Pubdate: Tue, 17 Apr 2001
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Russ Akins, Abbotsford News

POT PARTY HAS PRESENCE

Upstarts Promote Very Liberal Platform

The B.C. Marijuana Party will field at least two candidates locally. 
Jon Fulford will run in Abbotsford-Clayburn, while Norm Siefken will 
run in Chilliwack-Sumas.

Unlike their platform in the November federal election, Siefken said 
the provincial party is not a one-issue entity. "It's not a left-wing 
agenda, it's not a right-wing agenda," he said.

Siefken said the B.C. Marijuana Party is the only party that has a 
sovereignty policy: "Right now in B.C. there are United States Drug 
Enforcement Agency agents, with the RCMP taking orders from the DEA. 
The bottom line is, we're going to send them all home."

The party also believes in establishing legal brothels, along 
European lines, "thereby eliminating disease and child prostitution," 
said Siefken. The party also promises provincial tax cuts.

Fulford, 20, told the Abbotsford News yesterday he has an extensive 
background in alternative medicine, public speaking, holistic health, 
and internet technology.

"I am not too concerned about any competition, as I feel the NDP has 
abandoned or ignored virtually all of it's principles and platforms," 
he said.

He said the party recognizes that "virtually all of the sacramental 
and sacred plants of First Nations people in North and South America 
have been banned in an effort to destroy native culture and spiritual 
practices. First Nations people should be allowed to grow any plants 
they want on their land, and we support First Nations rights to 
self-determination and self-sufficiency," said Fulford.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe