Trudeau says Tory attack flyers distort facts, fuel political cynicism: Harper responds

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, N.L. – Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says the use of tax dollars to attack him in a mail-out campaign shows how far the Conservatives will go to foster political cynicism.

Trudeau says the Conservatives have become a one-trick attack machine to distract from what he called its mediocre record on the economy and other issues.

He says the use of public money by the Tories to mail out household flyers distorts the truth about him.

He made the comments while campaigning alongside Liberal candidate Yvonne Jones for the May 13 byelection in Labrador.

Government House Leader Peter Van Loan says the flyers fall within parliamentary spending rules.

Trudeau says the multi-pronged attack on his leadership credentials is proof that Conservatives are worried voters are ready for a more positive approach.

Various scripts for the flyers argue that Trudeau has neither the judgment nor the experience to govern the country and use partial or out-of-context quotes to make the case that he’s “in way over his head.”

That’s the same theme the Conservatives are using to hammer Trudeau in television ads running across the country.

Harper told a news conference Thursday that the bulk mail campaign is well within the rules of the House of Commons, which are respected and followed by all parties.

“There are House of Commons rules for communications that we do with constituents across the country,” Harper said.

“All parties work within those rules, and all parties use those activities and use those rules.”