SEBASTIEN BOZON via Getty Images A Greenpeace militant looks towards a reactor of the nuclear power plant of Fessenheim on which Greenpeace hung a banner reading 'Stop risking Europe' on March 18, 2014. Several dozen Greenpeace activists snuck into a nuclear power plant in eastern France on Tuesday, in the latest break-in by the environmental group aimed at highlighting alleged security weaknesses at atomic facilities. AFP PHOTO / SEBASTIEN BOZON (Photo credit should read SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP/Getty Images)

OTTAWA - Greenpeace is asking the commissioner of Canada Elections to investigate whether the Conservative party and the Ethical Oil Institute are colluding to get around political donations limits

In his letter to commissioner Yves Cote, Keith Stewart says Ethical Oil uses donations from individuals and corporations to finance ads attacking environmental groups opposed to the Northern Gateway Pipeline.

Stewart says the group's messages often mirror those of the Harper government.

He also says there have been a number of instances in which Conservative staff left government to work for Ethical Oil, then returned to political jobs.

Stewart says the organization draws on funding sources, such as corporations, not available to political parties, then spends money to support the Conservative agenda.

A spokesman for Prime Minister Stephen Harper says the allegations are ridiculous.

Stewart wants the elections overseer to look into possible collusion in the ties between Ethical Oil and the government.

The institute runs a website called ethicaloil.org which promotes support for the oilsands.

Story continues below