LIBERALS MULLING CHANGE OF HEART

The opposition Liberals say they are rethinking their support for a
federal bill on mandatory jail terms for drug crimes -- after they
voted with the Conservative government to pass the proposed
legislation last year for fear of being labelled as soft on crime.

The drug-sentencing bill, which for the first time would impose
incarceration terms of at least six months for growing six or more
marijuana plants and one year or longer for selling drugs, died when
Prime Minister Stephen Harper prorogued Parliament in December.

Justice Minister Rob Nicholson resurrected his proposed legislation this month.