happening on the main site due to internal issues.
Other than that, we;ve just been straightening out some other stuff as well!
Posts from the Facebook Group "The NL First Party Supporters Site"
Originally posted Jan.20th/2007 in the Facebook Group the "NL First Party Supporters Site:
Quote from the mainpage of the NL First Party,
'NLFirst
The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party
-The People's Party?
Of the People, by the People, for the People
We envision a Newfoundland and Labrador to be proud of for generations to come.
The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party will work on both the Provincial as well as the Federal fronts on order to make the difference that we as Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans all deserve. We will work hard:
> to restore government services in rural communities
> to stop out migration
>for rural rights
> maintain our way of life and culture
> restore our traditional hunting and fishing rights
> for joint management of our fishery
The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party is committed to presenting a united front to the Federal Government and the people of Canada on issues of extreme importance to our future. Beyond the Fair Deal our provincial government has made with the Atlantic Accord, there are still issues to address:
>Utilize Article 76 of the Law of the Sea to extend the current 200 mile limit to 350 miles
>Joint management of the Fishery
>A plan to rebuild the cod stocks
>Integrated transportation and tourism initiatives
>Development of the Lower Churchill in keeping with section 92 and 92 A of The Constitution Act, 1867/1982
>Federal political reforms to increase equity among the provinces and territories
The work is just beginning. We Must Not Back Down. We call on every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to take action. Pride alone cannot effect change. We must work together towards our common goal of a Fair Deal.
If we should fail to strike a Fair Deal, we will aggressively pursue an independent Newfoundland and Labrador.
If you share this vision, join us in our quest to rid Newfoundland and Labrador of its have-not status?
We must act now.
NL First: It's time.
email: info@nlfirst.ca'
Quote from the mainpage of the NL First Party,
'NLFirst
The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party
-The People's Party?
Of the People, by the People, for the People
We envision a Newfoundland and Labrador to be proud of for generations to come.
The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party will work on both the Provincial as well as the Federal fronts on order to make the difference that we as Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans all deserve. We will work hard:
> to restore government services in rural communities
> to stop out migration
>for rural rights
> maintain our way of life and culture
> restore our traditional hunting and fishing rights
> for joint management of our fishery
The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party is committed to presenting a united front to the Federal Government and the people of Canada on issues of extreme importance to our future. Beyond the Fair Deal our provincial government has made with the Atlantic Accord, there are still issues to address:
>Utilize Article 76 of the Law of the Sea to extend the current 200 mile limit to 350 miles
>Joint management of the Fishery
>A plan to rebuild the cod stocks
>Integrated transportation and tourism initiatives
>Development of the Lower Churchill in keeping with section 92 and 92 A of The Constitution Act, 1867/1982
>Federal political reforms to increase equity among the provinces and territories
The work is just beginning. We Must Not Back Down. We call on every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to take action. Pride alone cannot effect change. We must work together towards our common goal of a Fair Deal.
If we should fail to strike a Fair Deal, we will aggressively pursue an independent Newfoundland and Labrador.
If you share this vision, join us in our quest to rid Newfoundland and Labrador of its have-not status?
We must act now.
NL First: It's time.
email: info@nlfirst.ca'
The First Entry of the Official NL First Blog
So hi everyone, i'm not sure how many of you have ever heard of the NL First Party. However, The NL First party came into existence into the Fall of 2004 in response to an Editorial that was posted in the daily NL paper "The Telegram" posing the question of whether we ought to be putting NL First. A member of the Executive-Youth James Upshall told me that Mr. Tom Hickey (the current president of the NL First Party) and 4 or 5 other people meet to discuss what they were going to do: were they going to be an advisory or lobbyist group, or were they going to be a political party?
It was decided in late 2004 and early 2005 that they were going to be a Political Party that was going to be a Federal Party party within Canada. With the issue of the re-negotiations of the Atlantic Accord deal coming up in 2005, the NL First Party threw it's support "100% behind the 100%" [as the NL First Party website put it!]
From there, the party began to get members, elect people to the executive and soon on.Sadly, the 1st president of the NL First Party had to resign for personal reasons: it was at this point that the NL First Party elected Tom Hickey as president of the party in 2005/2006.
In January 2005, the NL First Party leader/president Tom Hickey, with the consent of the NL First Party, was elected the 2nd president of the NL First party. In January 2006, under Tom Hickey's leadership, the party proceeded to succesfully register as a Provincial (NL) Political Party in order to run a candidate in a provincial by-election in ' Placentia-St. Mary's' when Independent Conservative MHA Fabian Manning vacated his seat to successfully run as the Cons MP for the Avalon Peninsula in the January 2006 Federal Election.
It was then decided in late January that since noone else stepped forward as a candidate, NL First Party president Tom Hickey put himself in the 2006 provincial by-election as the NL First Party candidate: although mr.Hickey lost (since the vote split between the Independent Candidate, the PC Candidate, the Liberal candidate, the Green Party Candidate and himself, PC Candidate Felix Collins was elected to the seat in 2006.
However, the NL First Party then decided to use the new publicity the party received as a result of the Provincial by-election to focus on registering the party federally (although it missed an opportunity to do so before the 2006 Federal Election for 2 reasons: 1. the executive of the party thought they had to deposit a $1000 fee in order for the party to become federally registered (this was later discovered to be false as this fee is only needed for a candidate to run by a political party, NOT for a political party to register) and 2. the membership cards that the NLF Party was giving out before didn't meet Elections Canada standards.
In the last year or so, the NLF Party had spent most of its time organizing a Federal Organization Committee to organize the Federal Branch of the NLF Party (in preparation for registering it federally) with two goals: 1. getting the party Federally Registered and ignoring the Provincial front until it has done so (because the original mandate of the party was to be a Federal Party, with the Provincial part of the Party being only a new idea as some people would only join the NLF PArty if it was a Provincial Party as well, 2. To fill out 200+ forms to get the NLF Party Federally registered (although 420 was recommended to make sure enough people ratified this decision by filling out a special Elections Canada package that each person will receive).
So ya, where do you ask did I (JWL) come on the screen of this party? In the middle of January 2007 to be exact! When I checked out the NLF Party website, I realized it hadn't been updated for a whole year. So, I decided to e-mail the party: getting a response from the NL First Party President Tom Hickey, a follow-up e-mail by Ellsworth Penney ( a member of the party and on the Federal Organization Committee of the party) who told me there was someone by the names of James U. on the executive who also lives in St.John's and whom I ought to meet. So, upon having my meeting with them, I vowed to leave the YLC (which I had sent in my membership for 2-3 weeks earlier) to Join the NLF party and to fill out a form to help them register. Since then, I contacted my P/T O (Provincial/ Territorial Organization) of the YLC/LPC and told them that I was giving up my memberships in the YLC in order to join the NLF Party.
So ya, since then, i've started 2 groups of the name the "NL First Party Supporters Site" on both Facebook and Hi5 in order to give youth people like myself (i'm only 18) a chance to learn about the party, to help the party get federally registered, to discuss issues,etc.. ( I noticed that in November of 2006, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May had successfully use new technologies such as YouTube and Facebook in order to help her get 22/25% of the vote in an Ontario Federal by-election): this convinced me that the NLF Party could take advantage of the same technologies to help build up the party. After meeting them, I was also told that James U. was going some exploratory work at MUN to establishing a Youth Wing HQ on the 6th floor of MUN for the party as well.
So ya, here I am: letting people know that even though some people who're writing into "The Telegram" Think the NL First PArty died in 2005, this party is still alive and well: with the 2 groups on Hi5 and Facebook, organizing work within the party and this blog as living proof that this party is far from dead!
It was decided in late 2004 and early 2005 that they were going to be a Political Party that was going to be a Federal Party party within Canada. With the issue of the re-negotiations of the Atlantic Accord deal coming up in 2005, the NL First Party threw it's support "100% behind the 100%" [as the NL First Party website put it!]
From there, the party began to get members, elect people to the executive and soon on.Sadly, the 1st president of the NL First Party had to resign for personal reasons: it was at this point that the NL First Party elected Tom Hickey as president of the party in 2005/2006.
In January 2005, the NL First Party leader/president Tom Hickey, with the consent of the NL First Party, was elected the 2nd president of the NL First party. In January 2006, under Tom Hickey's leadership, the party proceeded to succesfully register as a Provincial (NL) Political Party in order to run a candidate in a provincial by-election in ' Placentia-St. Mary's' when Independent Conservative MHA Fabian Manning vacated his seat to successfully run as the Cons MP for the Avalon Peninsula in the January 2006 Federal Election.
It was then decided in late January that since noone else stepped forward as a candidate, NL First Party president Tom Hickey put himself in the 2006 provincial by-election as the NL First Party candidate: although mr.Hickey lost (since the vote split between the Independent Candidate, the PC Candidate, the Liberal candidate, the Green Party Candidate and himself, PC Candidate Felix Collins was elected to the seat in 2006.
However, the NL First Party then decided to use the new publicity the party received as a result of the Provincial by-election to focus on registering the party federally (although it missed an opportunity to do so before the 2006 Federal Election for 2 reasons: 1. the executive of the party thought they had to deposit a $1000 fee in order for the party to become federally registered (this was later discovered to be false as this fee is only needed for a candidate to run by a political party, NOT for a political party to register) and 2. the membership cards that the NLF Party was giving out before didn't meet Elections Canada standards.
In the last year or so, the NLF Party had spent most of its time organizing a Federal Organization Committee to organize the Federal Branch of the NLF Party (in preparation for registering it federally) with two goals: 1. getting the party Federally Registered and ignoring the Provincial front until it has done so (because the original mandate of the party was to be a Federal Party, with the Provincial part of the Party being only a new idea as some people would only join the NLF PArty if it was a Provincial Party as well, 2. To fill out 200+ forms to get the NLF Party Federally registered (although 420 was recommended to make sure enough people ratified this decision by filling out a special Elections Canada package that each person will receive).
So ya, where do you ask did I (JWL) come on the screen of this party? In the middle of January 2007 to be exact! When I checked out the NLF Party website, I realized it hadn't been updated for a whole year. So, I decided to e-mail the party: getting a response from the NL First Party President Tom Hickey, a follow-up e-mail by Ellsworth Penney ( a member of the party and on the Federal Organization Committee of the party) who told me there was someone by the names of James U. on the executive who also lives in St.John's and whom I ought to meet. So, upon having my meeting with them, I vowed to leave the YLC (which I had sent in my membership for 2-3 weeks earlier) to Join the NLF party and to fill out a form to help them register. Since then, I contacted my P/T O (Provincial/ Territorial Organization) of the YLC/LPC and told them that I was giving up my memberships in the YLC in order to join the NLF Party.
So ya, since then, i've started 2 groups of the name the "NL First Party Supporters Site" on both Facebook and Hi5 in order to give youth people like myself (i'm only 18) a chance to learn about the party, to help the party get federally registered, to discuss issues,etc.. ( I noticed that in November of 2006, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May had successfully use new technologies such as YouTube and Facebook in order to help her get 22/25% of the vote in an Ontario Federal by-election): this convinced me that the NLF Party could take advantage of the same technologies to help build up the party. After meeting them, I was also told that James U. was going some exploratory work at MUN to establishing a Youth Wing HQ on the 6th floor of MUN for the party as well.
So ya, here I am: letting people know that even though some people who're writing into "The Telegram" Think the NL First PArty died in 2005, this party is still alive and well: with the 2 groups on Hi5 and Facebook, organizing work within the party and this blog as living proof that this party is far from dead!
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