Laurie Hawn argues there was nothing untoward about two attack ads posted on the Conservative party's website, even though a video clip targeting Canada's Liberal leader disappeared just 24 hours after it was released.
Harper's government faced harsh criticism for the campaign, with critics calling the ads dishonest, unethical and the work of "drunken frat boys." Even some of the Tory's softer supports complained about them.
In the video, it appears as though Michael Ignatieff is asked whether it makes sense to force an unnecessary election or raise taxes on job creators during a time of economic recovery. A clip is then inserted of an animated Ignatieff shouting, "Yes, yes, yes."
The MP for Edmonton Centre argues there is nothing wrong with the tactic, since other parties are launching similar attacks.
"They are simply repeating back what Liberals have actually said and have actually done, and if they think that is an attack maybe they should look in the mirror and not say those things," said Hawn on Saturday.
While the stunt has spurred rumours an election could be on the way, Hawn says he is not anticipating sending voters to the polls. He argues the ads are just a regular part of life in a minority government.
The clip at the centre of the controversy was actually taken from a speech Ignatieff gave at a caucus retreat where he talked about how ready the Liberals were to serve Canadians.
A Tory official claims the ads were always intended to be a one-day-only web posting.
With Files from the Canadian Press
