It’s the latest fad these days, suing for libel (and good business for lawyers).

But the most recent suit is by the Prime Minister himself, directed at Stephane Dion and the Liberal leadership.

The dispute is over the Chuck Cadman scandal.

Wife of the late Independent MP alleges that the Conservatives attempt to bribe him on a crucial vote. A tape over the issue initially appears to lend some credence to the allegations.

MPs have called for RCMP investigations and ethics inquiries, and the allegations have been repeated in the House.

The RCMP confirmed it will be investigating a potential violation of s. 119 of the Criminal Code:

Corruption and Disobedience

Bribery of judicial officers, etc.

119. (1) Every one is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years who

(a) being the holder of a judicial office, or being a member of Parliament or of the legislature of a province, directly or indirectly, corruptly accepts, obtains, agrees to accept or attempts to obtain, for themselves or another person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment in respect of anything done or omitted or to be done or omitted by them in their official capacity, or

(b) directly or indirectly, corruptly gives or offers to a person mentioned in paragraph (a), or to anyone for the benefit of that person, any money, valuable consideration, office, place or employment in respect of anything done or omitted or to be done or omitted by that person in their official capacity.

Updates

Jason Cherniak has an excellent post on the subject: What is a libel notice?