Justin Trudeau was attacked by his conservative opponent Andrew Scheer for the Canadian prime minister’s long history of wearing blackface.

The two leaders squared off at Monday night’s federal leaders’ debate, during which Canada’s six prime ministerial candidates shared their plans for the country’s future ahead of the 21 October election.

In pointed remarks, Mr Scheer reminded voters of Mr Trudeau’s frequent use of blackface in costumes, photos of which were revealed last month.

In one photo, published in Time, Mr Trudeau was seen dressed as a character from Aladdin while attending a party in 2001 when he was 29. The prime minister wears a turban and make-up to darken his face, hands, and neck.

A video of Mr Trudeau in blackface in his early twenties appeared shortly after.

The prime minister also said that he had worn it in high school, for a performance, but that he coud not give a specific number for how often he had done it.

Blackface controversy in popular culture Show all 6 1 /6 Blackface controversy in popular culture Blackface controversy in popular culture Justin Trudeau Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau apologised after three images of him in blackface emerged, just weeks before the 2019 federal election AP Blackface controversy in popular culture Alitalia Obama Ad Italian airline Alitalia apologised after releasing a video featuring a white actor in blackface playing Barack Obama to promote their non-stop flight from Rome to Washington Blackface controversy in popular culture Katy Perry shoes The Katy Perry Collection pulled this design after it was noted that they resembled blackface. Perry said "I was saddened when it was brought to my attention that it was being compared to painful images reminiscent of blackface. Our intention was never to inflict any pain." Dillard's Blackface controversy in popular culture Prada collection In December, lawyer Chinyere Ezie spotted figurines in the Prada shop window in Soho, New York that bore a resemblance to racist depictions of black people, with dark skin and large, red lips and voiced her disgust over social media. Prada has since apologised. Chinyere Ezie / Facebook Blackface controversy in popular culture Gucci jumper This "balaclava jumper" was removed from sale after it was noted to resemble blackface. In a letter to Gucci employees, designer Alessandro Michele expressed the pain he felt that one of his creative projects was seen as “an intolerable insult”. Blackface controversy in popular culture Moncler Penguin French brand Moncler claims the golliwog-style face is really the face of collaborator Friends With You's character "Malfi the Penguin"

“He can’t even remember how many times he put blackface on,” Mr Scheer said, “because the fact of the matter is he’s always wearing a mask.”

The conservative party leader also called the prime minister a “phoney” and a “fraud” who does “not deserve to govern this country”.

Mr Trudeau countered by saying that Mr Scheer does not believe in climate change, which he said would make him unfit to govern. The prime minister also said that Mr Scheer’s agenda would benefit wealthy Canadians far more than everyday citizens.

Also present for the debate were New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, People's Party leader Maxime Bernier and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet.