The Conservative attack ad was part of a pamphlet sent to homes in Bloc Québécois ridings. It alleged that by not supporting the Tory bill to impose minimum sentences for child trafficking offences, the Bloc was voting against the protection of children. (CBC)

Bloc Québécois MPs are outraged over Tory attack ads suggesting the separatist party is soft on pedophiles and child traffickers.

The ads, which were part of pamphlet sent to homes in Bloc ridings, show a shadowy man leading a child from a playground with a banner below declaring in French, "Your Bloc MP voted against the protection of children."

"They try to mention that we want to protect criminals, and it's totally untrue," said Bloc MP Michel Guimond.

"They are crazy. They think they will have support of Quebecers with those type of pamphlets."

The Conservatives argue that they are just pointing out the Bloc was the only party to vote against a law that would impose minimum sentences in child trafficking cases.

"I think we can all draw our conclusions from that when the three political parties in Canada had a position, and the Bloc has a contrary position," Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Canon said Friday in Gatineau.

"Canadians can, and Quebecers can, determine whether or not they're soft on crime."

But Guimond told the Globe and Mail that his party voted against the bill because it prevents judges from exercising their discretion.

“Minimum sentences have no dissuasive effect,” he said.

In the 2004 election, the Tories used a similar tactic, suggesting that then Liberal leader Paul Martin supported pornography because he was not in favour of Conservative proposals to toughen child pornography legislation. Some observers believe that move backfired and instead sparked a backlash against the Tories.

Liberal party strategist Scott Reid said the Conservatives are using the latest ad to identify potential supporters in Quebec.

"This prime minister is trying to put forward the most intense, overt conservative message possible in the province of Quebec because if people respond to that message, then he knows for sure that those are hardcore Conservative voters," Reid said.

Reaction appeared to be mixed among some Quebec voters.

"I have no problem with statements that are really bold, if you're trying to get attention," said one voter.

"Seems like a desperate move, actually," said another.