Canadian Pols Call for Bribery Probe

Canadian Liberals are demanding investigations of bribery allegations against Conservative officials, the Toronto Star reports. In 2005, a new book says, two Conservatives approached independent legislator Chuck Cadman, who was suffering from terminal cancer, and offered him a $1 million life insurance policy if he voted to oust PM Paul Martin. Cadman angrily refused, and the move failed by one vote. Cadman died soon after.

“This is completely false, completely irresponsible,” said current PM Stephen Harper, a Conservative. But Liberals argue that “there is an obvious and significant public interest” in investigating the allegations, which constitute a criminal offense. Cadman’s widow confirms the story, saying the offer angered her husband. Asked by a CTV reporter whether she considered it a bribe, Dona Cadman said, "Yes, in a way." (More Canada stories.)