One of Canada’s most trusted and respected scientists, Dr. David Suzuki, stands accused of seditious libel on Wednesday, November 6, 2013. A public trial is to take place at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). The reason for this charge? On Wednesday, October 9, on the steps of the Toronto Courthouse, Suzuki announced his Carbon Manifesto – a bold, uncompromising plan that spells out the end of oil and sets a new course for Canada’s sustainable energy future. The Manifesto calls for the end of fossil fuels as a primary energy source; to protect Canada’s Boreal forest and oceans; a move ensuring 70% of the energy we consume is renewable within one generation; a carbon tax of $150 per tonne effective immediately; and that Canadian climate scientists must be able to share their findings uncensored and unimpeded by political or corporate interests.
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Will Suzuki’s Carbon Manifesto save Canada or destroy it? Is he talking reason or treason? Is Suzuki undermining the financial security of the country? Or does the economy and country matter when our planet is turning toxic?
This unique theatrical event, The Trial of David Suzuki, created and produced Laurie Brown, in partnership with David Donnelly of Donnelly Law, will take place in the ROM’s Currelly Gallery. The mock public trial features real lawyers, expert witnesses, judge and a jury of 12 people who, along with the audience, will vote on the fate of Suzuki. The Defense lawyer is Linda Rothstein, Partner at Paliare Roland Barristers; the prosecution lawyer is Will McDowell, partner at Lenczer Slaght; David Suzuki is there as himself; and the Bailiff is Laurie Brown. The role of Judge is to be announced. Expert witnesses are business professor, Michael Hlinka and Environmental Commissioner of Ontario, Gord Miller. This innovative and dramatic trial will challenge science, law, art—and the audience. Along with the jury, the audience will listen to the expert testimony and decide if David Suzuki is innocent or guilty, right or wrong.
“Many of us are confused about climate change, and often the conversation on this important subject stalls,” says creator, Laurie Brown. “I wanted to create an art piece that catapults the conversation into a new place: what would happen if Canada did something big to counter global warming? Like leave oil in the ground? I want The Trial of David Suzuki to imagine that future for Canadians.”
“This trial is about more than David Suzuki, more than environmentalism in Canada – it is about placing all Canadians in that awkward, difficult position that our policy makers find themselves everyday,” says Dave Ireland, Managing Director, Centre of Discovery in Biodiversity. “The Trial of David Suzuki, in my mind, is about making clear and public choices towards a sustainable future for humans on the planet.”
As part of The Trial of David Suzuki, a series of six Pattison posters titled You Be The Judge will be displayed in subway stations across Toronto. Between October and December, these posters will engage the public in conversations about climate change and the views of Dr. David Suzuki. Opposing Views, a shot video mapping conflict perspectives onto the face of Suzuki will also be featured every minute on Pattison’s 60 foot wide video display at Yonge and Edward streets, bringing millions of passers by into this public conversation.
