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).

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(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.

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!

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)"