Conservatives' blunder: Russian jets in patriotic video sparks criticism

Canadian media reported on Monday that Canadian conservatives used footage of Russian fighter jets supposedly defending Canada in promotional material on social media. The video has already been removed; mistakes happen," commented the party's spokeswoman.

The Conservative Party of Canada posted a video on social media over the weekend, in which they promote themselves as a party supporting Canadian values.

The recording included a scene where party leader Pierre Poilievre talks about fighter jets prepared to "defend our homeland native land," a quote from Canada's national anthem. Then, Russian-made fighter jets appeared in the video, public broadcaster CBC reported, as quoted by PAP.

The Canadian Department of Defence's press office addressed the issue, stating in a release that during Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, — Shockingly, Mr. Poilievre’s dream for Canada includes Russian fighter jets flying over our glorious Prairies on a 'training mission'—Canadian Press quoted.

Conservative spokeswoman Sarah Fisher explained the blunder by noting that, for example, the Liberal Party used photos of actors rather than actual voters in promotional material from 2011 and declared that "the video has been removed, and mistakes happen."

However, as opposition New Democratic Party MP Charlie Angus pointed out, using photos of actors is one thing, but creating an entire fantasy in which Russia, America, and Serbia represent a vision for our country's future is quite another.

The Su-17 is a fighter-bomber from the 1970s, now retired from the Russian army. The Su-27 is a contemporary interceptor fighter currently involved in the Russian aggression against Ukraine.