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

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, which come as the Tories try to win a Manitoba seat from the NDP, question why Singh is keeping Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in power at a time when national opinion polls show the Liberal minority government remains unpopular with Canadians.

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

Conservatives suggest Singh is maintaining the deal to secure his MP pension, which he will qualify for in October 2025, when the next federal election is scheduled.

The ads feature real photos of Singh wearing a luxury watch, carrying a Versace tote and driving a BMW.

The tag line: «Sellout Singh. He gets his pension, you pay the price.»

The ad also mentions that Singh attended a private school in Beverly Hills as a child, but doesn't point out the school was in Beverly Hills, Mich., not Beverly Hills, Calif.

When asked if the lack of clarification on Singh's education was a mistake or intentional, a Conservative Party spokesperson said the text of the ad is accurate.

«He went to a high-priced American private school in Beverly Hills,» the spokesperson said in an email.

NDP say ad is dishonest

The ads are running across the country in various ridings, the Conservative party said. It didn't provide further details.

A 15-second version of one of the ads has been displayed on Facebook and Instagram since mid-June in British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta and Nunavut, Meta's ad library shows.

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