Canadian Pols Call for Bribery Probe

Cancer-stricken MP rejected offer to trade vote for insurance: book

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 29, 2008 1:15 PM CST

(Newser) – 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."

Independant MP Chuck Cadman talks to the media after the vote on the budget on May 19, 2005 in Ottawa, Canada. Canada's Prime Minister Paul Martin survived an attempt by the opposition to bring down his... (Getty Images)

Independent Canadian federal MP Chuck Cadman emerging from the House of Commons following a confidence vote in which he voted with the governing Liberal Party to save the government. in Ottawa 19 May... (Getty Images)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

Canada Returns Conservative Minority Government

Harper's party grabs more seats but still falls short of a majority

(NEWSER) - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has been re-elected to form a minority government. Harper's Conservative party boosted the size of its minority in yesterday's Canadian election but fell a dozen seats short of a majority, Reuters reports. The opposition Liberals slumped to their lowest share of the popular vote in history, hit hard by competition from the New Democratic Party and Green Party. Canada now has its third minority government in four years More»

Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

(NEWSER) - Canadians vote today in the country's third election in four years, and polls predict a second minority government for Stephen Harper, the Conservative prime minister. But while his Tories have led Stéphane Dion's Liberals throughout the campaign, the global financial crisis—during which Toronto's stock exchange has dropped 20% in two weeks—has upended the race and left tonight's result in doubt, reports the Financial Times. More»

Canada Heads for an Early Election

PM set to dissolve parliament; snap poll likely on Oct. 14

(NEWSER) - The Canadian parliament is set to be dissolved after the prime minister and opposition leader failed in their a final compromise attempt, reports the Globe and Mail. Stéphane Dion, the leader of the Liberals, told reporters PM Stephen Harper asked his party not to oppose any legislation for a year, a proposal he called "a joke" and "a face-saving exercise." The most likely date for a snap election is Oct. 14. More»

Conservatives Win Majority in Canada

NDP now official opposition as Liberals, BQ stumble

(NEWSER) - After 7 years and four elections, Stephen Harper has led the Conservative Party to a majority government in Canada, according to preliminary results. The prime minister, who has led minority governments since 2006, won a majority of seats in Parliament and a broader mandate for his party after an election that radically reshaped Canada's political landscape, the Globe and Mail reports. More»

Canadian Opposition Moves to Sink Righty Gov't

Harper's Tories in rout weeks after re-election

(NEWSER) - Canada’s main opposition parties have reached an unprecedented deal to topple the Conservative government, only weeks after it won re-election, reports the Globe and Mail. PM Stephen Harper infuriated rivals by attempting to end public support for political parties under the veil of an economic stimulus bill. The Liberals, New Democrats, and Bloc Québécois would have 163 seats to the Conservatives’ 143. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

Canadian Pols Call for Bribery Probe

Cancer-stricken MP rejected offer to trade vote for insurance: book

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cancer • Canada • bribery • Stephen Harper • Chuck Cadman • Dona Cadman • Canadian Conservative Party • Canadian Liberal Party

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Canada Returns Conservative Minority Government

Harper's party grabs more seats but still falls short of a majority

Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

Canada Heads for an Early Election

PM set to dissolve parliament; snap poll likely on Oct. 14

Conservatives Win Majority in Canada

NDP now official opposition as Liberals, BQ stumble

Canadian Opposition Moves to Sink Righty Gov't

Harper's Tories in rout weeks after re-election

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?

Canadian Pols Call for Bribery Probe

Cancer-stricken MP rejected offer to trade vote for insurance: book

Bookmark & Share

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

cancer • Canada • bribery • Stephen Harper • Chuck Cadman • Dona Cadman • Canadian Conservative Party • Canadian Liberal Party

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Canada Returns Conservative Minority Government

Harper's party grabs more seats but still falls short of a majority

Canada Votes Amid Financial Upheaval

Harper leads, but global crisis clouds election's finish

Canada Heads for an Early Election

PM set to dissolve parliament; snap poll likely on Oct. 14

Conservatives Win Majority in Canada

NDP now official opposition as Liberals, BQ stumble

Canadian Opposition Moves to Sink Righty Gov't

Harper's Tories in rout weeks after re-election

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?