In Canada, even before this spring, the notion that any given election was possibly the 'most important' to have ever occurred was in some danger of becoming a cliché. But this time around, it's at least much harder to dispute.

From climate and housing, to cost-of-living relief, these are the key policies The Greens are platforming ahead of the federal election.

As many as 80 per cent of young voters are aware that a national election is underway, but there is 'a sense of dysfunctional government' that is driving them to engage in politics outside of the traditional party structures.

Australia's 1.4 million first-time voters are getting most of their political news from social media influencers and say climate change, housing, and health reform are key priorities for them.

While tariffs and sovereignty are top of mind across federal election campaigns, St. John's Deputy Mayor Sheilagh O'Leary is urging political leaders to remember the fight against climate change.

Canada has promised on the international stage to curb carbon emissions by 40-45% by 2030 based on the levels in 2005. As of 2023, carbon output was only down 8.5%. Whoever wins the election will have a real challenge to square that circle. Canadians go to the polls on 28 April.

Australia will hold an election on May 3, and energy security has become a key issue as voters face rising power bills and the prospect of gas shortages.

The Wren requested responses from all candidates for the Kamloops-Thompson-Nicola and Kamloops-Shuswap-Central Rockies ridings. As of April 22, candidates Jenna Lindley for the Green Party of Canada, Frank Caputo and Mel Arnold for the Conservative Party of Canada did not respond. These responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Amid a heated federal election campaign in Canada, Prime Minister Mark Carney is suggesting that the country can expand oil and gas production and at the same time make progress in meeting its emission reduction targets with advances in areas including carbon capture and storage.