Pubdate: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 Source: Powell River Peak (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Peak Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.prpeak.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/734 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjparty.htm (Canadian Marijuana Party) NDP DECLARES FEDERAL CANDIDATE New Democratic Party (NDP) members in the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country federal riding have selected their candidate for the next federal election. Dana Larsen was declared the candidate at a meeting in Roberts Creek on April 21. "This campaign is about providing leadership and fairness for working families in West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country, and I am honoured that local New Democrats have put their trust in me today," said Larsen. Larsen is a well known social activist committed to decriminalizing and rationalizing drug policies, in keeping with the values of Canadians. He is the former leader of the BC Marijuana Party, who joined the NDP in 2003. Larsen also unsuccessfully sought the NDP nomination in 2004 and again in 2005. The main priorities in his campaign will be fighting for tough action against climate change, fairness for families struggling with the high cost of long-term care and tuition fees, and implementation of the civil rights policies which parliamentary committees have advocated, Larsen said. "The people of our coastal communities deserve an MP who will work hard on the issues that matter to ordinary people," he said. Larsen added he was inspired to run by NDP leader Jack Layton. "Jack Layton and the NDP are working hard to bring fairness to average families, and that's a message that I think really resonates with people here in the coast," said Larsen. Larsen also criticized the Conservative government for being too cozy with United States President George Bush. "On Afghanistan and the softwood lumber sellout, Stephen Harper thinks it's more important to keep George Bush happy than to stand up for our communities and our values." Larsen, 36, is a small business manager with years of experience working for civil liberties in BC and across Canada. Larsen and his partner, Rebecca, keep a home in the Strathcona area of Vancouver, as well as a home in Roberts Creek, where Larsen's nine-year-old daughter, Lily, lives. Larsen joins already-confirmed candidates John Weston for the Conservatives and Silvaine Zimmerman for the Green Party. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin