Pubdate: Fri, 19 Sep 2008
Source: Coast Reporter (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Coast Reporter
Contact:  http://www.coastreporter.net/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/580
Author: Ian Jacques
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjparty.htm (Canadian Marijuana Party)

LARSEN RESIGNS AS NDP CANDIDATE

Not wanting the election campaign to be overshadowed by controversial
past business dealings, Dana Larsen resigned from the New Democrates
on Wednesday.

The NDP candidate for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea-to-Sky Country
said the controversy started when it was revealed that a company he
used to work for once sold Peruvian coca seedlings. Larsen has not
worked for the company since 2007.

"Stephen Harper is advancing another failed drug war in this country,
and I do not want these harmless coca seedlings to become an issue for
Harper's campaign to spin against the NDP," said Larsen. "I was
running because I believe Jack Layton is the best person to take on
the corporate interests that have become all too influential in our
society. I do not want anything to distract from the important work of
the New Democrats."

According to Larsen, coca plants have been used for thousands of years
in South America as a mild stimulant, similar to coffee. It takes over
three years for a coca seedling to grow into a mature plant, and it is
virtually impossible to produce cocaine from coca unless the coca is
grown on a very large scale. "I believe in the benefits of medicinal
plants like coca," added Larsen. "But I didn't want this to distract
from the campaign to elect Jack Layton as prime minister."

Riding association president Bill Forst said the party respects
Larsen's decision to resign.

"The riding association is grateful to Mr. Larsen for his efforts on
our behalf," said Forst. "Dana got involved with the NDP and sought to
be a candidate because he cares deeply about the future of this
country, and he believes Jack Layton is the only leader who is taking
action on the things that matter to ordinary people - quality health
care for all, a clean and healthy environment, and making life more
affordable for everyday families."

Larsen was a founding member of both the Marijuana Party of Canada and
the BC Marijuana Party. He ran in the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast
riding in the 2000 federal election as a Marijuana party candidate and
in the 2001 provincial election as a B.C. Marijuana party candidate.
He joined the NDP in 2003.

Forst said the local riding association will be holding an emergency
nomination meeting on Saturday in Sechelt. He said he will be placing
his name for nomination. No other candidates had come forward as of
press time Thursday afternoon.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin