Commonwealth Greens: Comparing Australian and Canadian Green Parties

The very first Green Party was established in Tasmania, Australia less than forty years ago - a short time in political history. Since 1972, Green parties have gained seats at the federal, provincial or state, and municipal levels worldwide. Greens have also gained federal seats in France and Sweden, as well as acquiring political influence in Australia, and more recently, Canada. Specifically, Australia has federal and state Greens, while polling data reveals that since 1991, Canadian Greens have shown gains in the popular vote. Notwithstanding their electoral successes, the two countries¿ Green parties have also had a notable effect on the public¿s conception of environmental issues. Commonwealth Greens provides a paradigmatic, comparative analysis of the Green parties of Canada and Australia, providing policymakers, activists and academics with an understanding of the beliefs that shape Green Party action, while offering the general public an overview of Green thought.