At issue is childcare, with Raitt and the Conservatives saying that Liberal Leader Stephane Dion would scrap the $1,200 per year universal childcare benefit. But over in the Liberal camp, Turner is saying this notion is completely false.

On Tuesday, Raitt and the Tories launched what the party's describing as a "public information campaign" consisting of ads that indicate Dion would eliminate the benefit.

"When they compare leaders, parents face a clear choice," said Raitt. "With Stephen Harper they'll keep their $1,200 universal childcare benefit. With Stephane Dion, they'll lose it."

The campaign is based on an interview Dion had with the National Post in 2006. He was asked, "Would you cancel the Tory daycare plan?"

Dion said, "Yes. The Dryden plan was much better," referring to Liberal MP Ken Dryden's plan to put federal funds toward increasing childcare spaces.

TURNER SAYS ADS WRONG

But Turner said the interview is being taken out of context, pointing out that Dion was never directly asked if he would cancel the benefit and the Liberal leader didn't specifically say he would eliminate it.

"This is a major gaffe, coming just hours after Stephane Dion in fact announced the Liberals will be increasing the annual benefit by $350 with a new credit," he said.

He said Dion has also committed to creating a new childcare benefit supplement and guaranteed family supplement worth up to $1,225 per child for low-income families.

"Nobody, anywhere, in any party has suggested cutting of funding for parents," Turner said. "I'm so disappointed that my opponent would start off the election campaign with a false accusation. The Liberal Party will not be ending the childcare benefit."

But Raitt contended there's nothing false about the Conservatives' ad campaign.

"This ad is fair and factual," she said. "It serves as a public service announcement that reflects the true Liberal position on the $1,200 universal childcare benefit and it clearly demonstrates what's at stake in this election campaign."

She called the Liberals' announcement to increase childcare funds for parents a "knee-jerk reaction."

"This is something they (the Liberals) talked about as such a bad policy years ago, and now overnight it doubles?" she said. "It's hypocritical."

Melanie Hennessey can be reached at mhennessey@miltoncanadianchampion.com.