ELECTION 2001: NDP KICKS OFF ABBOTSFORD-MT. LEHMAN CAMPAIGN

Abbotsford-Mount Lehman NDP candidate Taranjit Purewal is kicking off his
campaign.

Purewal is inviting the public to an open house at his headquarters,
#202-2589 Cedar Park Pl., on Sunday at 2 p.m.

He expects a real battle against incumbent Liberal MLA Mike de Jong,
however, he said Abbotsford has been well-served by the NDP government, not
de Jong.

"It is time the riding received the type of honest, constructive
representation it needs. When people look at our record in government, they
will see that the NDP stands for their needs," said Purewal, a father of four.

He pointed out to the number of schools built in Abbotsford and the new
hospital announcement as examples of the NDP commitment to local families.

Purewal is a manager at Penabode International lumber mill in Richmond and
lives in Clearbrook.

Brian Carlisle, a Chilliwack resident, is running for the Marijuana Party
of B.C. in the Abbotsford-Mount Lehman riding.

Carlisle tried to represent the party in the federal election against
Langley-Abbotsford MP Randy White, however, at that time he wasn't approved
by Marijuana Party interim president Marc Boris.

But that's all "water under the bridge now," said Carlisle, noting party
leader Mark Emery supports him.

His nomination papers were served to the Abbotsford-Mount Lehman riding
yesterday.

Carlisle helps represent marijuana growers in court to try to legalize
marijuana for medical use. He uses marijuana to ease symptoms of glaucoma
and runs the Holy Smoke Healing Centre.

Four candidates have declared they are running in the Abbotsford-Mount
Lehman riding, which stretches from the Fraser River to the U.S.-Canada
border and from 276th Street on the west to Gladwin Road on the north side
of the freeway, and to Clearbrook Road, south of the freeway.

Gloria Cavacece is running for the Unity Party.

There are three provincial ridings in Abbotsford and nominations for
candidates close at 1 p.m. on May 3.