GROW-OP PENALTIES WILL RISE - TOEWS

OTTAWA - Growing support among MPs of different political stripes for tough
mandatory minimum sentences to deter marijuana grow operations usually run
by organized gangs could lead to amendments to the Liberals' marijuana
bill, Conservative justice critic Vic Toews predicted.

The cannabis bill now before the Commons justice committee would double the
maximum punishment for grow ops with more than 50 plants to 14 years from
seven years.

Toews said Friday the Conservatives will likely table amendments that would
require judges to impose a sentence of at least two years in prison.

He said he believes stiffening the penalties could garner support from Bloc
Quebecois MPs.

"We do need acceptable mandatory minimums that other parties can also live
with because that is key to the success of this," Toews said.