EX-TORY MP JAFFER FACES DUI, DRUG CHARGES

Rahim Jaffer, the former
Conservative MP for Edmonton-Strathcona, has been charged with drunk
driving and possession of cocaine.

Jaffer, who is married to Simcoe-Grey Tory MP Helena Guergis, was
stopped by police shortly before 1 a.m. on Sept. 11 in Palgrave, a
suburban community in the town of Caledon, northeast of Toronto.

The former MP was allegedly speeding through the village when he was
stopped by the Ontario Provincial Police, who smelled alcohol on his
breath and conducted an investigation, Const. Jonathan Beckett said in
a news release.

Jaffer is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 19. His driver's
licence was suspended for 90 days.

Jaffer lost his seat last fall to New Democrat Linda
Duncan.

In the run-up to the election, Jaffer's campaign took out an
advertisement on and Edmonton's 630 CHED radio that made reference to
remarks NDP leader Jack Layton made in 2003 about his appreciation of
marijuana.

"Edmontonians understand how difficult it is to make sure our children
make the right choices, especially on serious issues like drug use,"
the advertisement said.

"The Conservative party supports drug-free schools and getting tough
on drug dealers who sell illegal drugs to children. Don't let our
schools go up in smoke."