Conservative leader calls Trudeau a fraud in Canadian debate

TORONTO – The leading candidate to replace Justin Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister attacked him during the second debate of the campaign, calling him a phony and fraud who can’t even recall how often he’s worn blackface.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer, right, gestures towards Liberal leader Justin Trudeau as he speaks during the Federal leaders debate in Gatineau, Quebec on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

Conservative party leader Andrew Scheer said Wednesday that Trudeau doesn’t deserve to govern Canada. Trudeau is seeking a second term in the Oct. 21 elections.

The blackface controversy surfaced last month when Time magazine published a photo showing the then-29-year-old Trudeau at an “Arabian Nights” party in 2001 wearing a turban and robe with dark makeup on his hands, face and neck.

Trudeau was dressed as a character from “Aladdin.”

Trudeau said he also once darkened his face for a performance in high school. A brief video surfaced of Trudeau in blackface as well. /gsg