Lie is such a strong word, but it fits so why not use it?

Emerson quoted in Vote-splitting this election's wild card: Emerson (Sept. 5, 2008, The Vancouver Sun)

"When Paul decided he wasn't going to stay on as leader, I felt that my obligation to the Liberals had essentially expired and Mr. Harper called me," [Emerson] said.

The lie here is Emerson was in secret negotiations with the Conservatives to cross not when Paul Martin made his plans weeks after the election but, as admitted by co-conspirator former MP John Reynolds, was in discussions with the Conservative Party less than 24 hours after the last vote had been cast during the election. When Harper called is irrelevant. Reynolds would not make the offer without Harper's express permission before hand.

What's not known is when the offer was first conceived. Many have speculated as to whether the offer was on the table before the election was over.