Myrden Gets NDP Nod in Oakville

Medical marijuana advocate Alison Myrden won a federal New Democratic
Party nomination on her second try.

The Burlington resident has accepted the NDP nomination for the
Oakville riding. She recently lost the Burlington riding nomination to
David Laird.

Myrden has had chronic progressive multiple sclerosis since age 13 and
chronic pain called Tic Douloureux. She has been a staunch patient
advocate for medical marijuana use.

"Until I started using marijuana as medicine, I was bound to my
wheelchair," she noted. "Now, thanks to this wonderful plant, I have a
much better quality of life. So much, in fact, that I can find the
energy to run for Parliament and promote the interests of disabled
Oakville residents and all Canadians."

Myrden is disabled and receives a disability income of $900 a month.
She formerly worked as a medical secretary and as a corrections officer.

She decided last fall to seek an NDP nomination.

"What impressed me most, aside from the party's commitment to health
care was the NDP's commitment to Canadian sovereignty as well as Jack
Layton's record on Toronto city council.

The NDP's much-appreciated support for the modernization of our
marijuana laws also played a role in my decision."