Naomi Klein and a celebrity cast endorse manifesto for Canada’s future

Climate activist Naomi Klein has launched a star-studded and sweeping “manifesto for the planet” that calls for an end to fossil fuel dependence and new economic order for Canada.

The “Leap Manifesto” debuted with support from a predictable cast of climate and social justice activists, including David Suzuki, Greenpeace, Oxfam, The Council of Canadians and social justice activist Stephen Lewis.

But it also has dozens of celebrity signatories, including Leonard Cohen, director Denis Villeneuve and actors Sarah Polley, Rachel McAdams, Ellen Page, Tantoo Cardinal and Donald Sutherland. Award-winning author Joseph Boyden, high-profile lawyer Clayton Ruby, CUPE president Paul Moist and Mrs. Universe Ashley Callingbull joined Klein, Lewis, Suzuki and others at the announcement.

“They’re people and they’re really freaked out about climate change and they’re grateful to be able to do something about it,” Klein told reporters at a news conference in Toronto.

Organizers hope to gather thousands of signatures on the manifesto as the election campaign continues.

“What we are unequivocally saying with this document is that we won’t leave our country’s future and, indeed, the fate of the planet, our common home, to the politicians,” Klein says.

“We live in a historic moment; one that demands audacity, ambition and courage, and since, unfortunately, many of our leaders are too busy watching the polls to grasp either the urgency or the incredible potential of this transformation, leadership is coming from outside of electoral politics.”

The manifesto itself is an ambitious plan that includes… everything. It calls for, among other things: the recognition of First Nations rights and title; an end to fossil fuel subsidies; collective control of new energy systems instead of private ownership; a non-polluting economy; a national child-care program; immigration status and full protection for all workers; and a debate about a universal basic annual income.

“This is a great deal to take on all at once, but such are the times in which we live,” Boyden read from the manifesto.

The announcement quickly drew both accolades and anger. On Twitter, #theleap and #tommunistmanifesto began trending.

Opposition parties quickly linked the radical plan to New Democrat Leader Tom Mulcair, many of whose supporters are among the signatories.

“According to the NDP’s most famous supporters balanced budgets ‘are a threat to life on earth,’” Christopher Bataluk wrote on Twitter.

But Klein says the future many Canadians want is “not on the ballot his election.” Most will vote for what they don’t want, rather than what they do.

“Our hope is that by the time there is a new government there will be hundreds of thousands of signatures – a very powerful tool that we will be able to present to the next government, whoever they are, that says this is what we want to do; this is the path forward,” Klein says.