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Conservatives launch attack ads on NDP, calling leader 'Sellout Singh'

  • The Canadian Press

  • Canadian Press

  • July 31, 2024

New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh speaks in the Foyer of the House of Commons about the NSICOP report, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The Conservative party released two new ads this week attacking NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a "sellout' who they say is to blame for a national increase in crime, housing prices and costly living. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle

OTTAWA -- The Conservative party released two new ads this week attacking NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as a "sellout," blaming him for a national rise in crime, housing prices and costly living.

The ads question why Singh is keeping Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in power at a time when his Liberal government is unpopular with Canadians.

The New Democrats signed a political pact with the Liberals in 2022 to secure their support on key votes, in exchange for progress on shared priorities like pharmacare and dental care.

The Conservative ads, which are running across the country, accuse Singh of maintaining the deal to secure his MP pension, which he will qualify for in October.

They also feature real photos of Singh wearing luxury brands and driving a luxury vehicle.

Singh's principal secretary Anne McGrath says the attacks are personal and dishonest, and are an attempt by Conservatives to distract from what she says are their plans to cut federal health-care programs.

This report by was first published July 31, 2024.