Stephen Harper and environment minister Jim Prentice are on probation after dozens of protesters found them guilty of criminal negligence when it comes to climate change.
While the trial held on the steps of the Vancouver Art Gallery yesterday was pure mockery - two advocates in cardboard masks represented Harper and Prentice - the message was real.
"This government absolutely refuses not only to do anything, but to listen to the majority of Canadians," said Sean Devlin, of Canadians for Climate Justice. "[The mock trial] showcases just how unjust the current situation is."
The entire concept originated with UBC ecologist William Rees, a renowned expert who first floated the idea that the government could technically be criminally negligent under Canadian law because of their inaction.
"Climate change is affecting the lives and property of 10,000s, if not 100,000s, of people each year," Rees said.
"By refusing to do anything about it, we're making conscious decisions that are resulting in harm to other people. We live in a global village, lets act as we live in a global village and take responsibility for the social injustice being committed."
