Reconciliation Is a Ballot-Box Issue: First Light Urges Federal Candidates to Take a Stand

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 24, 2025

St. John’s, NL – With voters now heading to the polls on Monday, April 28, 2025, First Light is calling on all candidates in each of Newfoundland and Labrador’s seven federal ridings to clearly state their positions on truth and reconciliation – and to commit to advancing the 42 Calls for Change and the specific actions listed in Reconciliation Report 2024.

“Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples is not a niche policy issue. It goes to the very heart of who we are – and who we want to be – as a country. We hope that all candidates running in this campaign will speak clearly and transparently on the issues that matter most to our community.”

Stacey Howse, First Light’s President and CEO

First Light is asking all federal candidates to make clear their own positions, and those of their parties, on the following community-defined priorities of ours:

• Sustained federal investment in Indigenous-led health initiatives that have proven impact, such as the Indigenous Patient Navigator, medical transportation, and peer support programs;
• Expanded access to resources for workforce development, enabling employers to offer Indigenous-led anti-racism training;
• Alignment of all federal laws with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), including legal recognition of all Indigenous Peoples’ inherent right to exercise free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) on issues that impact them; and
• Active collaboration with both the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and urban Indigenous Peoples, to ensure access to culturally-informed services – especially in housing, education, justice, and employment – for Indigenous Peoples living in urban areas.

To foster informed and respectful dialogue throughout the campaign, First Light will host Candidates’ Forums in St. John’s two ridings of Cape Spear (St. John’s South—Mount Pearl) and St. John’s East. These forums will highlight issues affecting urban Indigenous communities and give voters a chance to hear directly from those seeking to represent them.

“We’re urging all voters – especially non-Indigenous allies – to reflect deeply on the importance of reconciliation and to make it a deciding issue at the ballot box. Real change means moving beyond words and influencing those around us to make better choices for the greater good of our communities.“

Justin Campbell, First Light’s Director of Advocacy

First Light, a nonpartisan nonprofit, has been working closely with Elections Canada over the last several months to support barrier-free access to voting for members of the urban Indigenous community as well as Indigenous people across the province who may find themselves in the city on Election Day. We are encouraging Canadian citizens 18 years and older to ensure they are registered to vote well ahead of time. Community members who may require assistance registering to vote may contact us directly at 709-726-5902 or [email protected].

Further details on First Light’s election-related activities will be shared in the days ahead.

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Media Contact
Justin Campbell
Director of Advocacy
First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre
[email protected]
709-726-5902