The New Democrats used Russian stock imagery in a recent video, weeks after the Conservatives criticized the party for similar conduct.
On Wednesday, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced in a video message that the party would end the Supply and Confidence Agreement with the Liberal government, accusing Conservative policies of hurting Canadians, including retirees.
The video then switches to stock footage of two elderly people sitting at a table looking at a laptop.
The Canadian Press independently confirmed the video originated from Russia through multiple stock image sites, including Getty Images.
The two senior students were also photographed on a Russian university website, which listed them as faculty members at the institution.
“We obtained the images from a North American stock image service,” the New Democrats said in a statement.
“The service did not mention anywhere where the video was taken. We will be more careful in the future.”
The NDP video remains on all social platforms.
Last month, the New Democratic Party criticized the Conservative Party of Canada for using stock imagery from outside Canada, including Russian fighter jets, in a video.
The Conservative party removed the video after online criticism, saying “mistakes happen”, but pointed to a 2011 Liberal party advert that was criticised for using stock imagery.
At the time, NDP deputy critic for ethics, R-Canada MP Charlie Angus, criticised the use of imagery from outside Canada in political messages.
“I love Canada and I want the next election to be in Canada and for Canada,” Angus said in a statement on Aug. 19.
Conservatives slammed over Russian video
The New Democrats also condemned the use of “fake, counterfeit and fake” digital content.
Meanwhile, Government General Leader Karina Gould said the New Democrats and Conservatives needed to explain why they “had no qualms about using images of real Canadians.”
“I find it extremely odd that Canada’s two largest political parties, the NDP and the CPC, are not paying more attention to communicating to Canadians about Canadians,” Gould said in a statement.
She said the NDP and Conservatives are “focused on advancing their own political interests,” while the Liberal government is “serious about delivering important measures and programs that meet the needs of Canadians.”
problem22:22Would it be to the NDP’s advantage to break the pact with the Liberals?
This week’s story: Jagmeet Singh defends decision to end supply and confidence agreement with the Liberals, but will it help the NDP in the polls? Plus, a look ahead to the Liberal caucus withdrawal and by-elections in Winnipeg and Montreal. Rosemary Barton hosts Chantal Hebert, Andrew Coyne and Arthia Raj.
