Election Plans Gone To Pot For NDP Hopefuls

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British Columbia: Two federal hopefuls have seen their plans for election go up in smoke.

Kirk Tousaw and Dana Larsen, both NDP candidates running in British Columbia, were forced to resign from the race after admitting to marijuana use.

It appears that Tousaw (Vancouver-Quadra) can be seen in an online video smoking pot with Marc Emery, the editor of Cannabis Culture magazine. He withdrew his name Friday.

In a statement, Tousaw said he's been compelled to resign because of the "events of the past few days," and the likelihood that his past work in drug reform could distract attention from the party's core issues.

Larsen (West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country) was also caught on tape, allegedly smoking marijuana and dropping L*D. He resigned Thursday.

At the time, NDP leader Jack Layton expressed regret that his party didn't take the time to vet the candidate more thoroughly.

When asked if Larsen represented his party, Layton responded by saying he "certainly doesn't and that's why he's no longer a candidate."

Tousaw, Larsen, and Emery have all been active in British Columbia's Marijauna Party. Emery, founder of pot.tv, is accusing Layton of going back on his word.

Emery claims he had an informal deal with the party boss that was supposed to bring Marijuana Party supporters into the New Democrat fold. He calls the move 'hypocritical,' because the NDP supports the decriminalization of the drug.

In fact, Layton appeared on the online program to make that point, and Emery urged his viewers to support the NDP in the past federal election.

Emery admits he didn't get a concrete promise from Layton, but still feels betrayed.

But NDP spokesman Brad Lavigne denies any deal, calling Emery's claim "pure fantasy" and "absolute nonsense."

Meanwhile, Stephen Harper headed north to Iqaluit Saturday. The Conservative leader is expected to speak about Canadian sovereignty. Friday, he expressed concern over Russia's latest efforts to stake claims in the Arctic.

Liberal leader Stephane Dion will visit the campaign headquarters this morning in Alexandria, Ontario.

And Layton will hold a rally in Edmonton.


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Source: CityNews
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