The federal Conservative Party is using the words of one of Thomas Mulcair’s closest allies to rip the newly appointed NDP leader.

University of British Columbia professor Michael Byers says if Mulcair’s energy policies are ever put in place, many oilsands producers would be put out of business.

Byers was Mulcair’s west coast co-chair during his leadership campaign.

Conservative MP Jason Kenney jumped on Byers’ words, telling the Calgary Herald thousands of jobs would be lost if Mulcair’s desired cap-and-trade emissions system ever sees the light of day.