NDP LEADERSHIP HOPEFUL WANTS TO MAKE REFERENDUMS EASIER

He was the first one to jump into the NDP leadership
race.

He knows he's an underdog.

But Dana Larsen is campaigning hard in hopes of convincing New
Democrats that he has lots to offer.

"I think I have some good ideas," he said Wednesday during a stop in
Prince George. "I want to make sure the members have some real
diversity (when choosing a leader)."

Larsen is best-known for his stance on marijuana.

"B.C. should take over medical marijuana," he said.

That means licensing it and taxing it, which is a provincial
jurisdiction, he added. Legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana is a
little more difficult as it would require legislative changes at the
federal level ... not something a premier can do, but something a
premier can lobby for.

Larsen said marijuana touches on many aspects of our society. As an
economic engine, it is the second largest cash producer in the
province. In terms of health, it does have medical benefits but it can
also be harmful. In terms of crime, it takes up a huge amount of our
policing and court resources. And, in terms of the environment, hemp
is sustainable and used in many products.

However Larsen said his campaign is more than simply focusing on
marijuana. He advocates for a more accessible referendum process in
British Columbia, by lowering the threshold for citizens to send a
matter to a referendum.

"Votes give people a way to pass their own laws," he
said.

He also would put more money into education.

"Education is an investment rather than a cost," he said, adding he
would like to see educational opportunities expanded at all levels,
including creating a law school at UNBC.

Larsen also feels that rail transportation, of people and goods, is
the best way to go.

"Public transportation should be free of charge or as cheap as
possible," he said. "Rail is the way to go."

As for the harmonized sales tax, Larsen says it's a "troubling and
regressive tax."

However, since the Liberal government is using the $1.6 billion payout
from Ottawa to balance the books over the next couple of years, it's
difficult to simply cancel it.

New Democrats will choose a leader April 17.