A left wing political advocacy group, 350 Canada, has launched an ad campaign to reveal alleged disinformation being spread by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, which is being targeted towards Vancouver Islanders among others.
With general advance voting stations opening on Friday, April 18th for the federal election, 350 Canada says they want to set the record straight with a new ad campaign ‘Don’t get Played.’
This campaign will see their messaging on digital billboards, local radio, posters and social media in certain key ridings throughout the country, some of which are here on Vancouver Island.
According to 350 Canada, the purpose of these ads is “exposing Pierre Poilievre’s ties to corporate interests and galvanizing support for progressive champions in five key ridings across the country.”
“Pierre Poilievre is trying to mislead Canadians with flashy slogans and billionaire backing,” said Atiya Jaffar, Canada Campaigns Manager at 350 Canada.
“Our campaign is here to cut through the noise, remind voters what’s really at stake, and help communities elect champions who will fight for climate justice and social equity.”
Don’t Get Played ads attempt to challenge Poilievre’s record, warn of his alleged Trump-style politics and uplift NDP candidates specifically in Vancouver Island ridings where the New Democrats are neck-and-neck with the Conservatives.
350 Canada says the campaign hopes to draw attention to Poilievre’s long political career, lack of real-world experience and policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of ordinary Canadians.
Specifically, 350 Canada challenges Poilievre’s rhetoric surrounding his stance on Pharmacare, housing and the climate crisis, while also questioning his relationships with US President Donald Trump and oligarch Elon Musk.
In addition to their Vancouver Island “battleground ridings,” the national campaign is also going to hit Carlton, Ontario, where there are 91 candidates on the ballot.
“We won’t let Pierre play us,” said Jaffar. “There are 90 better options on the ballot in Carleton.”
In addition to the region-specific ads, the Don’t Get Played campaign has been targeting ads at Gen Z and Millennial voters across Canada with a social media campaign, digital ad placements, partnerships with popular content creators and a volunteer-run postering program.
In Victoria, there will be a Don’t Get Played event being put on by 350 Canada this Saturday, although the details have yet to be confirmed.
Victoria Buzz reached out to the Conservative Party for comment on the Don’t Get Played ad campaign, but as of this publication, have not received a response.
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