MELMAN JUMPS FROM ALLIANCE TO POT PARTY

The president of the Canadian Alliance's local constituency association is
headed for greener pastures.

Leonard Melman, president of the Canadian Alliance's Nanaimo-Alberni
constituency association is running for theMarijuana Party in the next
provincial election.

Melman will run in the North Nanaimo-Parksville riding, and plans to resign
his position with the Alliance - which he has held since June, 2000 - at
the Nanaimo-Alberni constituency association's annual general meeting Saturday.

While his decision has startled many, Melman explains there is a natural
link between his provincial and federal parties of choice.

"The Canadian Alliance perhaps stresses economics more ... but both are for
diminished government," he said, adding he is set to combat stereotypes
about his new party.

"I do not now, nor have I ever used marijuana ... the B.C. Marijuana Party
is no longer a one-issue party.

"It's not just a bunch of wild-eyed party kids - many of the candidates
don't smoke."