EX-NDP HOPEFUL PROTESTS EXCLUSION

A former federal NDP candidate from B.C. plans to sit across the
street from the party's convention in Halifax Friday morning with a
sign that reads: "I was banned from the convention. Ask me why."

Dana Larsen, a marijuana advocate who ran as an NDP candidate during
2008 federal election, claims he was escorted from Halifax's World
Trade and Convention Centre Thursday on allegations he tried to buy
delegate votes.

NDP national director Brad Lavigne confirmed Larsen was deregistered
as a convention delegate earlier in the week.

"On a series of websites, he's been providing financial inducements
for individuals to vote a certain way," said Lavigne. He added
"bribes for votes" conflicts with the culture of democracy within the
party and could put the NDP at risk under the Income Tax and Elections acts.

Larsen, who resigned as the NDP candidate for West Vancouver-Sunshine
Coast in 2008 after a YouTube video surfaced of him driving while on
acid and pot, said he never intended to get anyone to change their vote.

He contends he posted an offer online to help NDP delegates who were
already supportive of drug policy reform with their travel and
lodging expenses.

Larsen said he paid $2,000 on his credit card