I think it is hard to say definitely that Nikiforuk is the opposition from the Conservatives. We can probably assume his political view from this article; however, he did not declare his political view within the article. Again, although Prime Minister Stephen Harper is the child of an Imperial Oil executive, he may not be the only one who has a final-say in policy makings. I find Nikiforuk's negative attitudes toward Stephen Harper and Ken Boessenkook. Therefore, he may committed ad hominem in this regard.