Released in 2016, The Leap Manifesto is a provocative document designed to draw the attention of politicians, the media, and the masses to the current state of Canada’s environmental and economic climate. The Manifesto posits that Canada is facing extreme crises on many fronts, with the climate change crisis being the most urgent. It argues further, that without immediate and profound change to the Canadian economy, the effects of these crises will lead to irreversible damage to the environment and citizenry. This paper looks to review and critically assess the proposals made within the Leap Manifesto and determine their viability as an economic strategy for Canada going forward. This reflection and analysis are supported by a collection of …show more content…
The summations begin with the focal point of this critical review, the Leap Manifesto. As mentioned above, the Manifesto is rooted in the premise that Canada is facing a deep crisis stemming from environmental degradation and a disregard for social equality (“The Leap Manifesto,” 2016). To take the decisive change necessary to remedy this, the document argues it is time to leap, that is, it is time to take steps to fundamentally shift the Canadian economy for the future (“The Leap Manifesto”). Embedded within the Manifesto are 15 demands, detailing the specific actions deemed necessary for Canada to undertake if the nation is to make a meaningful transition. The demands proposed are ambitious and diverse. The Manifesto calls for Canada to source its electricity from 100% renewable energy in the next two decades and transform to a 100% clean economy by 2050. Other demands include expanding public transit and creating a high-speed rail powered by renewables, curtailing trade deals, expanding the low-carbon sector of the economy, and fostering a localized agriculture system (“The Leap Manifesto”). The Manifesto also suggests the money needed to finance this economic shift is available if governments are willing to shift their policy directives. Based on the “polluter pays” principle, Leap argues a carbon tax, increased resources royalties, and an end to fossil fuel subsidies, among others, can generate enough revenue for Canada to begin a new phase in its economic development