Justin Trudeau has been branded 'hurtful' and 'hypocritical' by leaders of Canada's main opposition parties after images emerged of him in blackface.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the Canadian New Democrats, said they showed a pattern of behaviour that 'makes light of the struggles people face' and raised questions about Trudeau's character. Andrew Scheer, leader of the Canadian Conservatives, said Trudeau had 'lost the moral authority to govern'.

Time magazine published an image of Trudeau wearing blackface as part of an Aladdin costume at a 2001 function at a school where he was teaching. Trudeau apologised and also acknowledged another incident where he had worn blackface during high school. Hours later, Global News published a video clip, apparently of another incident in which he had worn dark skin makeup.