MARIJUANA ADVOCATE SEEKS NDP NOMINATION

Alison Myrden has battled disability for many years and now hopes to
fight harder for those in similar circumstances.

The staunch advocate of medical marijuana hopes to become the federal
candidate for the New Democratic Party in Burlington riding.

The NDP nomination meeting will be held March 25 from 7:30-9 p.m. at
the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 60.

Improved health care and better support for persons with disabilities
are key issues for Myrden, who has Multiple Sclerosis.

The Burlington resident noted the maximum income for a single person
with a disability is only $900 per month.

"I'm fully disabled and I haven't had a raise in years," said Myrden.
"It's a crime committed against people who are disabled. They have no
income and no quality of life."

Myrden noted she has relied on her mother and longtime boyfriend Gary
for support.

"I cannot be independent and I'd like to have that opportunity," she
said. "I don't want to be a low income person. I want to be someone
who does something as a productive member of society."

Myrden has had chronic progressive MS since age 13 and chronic pain
called Tic Douloureux.

But Myrden is ready to campaign from her wheelchair. "I know I can
take the candidacy on," she said. "I'm really excited about it."

She has used marijuana to reduce pain and said it has enabled her to
walk for brief periods.

But Myrden said a better quality of marijuana is needed for medical
users. She has been a party to legal action compelling Health Canada
to provide a safe reliable source of medicinal marijuana for
critically and chronically ill Canadians.

Before becoming a medical rights activist, she attended Sheridan
College and worked as a medical secretary. She was also a provincial
corrections officer working with at-risk youths and young offenders.