Article content

As the Conservatives repeatedly attack Liberal leader Justin Trudeau over his support for the legalization of marijuana, the federal government has asked three groups representing Canadian doctors to endorse a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign warning about the drug’s health risks for young people.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Conservative government asks Canadian doctors to endorse taxpayer-funded ad campaign against marijuana Back to video

Health Canada has approached the Canadian Medical Association, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Family Physicians of Canada asking them to sign on to the broadcast advertising campaign, scheduled to launch some time in the fall.

The organizations would not be required to fund the ad campaign, estimated to cost $5 million, but their logos and endorsements would appear in them, according to a source familiar with the proposal.

The campaign comes as the Conservative Party runs its own attack ads alleging Mr. Trudeau’s approach to legalization would make it easier for children to obtain pot.

On Tuesday, the party reposted an online video highlighting Trudeau statements on legalization, with the closing line, “Help keep marijuana away from our kids.”

The Tories have also repeatedly cited Mr. Trudeau’s marijuana position in email campaigns aimed at shaking more money out of supporters, even though recent polls show Canadians warming to the idea of liberalizing marijuana laws.