Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

NDP used stock images from Russia, Israel after decrying Tories' foreign content use

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 06 Sep, 2024 11:38 AM
  • NDP used stock images from Russia, Israel after decrying Tories' foreign content use

The New Democrats included stock images from Russia and Israel in a recent high-profile video, weeks after the party criticized the Conservatives for using non-Canadian images in their content. 

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh announced in a video message Wednesday he was ending a supply and confidence deal with the Liberal government, while accusing Conservative policies of hurting Canadians, including retirees and families.

The video then flashes to a stock video of two seniors sitting at a table looking at their laptop.

The Canadian Press independently verified from several stock image sites, including Getty Images, that the video originated from Russia. 

The two seniors are also featured in photographs on a website for a Russian university, which says they are faculty members there.

"We obtained the image from a North American stock image service," the New Democrats said in a statement about the Russian content. 

"Nowhere did the service mention where the video was taken. We'll take better care in the future.” 

The video also featured a family sitting down for breakfast, an image the Shutterstock website says came from a production company based in Israel. 

The New Democrats didn't immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the content originating in Israel. 

The NDP video, which had over three million views on X alone, remained up on all social media platforms. 

Last month the New Democrats denounced the Conservative Party of Canada after it used non-Canadian stock images in one of its videos, including Russian fighter jets. 

The Conservative party deleted the video after online criticism, saying "mistakes happen" while pointing out that a Liberal ad from 2011 was scrutinized over its use of stock images. 

At the time, New Democrat MP Charlie Angus, the party's deputy critic for ethics, criticized the use of non-Canadian images in political messaging. 

"I love Canada. I want the next election to be run in Canada, for Canada," Angus said in a statement Aug. 19.  

New Democrats went on to condemn the use of "phoney, fake, bogus" digital content.  

In a statement, Government House leader Karina Gould said: "I find it very strange that two major Canadian political parties — the NDP and the CPC — are not taking more care in their communications to Canadians about Canadians."

She said both parties will have to explain why "neither could be bothered to use images of actual Canadians."

While the NDP and Conservatives are "focused on promoting their own political interests," she said, the Liberal government is "squarely focused on delivering important measures and programs for Canadians that meet their needs."

MORE National ARTICLES

Canadian news engagement down significantly one year after Meta's ban: study

Canadian news engagement down significantly one year after Meta's ban: study
The Media Ecosystem Observatory study published today finds that Canadians’ total engagement with news content on social media has been reduced by 43 per cent, despite efforts to increase social media engagement on other platforms.

Canadian news engagement down significantly one year after Meta's ban: study

Crews install sprinklers on remaining Jasper buildings ahead of hot weather

Crews install sprinklers on remaining Jasper buildings ahead of hot weather
A wildfire rampaging through Jasper National Park remains out of control as crews work to reduce the risk of it spreading. Parks Canada says sprinklers have been installed on some buildings north of the park's townsite, as fire activity is expected to increase.

Crews install sprinklers on remaining Jasper buildings ahead of hot weather

BC smuggler convicted

BC smuggler convicted
A failed plan to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine to Vancouver Island has resulted in a conviction in Seattle for an American man. A jury in U-S District Court found John Sherwood guilty of conspiracy to distribute drugs, possession of drugs and conspiracy to commit international money laundering in the April 2021 scheme.

BC smuggler convicted

Coast Guard to end staffing at two B.C. lighthouses, following safety concerns

Coast Guard to end staffing at two B.C. lighthouses, following safety concerns
Fisheries and Oceans Canada says "aids to navigation" will continue operating at both the Carmanah Point and Pachena Point light stations located along the Vancouver Island coast that's also home to the famed West Coast Trail. The light keepers will move out of the buildings before winter weather arrives.

Coast Guard to end staffing at two B.C. lighthouses, following safety concerns

Suspicious fire at Surrey home

Suspicious fire at Surrey home
Police on Vancouver Island say they have arrested a suspect after a suspicious fire at a home in Sidney. R-C-M-P say officers responded just before 2 p-m yesterday. They say the blaze required a response from the North Saanich, Sidney and Central Saanich Fire Departments.

Suspicious fire at Surrey home

Home invasion in Port Moody

Home invasion in Port Moody
Police in Port Moody say a man has been changed over allegations he tried to steal cryptocurrency in a violent home invasion earlier this year.  Officers were called by a third-party to request a check on the well-being of a family on April 28th and found multiple victims who needed treatment for several injuries. 

Home invasion in Port Moody