Dear Editor,

Polls conducted last fall demonstrated that nearly two-thirds of British Columbians are united in opposition to the Northern Gateway Pipeline.

Recent presentations by citizens at the Joint Review Panel in Victoria and Vancouver have been unanimous in opposition to that pipeline.

Right here in Maple Ridge, hundreds of people have attended pipeline protests, signed petitions, written letters, and attended town hall meetings to show concern.

Meanwhile, we hear that our premier is being bankrolled by a group of Albertans stating they fear a B.C. NDP government might take into account the wishes of the majority of British Columbians to stop the Northern Gateway Pipeline, and that the re-election of the BC Liberals, on the other hand, will protect the pipeline proposal from being delayed or cancelled.

By accepting these campaign donations, is Christy Clark confirming the pipeline will go ahead?

Her willingness to take this money casts all doubt aside that either the environmental risks or First Nations interests will be considered by her government.

Undoubtedly, Christy Clark receiving this money is legal. However, taking campaign money from oil industry types who want a pair of tarsands pipelines full of toxic bitumen rammed through our province is clearly wrong.

The only way to avoid this sort of corporate influence in the future is to change the BC Elections Act so that only individuals are able to make political donations.

Verity Howarth, Maple Ridge