Canadian environmentalist David Suzuki has stepped down from the board of his foundation over fears his political views could put its charitable status at risk as Ottawa cracks down on organizations deemed to be too politically active.

In a letter to his supporters on Friday, the former Nature of Things host said he left the David Suzuki Foundation board of directors because he wanted to be able to speak freely fear that my words will be deemed too political and harm the organization of which I am so proud. March 30 budget said charities would soon have to report more information about their political activities and sources of foreign funding. foundations, and committed $8 million in its recent budget to help the Canada Revenue Agency target registered charities.

The money will be used to "improve transparency by requiring charities to provide more information on their political activities, including the extent to Authentic Brendan Gallagher Jersey which these are funded by foreign sources," according to budget documents.

The David Suzuki Foundation has raised concerns about Enbridge's proposed $5.5 billion Northern Gateway oil pipeline that it has the potential to harm the environment.

But the foundation has said it gets less than 10% of its funding from foreign sources and very little of this is used for climate and energy work.

With files from Gordon Hoekstra, Vancouver Sun

Full www.canadiensofficialonline.com/Authentic-Brendan-Gallagher-Jersey text of the open letter on David Suzuki Foundation website:

Some of you may have seen media coverage about my decision to step off the board of directors of the David Suzuki Foundation. I am writing to tell you more about this and what it means.

After my children and grandchildren, my greatest pride is the David Suzuki Foundation.

I am fiercely proud of how the Foundation brings science and solutions to environment problems. I determined to ensure that the Foundation continues to have the ability to solve critical environmental issues and bring hope for the future.

But I have reached a point in my life where I would like to consider myself an elder. I want to speak freely without fear that my words will be deemed too political, and harm the organization of which I am so proud. I am keenly aware that some governments, industries and special interest groups are working hard to silence us. They use threats to the Foundation charitable status in attempts to mute its powerful voice on issues that matter deeply to you and many other Canadians.

This bullying demonstrates how important it is to speak out.

The Foundation science based, solutions oriented research and educational work has enriched our democracy and reflected Canadian values for two decades. While not always happily received by governments or industrial interests, this work is strictly non partisan, as required by the laws governing charities, and has made the Foundation one of the most trusted environmental voices in Canada.

Our opponents, however, are redoubling their efforts to marginalize the Foundation by getting at me, personally.

So last year, I made the decision to step off the board of directors of www.canadiensofficialonline.com/Authentic-Daniel-Briere-Jersey the David Suzuki Foundation. I remain one of its most active volunteers and committed major donors. This way I can fulfill my personal mission and the Foundation can continue to build on its inspiring work for us and our grandchildren in finding solutions to our shared, and very real, environmental challenges.

I hope you understand this decision and will continue to show your, steadfast Daniel Briere 3X Jersey support for my work in this concrete way:

Please share this letter with your family and friends and, at this critical moment, invite them to become supporters of the David Suzuki Foundation, by joining our online community or donating today.