Environmentalists, a fishery union and the NDP are slamming Premier Gordon Campbell for putting his name to a letter that favours oil tankers off the north B.C. coast.

Campbell, along with the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan, signed a letter to the prime minister opposing a private member's bill from a New Democrat MP aimed at protecting the northern coast from oil spills.

A coalition of environmental groups, including the Dogwood Initiative and the Living Oceans Society, said they're shocked and disappointed with Campbell's position, claiming he's going against the wishes of most B.C. residents.

Arnie Nagy of the United Fishermen and Allied Workers Union said Campbell's move betrays British Columbians and one oil spill could destroy a fishery that employs 6,000 people.

NDP environment critic Rob Fleming said that with 48 hours left on the job, Campbell is putting B.C.'s fishery and coastal tourism sectors at risk, and the four remaining Liberal leadership candidates should say whether they agree with him.

Campbell will be stepping down Saturday when members of the B.C. Liberal party choose a new leader.