I apologize for not updating the group sooner, as to confirm as of early July 2008, the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party became a political party eligible for Official Party Status. As of last night, Wayne Bennett (the NL First Party Candidate for Humber-St.Barbe-Baie Verte and Director of Communications within the party) that not only did Elections Canada notify him that we now have Official Party Status, but that Greg Byrne will be the NL First Party candidate for St.John's South-Mount Pearl.
So now with this news, both have launched Facebook Groups for their campaigns...
1. " Supporters of Wayne Bennett - Humber-St.Barbe-Baie Verte"
Link: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50391770416&ref=ts
2. " Supporters of NL-FIRST candidate; Greg Byrne for St John's South-Mount Pearl"
Link: http://www.new.facebook.com/group.php?gid=34933833759
In two out of seven Federal Districts (and maybe more, depending on how many people can meet the September 22nd 2008 Elections Canada Deadline), voters will have an opportunity to choose between the old-line national parties and a nationalist party that will put defending Newfoundland and Labrador's interests in Ottawa our first priority. As Wayne Bennett described, "Our party is a coalition of Conservatives, Liberals, Socialists, and Greens who are committed to putting Newfoundland and Labrador First, and Canada Second".
If you're interested in volunteering for either campaign, want to run as a candidate, or would like to help produce lawn and/or window signs, you can contact Wayne Bennett (who is also our Director of Communications) at wayne_bennett@nf.sympatico.ca . Or if you live closer to the MUN (Memorial University of Newfoundland) campus in St.John's, would like to help Greg get the 100 signatures he needs to get Elections Canada approval for his candidacy, organize a Town Hall-style Q and A (Questions and Answers) section or help out organizing a NL First Party- Youth Wing Association event/s to support the two existing candidates, I can be reached at j.lester@mun.ca
There will be more information to come, as finishing touches need to be made on other news releases, and transferring copies of the Party's Election Platform!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night, I spent close to 5 hours talking to him on the phone about the issues that i've found most people in the district have a strong opinion and/or concern on:
-The Economy
-The Environment ( some sort of Green Mortgage/retrofits program, in addition to supporting reneweables such as Hydrogen, Electric,etc...) is much needed. The need to link programs for Energy Efficiency (which will help reduce Home Heating costs, an Economic Issue) with the need to reduce GHG Emission (an environmental issue)
-Housing and Affordable Housing (the existing funding will expire in March of 2009: without this funding getting renewed, Affordable Housing in this province could be in trouble.... as to date, the Harper Conservatives have made no commitment to renewing this much needing funding)
-Education (most of the west end of St.John's South-Mount pearl is residential, middle-class, with a minority being lower income or upper-middle income. Mount pearl is a mixed zoning area, combining new housing developing (Mount Carson Avenue is expected to provide up to 100-200 new houses, Pearlview has and is being expanded by 100 or so houses). Yet, the district also has Donovan's Industrial Park, and Kenmount Industrial Park is under construction.
-Infrastructure (with all the news coverage on 2 CBS schools being closed due to mould, some people within the district might be wondering if a school in their district is next. The Provincial Government has committed to developing a West End High School in the next 4-5 years, being the key local issue in the 2007 Provincial Election Campaign. With water manes on the West End Breaking, flooding 7 houses on Lester Street and causing half of Blackmarsh Rd. Mount pearl bound to be closed for 6-7 days, I believe people want an MP who will impress upon the Federal Government the need for more funding for infrastructure)
-Public Transit: a Metrobus Mount Pearl route that would've connected Kelsey Drive to Pearlview (a quasi-suburban subdivision within Mount Pearl) and to Mount Pearl Square was scrapped, because Mount Pearl City Council says it lacks the funding to pay for it. But with rising gas prices, growing concern over the environment, and the growing number of service-sector jobs in the area, getting the Federal Government to funding such a route is essential. Plans are underway by the City of St.John's to re-locate the Metrobus Depot from Kings Road to Kelsey Drive, making the shift to Hybrid Buses).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 15, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A much needed update
Hello everyone, I apologize for not updating the blog sooner. Having filled out the application for recognition of the Youth Wing Association of the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party by the MUNSU deadline, it will be time to establish a transitional executive between this semester and the Fall 2008 semester. Having realized that most clubs and societies on campus put up posters advertising nomination meetings, and various activities, I believe the Youth Wing is now in a position to do just that.
After correcting a misunderstanding on the application process (turned out the 7-page application forum was the ratification forum, NOT the recognition one. The recognition forum is a simple one-page double-sided sheet that can be filled out in 20 minutes or less, in comparison to the more cumbersome ratification forum). With this established, I am now aware that the Digital Media Centre at MUN is where most clubs and societies produce their posters, with quick haste and generous prices.
However, there is another issue outstanding. As a student who's applying into the MUN Faculty of Social Work, I realize that I will take on more of an administrative function, instead of the more 'social activist' stance I was taking before. This is long overdue, seeing as prospective Social Work students are expected to be politically aware, but impartial and not taking explicit stances on programs such as VOCM's Open line. In the future, sending e-mails to VOCM, getting the advertising posters printed and distributed, having nomination meetings, organizing the grassroots,etc... shall be my future role.
Although it was necessary for me to have a more 'hands-on approach' in the early phase of the Youth Wing, to continue doing so any longer would not only jeopardize my ability to get into the Faculty of Social Work, but also the growth potential of the Youth Wing. Having spoken with my friend from Blackhead (who's interested in the Secretary and Treasurer positions), and a few of my other friends, I have a transition team in mind.
But up until now, my own failure to get posters printed advertising such Executive positions limited the amount of prospective positions.Moving ahead with organizing the Youth Wing in the way expressed above won't be possible for at least another week or two. With the Facebook Group up and running, having put the name of the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party out there on campus, and having heard the concerns of the young people i've met. It will be necessary to begin doing up posters advertising the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, President, Vice-President, and Communications/Logistics in the near future.
Having experimented with different means of electronic outreach (Facebook and this blog), we now need to reach out via posters, advertisements in the Muse, and such. With rooms such as 'The Loft' and 'The Landing' in the UC (University Centre), any group that is recognized or ratified on campus can book such rooms for meetings. As for office space, there's a 3-4 waiting list, meaning that i'll need to consult with various groups on campus on the option of sharing office space. With the MUNSU 2008 General Elections complete a week or so ago, i'm now more aware of how the MUNSU (MUN Student Union works).
Given the amount of stories i've heard about people having to sometimes wait 3-4 months to secure student loans, a lack of support on the Residency Tenant Act's application on MUN residents students and other core issues, a Policy Assistant to the President and Vice-President of the Youth Wing may be necessary to keep up to date on such matters.
Although the Youth Wing may not be as far developed as i'd originally envisioned, much more can be learned from the failures and successes of other group's strategies than simply blindly following one's own vision.
After correcting a misunderstanding on the application process (turned out the 7-page application forum was the ratification forum, NOT the recognition one. The recognition forum is a simple one-page double-sided sheet that can be filled out in 20 minutes or less, in comparison to the more cumbersome ratification forum). With this established, I am now aware that the Digital Media Centre at MUN is where most clubs and societies produce their posters, with quick haste and generous prices.
However, there is another issue outstanding. As a student who's applying into the MUN Faculty of Social Work, I realize that I will take on more of an administrative function, instead of the more 'social activist' stance I was taking before. This is long overdue, seeing as prospective Social Work students are expected to be politically aware, but impartial and not taking explicit stances on programs such as VOCM's Open line. In the future, sending e-mails to VOCM, getting the advertising posters printed and distributed, having nomination meetings, organizing the grassroots,etc... shall be my future role.
Although it was necessary for me to have a more 'hands-on approach' in the early phase of the Youth Wing, to continue doing so any longer would not only jeopardize my ability to get into the Faculty of Social Work, but also the growth potential of the Youth Wing. Having spoken with my friend from Blackhead (who's interested in the Secretary and Treasurer positions), and a few of my other friends, I have a transition team in mind.
But up until now, my own failure to get posters printed advertising such Executive positions limited the amount of prospective positions.Moving ahead with organizing the Youth Wing in the way expressed above won't be possible for at least another week or two. With the Facebook Group up and running, having put the name of the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party out there on campus, and having heard the concerns of the young people i've met. It will be necessary to begin doing up posters advertising the positions of Secretary, Treasurer, President, Vice-President, and Communications/Logistics in the near future.
Having experimented with different means of electronic outreach (Facebook and this blog), we now need to reach out via posters, advertisements in the Muse, and such. With rooms such as 'The Loft' and 'The Landing' in the UC (University Centre), any group that is recognized or ratified on campus can book such rooms for meetings. As for office space, there's a 3-4 waiting list, meaning that i'll need to consult with various groups on campus on the option of sharing office space. With the MUNSU 2008 General Elections complete a week or so ago, i'm now more aware of how the MUNSU (MUN Student Union works).
Given the amount of stories i've heard about people having to sometimes wait 3-4 months to secure student loans, a lack of support on the Residency Tenant Act's application on MUN residents students and other core issues, a Policy Assistant to the President and Vice-President of the Youth Wing may be necessary to keep up to date on such matters.
Although the Youth Wing may not be as far developed as i'd originally envisioned, much more can be learned from the failures and successes of other group's strategies than simply blindly following one's own vision.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
An Update on the NL First Party.... potential campaign songs (pending copyright), and other related issues
Hello everyone, while I was visiting a friend of mine, I came to the realization that the NL PC Party Has a song titled "We know what we're Fighting for" (copyright 2004), being featured in the 2007 NL PC Party website. To see it for yourself, visit...:
(1) http://www.pcparty.nf.net/media.htm (includes the mp3, song lyrics, copyright,etc....)
or
(2) http://www.pcparty.nf.net/WeKnowWhatWereFightingFor.mp3 (mp3 of the song)
Either way, I would like to get in touch with the NL PC Party and the individual who wrote this song to ask for the copyright permission to feature it on our website and in any future Annual General Meeting the Newfoundland and Labrador First party hosts. In the meantime, do go to http://www.nlfirst.ca , then use the "Facebook" link to check for updates on current issues being debated by NLers on "extremely important issues to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador". (In addition to some of the more micro-scale provincial and federal issues). In closing, expect an update soon after I get back from the EC (Executive Council) meeting pending.....
- Jordan Lester
Director of Youth Organizations within the NLFP (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party), and the Youth Representative on the NLFP EC (Executive Council).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(March 22nd 2008 update)
Having realized that it wouldn't be fair to borrow the NL PC Party's song. In response, one task of the Communications/Logistics Assistant to the President and Vice-President of the MUN Newfoundland and Labrador First Party Youth Wing may be to oversee the creation of a unique song that could be affliated with the Youth Wing of the party. (If this isn't possible, we could consult some local artists in the province).
Once again, this is all subject to the decision of the more permanent Youth Wing Executive. My original intention in the original post was to point out that younger, and more urban/sub-urban newfoundlanders and labradorians may not relate to 'Who Guarding Newfoundland' the same way that youth of a more rural origin might. Second of all, the song says little to nothing about the unique heritage of Labrador, the stronger influence of aboriginal culture in that region, and how even the Provincial Government has neglected the basic needs of Labrador.
Having spoke with the candidate for Director of Campaigns who's from Labrador, this became more apparent to me. I think it would only be fair that the Youth wing of the party work together with the MUNSU executive in areas of common interest such as tuition fee policy, needs-based grants, and such. However, I could also see the party playing an advocacy role in helping to suggest more credible alternatives when necessary. Of course, we'd have to make sure that we're aren't perceived as interfering in the work of MUNSU, but simply improving upon it in a way that MUNSU may not be able to.
Once again, those of these contents and ideas are subject to debate, discussion, and resolutions passed by the Youth Wing Executive.
(1) http://www.pcparty.nf.net/media.htm (includes the mp3, song lyrics, copyright,etc....)
or
(2) http://www.pcparty.nf.net/WeKnowWhatWereFightingFor.mp3 (mp3 of the song)
Either way, I would like to get in touch with the NL PC Party and the individual who wrote this song to ask for the copyright permission to feature it on our website and in any future Annual General Meeting the Newfoundland and Labrador First party hosts. In the meantime, do go to http://www.nlfirst.ca , then use the "Facebook" link to check for updates on current issues being debated by NLers on "extremely important issues to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador". (In addition to some of the more micro-scale provincial and federal issues). In closing, expect an update soon after I get back from the EC (Executive Council) meeting pending.....
- Jordan Lester
Director of Youth Organizations within the NLFP (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party), and the Youth Representative on the NLFP EC (Executive Council).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(March 22nd 2008 update)
Having realized that it wouldn't be fair to borrow the NL PC Party's song. In response, one task of the Communications/Logistics Assistant to the President and Vice-President of the MUN Newfoundland and Labrador First Party Youth Wing may be to oversee the creation of a unique song that could be affliated with the Youth Wing of the party. (If this isn't possible, we could consult some local artists in the province).
Once again, this is all subject to the decision of the more permanent Youth Wing Executive. My original intention in the original post was to point out that younger, and more urban/sub-urban newfoundlanders and labradorians may not relate to 'Who Guarding Newfoundland' the same way that youth of a more rural origin might. Second of all, the song says little to nothing about the unique heritage of Labrador, the stronger influence of aboriginal culture in that region, and how even the Provincial Government has neglected the basic needs of Labrador.
Having spoke with the candidate for Director of Campaigns who's from Labrador, this became more apparent to me. I think it would only be fair that the Youth wing of the party work together with the MUNSU executive in areas of common interest such as tuition fee policy, needs-based grants, and such. However, I could also see the party playing an advocacy role in helping to suggest more credible alternatives when necessary. Of course, we'd have to make sure that we're aren't perceived as interfering in the work of MUNSU, but simply improving upon it in a way that MUNSU may not be able to.
Once again, those of these contents and ideas are subject to debate, discussion, and resolutions passed by the Youth Wing Executive.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
An update on the status of the MUN Youth Wing Association and other stuff
Hello everyone, concerning the MUN Youth Wing Association at MUN, it's my intentions to have it up and running full-force as of September 2008. Some of you have contacted me in person to indicate that you're interested in one of the positions such as President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, or one of many other positions. A friend of mine from Blackhead (the one closest to St.John's, a small rural Newfoundland community) has expressed interest in becoming the Secretary or Treasurer of the MUN Youth Wing (she's has experience in both areas.....she's going to forward a resume to me via e-mail or mail to prove her credentials).
Even though she won't be a MUN Student until September 2008, it's good to know that we've got the ball rolling on filling executive positions. As is custom of most MUN student groups i've been involved with, executive positions will be decided by means of sending e-mails and Facebook invitations to all persons interested in membership in the NLFP (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party) MUN Youth Wing. It is my intentions to send a list of all persons interested in the nominations for the above said positions by e-mail. (I can make printed copies for those without Internet Access). From there, we can plan a meeting place via e-mail and/or Facebook to have our first nomination meetings at the said location: whatever executive is elected by a majority of members at that meeting will be the first executive of the MUN Youth Wing Association.
As has been explained to me via NL First Party (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party) Leader Tom Hickey, any resolutions passed by the MUN Youth Wing Association will have to be confirmed by the Executive Committee of the Party. However, it is my vision that the MUN Youth Wing Association be make as autonomous as possible. By this, I mean that the Youth Wing of the Party should be able to debate, pass, and forward resolutions to the EC (Executive Council) of the Party that are original, grassroots, and represent the concerns of young people ages 14-26/29. (I decided on this age range, given the fact that some people today don't graduate university until the age of 29, due to pursuing multiple undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, Doctorates and Ph.D.'s. Of course, such matters can be amended by the MUN Youth Wing Association Executive, with the consent of the Majority of members.
Basically, i'm hoping this will allow the next generation of leaders, footsoldiers, and other personnel within the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party will have a chance to try their hand at drafting policies on issues affecting young people, get involved in the executive of the party, fundraising for Youth Wing functions, in addition to supporting Youth Members who decide for run for election.
Subject to the will of the 1st-ever MUN Youth Wing Association executive and its membership, this is the preliminary vision of where I see the MUN Youth Wing Association going!
Even though she won't be a MUN Student until September 2008, it's good to know that we've got the ball rolling on filling executive positions. As is custom of most MUN student groups i've been involved with, executive positions will be decided by means of sending e-mails and Facebook invitations to all persons interested in membership in the NLFP (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party) MUN Youth Wing. It is my intentions to send a list of all persons interested in the nominations for the above said positions by e-mail. (I can make printed copies for those without Internet Access). From there, we can plan a meeting place via e-mail and/or Facebook to have our first nomination meetings at the said location: whatever executive is elected by a majority of members at that meeting will be the first executive of the MUN Youth Wing Association.
As has been explained to me via NL First Party (Newfoundland and Labrador First Party) Leader Tom Hickey, any resolutions passed by the MUN Youth Wing Association will have to be confirmed by the Executive Committee of the Party. However, it is my vision that the MUN Youth Wing Association be make as autonomous as possible. By this, I mean that the Youth Wing of the Party should be able to debate, pass, and forward resolutions to the EC (Executive Council) of the Party that are original, grassroots, and represent the concerns of young people ages 14-26/29. (I decided on this age range, given the fact that some people today don't graduate university until the age of 29, due to pursuing multiple undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, Doctorates and Ph.D.'s. Of course, such matters can be amended by the MUN Youth Wing Association Executive, with the consent of the Majority of members.
Basically, i'm hoping this will allow the next generation of leaders, footsoldiers, and other personnel within the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party will have a chance to try their hand at drafting policies on issues affecting young people, get involved in the executive of the party, fundraising for Youth Wing functions, in addition to supporting Youth Members who decide for run for election.
Subject to the will of the 1st-ever MUN Youth Wing Association executive and its membership, this is the preliminary vision of where I see the MUN Youth Wing Association going!
It's Official: The Newfoundland and Labrador First Party now is eligible for Federal Official Party Status.... the press release
Hello everyone, I apologize again in advance for not updating the blog sooner. (I was busy with MUN Final Exams, among many other issues). Anyways, i'm going to post the entire press release that was sent out to all the major Canadian and Newfoundland media about 3 weeks ago....
" News Release New Newfoundland & Labrador Federal Party Formed....St. John's - Elections Canada has recently confirmed that the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party, led by former PC Cabinet Minster Tom Hickey, is eligible to be registered as a Federal Party. With the completion of some ongoing paperwork, and the nomination of one or more candidates for the impending federal election, the party will meet all the criteria for fullregistration. The NL First Party (www.nlfirst.ca) will be fielding a full slate for thenext federal election. The party is pleased to welcome applications from anyone who would like to represent Newfoundland and Labrador interests first in Canada's next Parliament.
Interested persons can contact the party by e-mail at info@nlf.ca or call Tom @
709-726-5327. Tom is more than willing to discuss with any perspective candidate or
voter the party's commitment to presenting a united front to the Federal Government
and the people of Canada on issues of extreme importance to Newfoundland and
Labrador's future. Only the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party can obtain a Fair
Deal from Ottawa. We cannot count on any of the old lined federal parties.
In the next federal election voters can now cast their vote for Newfoundland and Labrador First and rather than Anybody But Conservative. - 30 -
Wayne Bennett
Director of Communications
NL First Party
wayne_bennett@nf.sympatico.ca
709-686-5356(R)709-639-5350(C)"
" News Release New Newfoundland & Labrador Federal Party Formed....St. John's - Elections Canada has recently confirmed that the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party, led by former PC Cabinet Minster Tom Hickey, is eligible to be registered as a Federal Party. With the completion of some ongoing paperwork, and the nomination of one or more candidates for the impending federal election, the party will meet all the criteria for fullregistration. The NL First Party (www.nlfirst.ca) will be fielding a full slate for thenext federal election. The party is pleased to welcome applications from anyone who would like to represent Newfoundland and Labrador interests first in Canada's next Parliament.
Interested persons can contact the party by e-mail at info@nlf.ca or call Tom @
709-726-5327. Tom is more than willing to discuss with any perspective candidate or
voter the party's commitment to presenting a united front to the Federal Government
and the people of Canada on issues of extreme importance to Newfoundland and
Labrador's future. Only the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party can obtain a Fair
Deal from Ottawa. We cannot count on any of the old lined federal parties.
In the next federal election voters can now cast their vote for Newfoundland and Labrador First and rather than Anybody But Conservative. - 30 -
Wayne Bennett
Director of Communications
NL First Party
wayne_bennett@nf.sympatico.ca
709-686-5356(R)709-639-5350(C)"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)