NDP SAYS CONSERVATIVE AD BLOWS SMOKE ON MARIJUANA

Radio Message Ties Layton To Drug Use

(CNS) An NDP candidate in Edmonton is accusing the Conservative
incumbent of doing dirty politics with a radio ad accusing New
Democrat Leader Jack Layton of warmly endorsing marijuana use.

"When asked about marijuana, Jack Layton called it a wonderful
substance, which Canadians should be free to smoke at home or in a
cafe," states the ad, run by Rahim Jaffer's campaign.

"Edmontonians understand how difficult it is to make sure our
children make the right choices, especially on serious issues like
drug use. The Conservative party supports drug-free schools and
getting tough with drug dealers who sell illegal drugs to children.
Don't let our schools go up in smoke . . . on Oct. 14 vote Conservative."

Linda Duncan, the NDP candidate running against Jaffer in
Edmonton-Strathcona, called the ad a low blow and cited it as proof
that Jaffer's running scared from the left.

Jaffer, meanwhile, said he's just trying to get parents in his riding
thinking about where the New Democrats stand on justice issues.

"This is simply what's on the record," Jaffer said.