GREEN PARTY MORE THAN JUST TREE-HUGGERS

OTTAWA - Green is for marijuana, a carbon tax, income splitting for
couples and dying with dignity, according to federal party leader
Elizabeth May.

May released the Green Party of Canada's broad-ranging "Vision Green"
policy paper yesterday with the message that she and her shadow
cabinet of future election candidates are about more than climate
change and tree-hugging.

"We're here to dispel two myths about the Green Party of Canada," May
told reporters on Parliament Hill. "One, that we're a one-issue party;
two, that we're a one-person party."

The 156-page document touches on policy positions ranging from
taxation to civilian oversight for the RCMP:

- - Along with a $50/tonne carbon tax to limit pollution, the Greens are
touting legalized and taxed pot, universal child-care and a tax system
that encourages more family time at home and with friends by splitting
taxable income. "Polluter pay" and sin taxes will mean lower income
taxes for everyone but those earning more than $150,000 a year.

- - Paid vacation entitlements should be raised to three weeks a year
from two.

- - A $10-an-hour minimum wage should be federal law.

- - Railroads should be enhanced at the expense of cancelled highway and
bridge expansions;

- - A guaranteed right for people to draw up a "living will" enabling
them the right to "die with dignity" by limiting or refusing medical
intervention.