POT SHOT AT LAYTON CALLED FALSE, 'DIRTY'

EDMONTON (CNS) -- The NDP candidate in Conservative incumbent Rahim
Jaffer's riding says a Jaffer radio ad accusing New Democrat Leader
Jack Layton of warmly endorsing marijuana use is "dirty" politics.

"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 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 . . . vote Conservative."

Linda Duncan, who's running for the New Democrats in
Edmonton-Strathcona, calls the ad a low blow and says it's proof
Jaffer's running scared.

"I think it's a very dirty ad," she says. "It's 100-per-cent false
and it shouldn't be running. I think it's showing panic.

"Does he really think I would be out there campaigning to have drug
dealers go to schools? Give me a break."

Jaffer defends the ad and says he's just trying to get parents
thinking about where the NDP stands on justice issues.

According to the NDP website, the party backs marijuana
decriminalization and "a focus on reducing harms and preventing crime."

"The federal NDP also believes that policy objectives need to pay
special attention to keeping cannabis out of the hands of minors.
Recent studies have shown that consumption amongst youth has risen.
The reality is that kids are choosing to opt for marijuana over tobacco."