GRIT BEAT DRUGS

EDMONTON -- A convicted cocaine trafficker is pushing the Alberta Liberals'
agenda in the March 12 provincial election.

Roger Coles is standing on the Liberal ticket for the Drayton Valley-Calmar
constituency, northwest of Calgary.

In 1986, he was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to
selling cocaine to an undercover RCMP officer while serving as leader of
the Yukon Liberals. He served six months before being released.

"It's not something I put in my election pamphlet, but it's not a secret
either," the Drayton Valley town councillor said yesterday. "It was 15
years ago when for about eight months I had a drug problem which led to me
being charged and convicted -- the only person I hurt was myself.

"People make mistakes. I did, and now I'm grateful for this opportunity to
put something back into the community."

Town Council Told

Coles, who resigned as a Yukon MLA after his conviction, said he told the
story of his drug problem at a town council meeting in Drayton Valley about
two years ago.

"I thought it would be good for people to hear that someone can make a
mistake and make a comeback," he said. "What is wrong with turning your
life around and coming back as an asset to society?

"A lot of people helped me and I've tried to do the same over the past 10
years as a drug and addictions counsellor."

Coles said no one wanted to talk about his conviction when he went
door-knocking.

"The issues are the same as everywhere else -- education, health and power
deregulation," he said.

The Tory candidate for the seat, Tony Abbott, said Coles' criminal past was
not an issue in the election.

"I'd heard a rumour but I didn't follow it up," said the Breton preacher.
"My campaign is well ahead through running on the positive record of the
Klein Tories in Alberta."

And the Grits have no problem with Coles as a candidate. "He's served his
time and now lives a decent, strong life trying to help others," said party
spokesman Kieran Leblanc.