Party - History
The following is the announcement of the Party launching:
“It’s Time”
November 5, 2004. St. John’s, NL. A new federal party for Newfoundland and Labrador called the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party or NL First.
Today, we announce publicly the launch of a new federal political party called the Newfoundland and Labrador First Party or NL First.
Implicit in our name is the image of, as many as seven, or more, Members of Parliament in Ottawa representing, in unity, Newfoundland and Labrador’s interests first, foremost and clearly.
This will be a far cry from the current scene with respect to the Atlantic Accord and our struggle for our fair share of oil production revenues. Imagine Newfoundlanders and Labradorians speaking as one on this most important issue instead of the confusion created by partisan politics and opportunism amongst mainstream parties.
A unified voice is better not only in the current issue of offshore oil revenues but NL First would be best in putting a relentless position before Canadians on the absolute necessity for custodial management to prevent foreign over-fishing off our Grand Banks; a plan to rebuild our cod stocks; development of lower Churchill river power; improved and integrated transportation and tourism initiatives; and federal political system reforms that will make this and other provinces and territories more equitable within the current confederation we call Canada.
In this current Canadian political system, there has been little in reform, especially since 1949. One only has to read recent history, e.g. the failed Meech Lake Accord, to see how poorly Canada has done to unite and to respect all parts of this northern land mass. Our view is we do not see genuine efforts for reform in the foreseeable future. Yet, we are certainly at a cross roads in our over 500 year history. If Newfoundland and Labrador does not begin now to share fairly in the bounty of our resources, many of them natural, then we will become extinct as a society.
So, within this backdrop of the current Canadian political system, we have to choose to work within it. We observe the success of our neighboring province, Quebec, in their federal representation. So, we say “we could do that, too”. Imagine a NL First effectiveness in a continuum of minority governments.
In birthing this party over the past six months, in developing policy, we have debated many ideals and issues. Among those is the need to be provocative. But, it is to be provacative to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians first. Because, only from within, can we build, only from with can we unite and only as a united Province can we best utilize our strength.
We look to the passion within Quebec to rise up and to speak out for their distinct society. Our challenge is to see if Newfoundlanders and Labradorians have the guts to do the same and to stay the course.
It is simply not good enough to expect hundreds of boats to show up in harbours in protest of food fishery issues and then have only one solitary boat bobbing on the waves alone.
Our appeal is to every Newfoundlander and Labradorian to pick up the torch and to renew our pride, passion and commitment to this "Big Land" and "Rock" of ours.
While reading papers, listening to news, speaking up on open line shows and coffee talk helps, it is certainly not enough. You have to get involved politically with a party that will represent the people of Newfoundland and Labrador first, above all else.
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