Justin Trudeau says Conservatives using tax dollars to distort truth about him

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 distort 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.

The byelection was called after Conservative incumbent Peter Penashue (pen-ASH’-away) resigned over illegal donations in the 2011 campaign.

NDP candidate Harry Borlase is also running to replace Penashue.