POLIS Index Canada for Political Parties
Highlights by Employment Status
Across employment groups in Canada, the NDP consistently receives the highest POLIS score, indicating that Canadians view the party as the most ethically credible regardless of their work status. Among full-time employed respondents, the NDP scores 3.09, followed closely by the Liberal Party at 3.06, and the Conservative Party at 2.49. These results suggest that working Canadians perceive the NDP and Liberals as more aligned with ethical values like fairness, benevolence, and accountability, while the Conservatives are seen as less trustworthy on these dimensions.
Among those not in paid work—including students, caregivers, and retirees—the NDP performs even better, scoring 3.17, compared to 3.14 for the Liberals and 2.47 for the Conservatives. This group gives the NDP its highest score across all employment statuses, suggesting that the party’s values resonate most strongly among those who may be more dependent on public institutions or engaged in non-market roles. The Liberals remain competitive, while the Conservatives lag behind.
For part-time workers, the NDP and Liberals are virtually tied, both scoring 3.19, with the Conservatives slightly lower at 2.48. This near-parity suggests that both parties are seen as ethically credible by those in less secure or flexible work arrangements. The Conservatives, however, continue to receive lower ratings, particularly in values related to transparency and procedural fairness.
Among self-employed Canadians, the NDP leads with a score of 3.17, followed by the Liberals at 3.03 and the Conservatives at 2.52. The NDP’s high score in this group is notable, given that this population may be more attuned to economic policies and individual accountability. The Liberals maintain solid support, while the Conservatives are again rated lowest—indicating persistent challenges in ethical perception among more independent earners.
Finally, among unemployed Canadians, the NDP still leads at 3.00, followed by the Liberals at 2.84 and the Conservatives at 2.61. Although the Conservatives perform best in this group compared to all others, they still trail behind. The NDP’s consistent lead across employment statuses—paired with the Liberals’ steady second-place showing—suggests that Canadians broadly perceive these parties as more ethically grounded than the Conservatives. These insights underscore how work status influences ethical judgments of political parties, as captured by the POLIS Index.
What values do people in democratic nations want their political parties to imbue and represent?
Integrity
Integrity means acting consistently with one’s principles and telling the truth, even when it's inconvenient. In a democracy, people expect their political representatives to follow through on promises and live up to the values they claim to hold. Without integrity, public trust quickly erodes.
Benevolence
Benevolence reflects care, compassion, and a commitment to serving the public rather than personal or partisan interests. Citizens expect those in power to act in the best interest of society, especially for vulnerable or underserved groups. When benevolence is lacking, politics can feel distant and self-serving.
Accountability
Accountability means being answerable for decisions and willing to admit mistakes. Democratic systems rely on the idea that leaders serve the people and must face consequences if they fall short. When accountability is strong, citizens feel empowered to demand better.
Legitimacy
Legitimacy is the belief that those in power deserve their authority and represent the people fairly. It’s not just about winning elections — it’s about earning public trust through ethical, democratic leadership. Without legitimacy, political systems struggle to function effectively or peacefully.
Competence
Competence is the ability to get things done — to design effective policies, manage resources, and solve problems. In democratic societies, voters want leaders who can deliver real results and meet the needs of diverse communities. Good intentions matter, but capable execution is essential.
Transparency
Transparency is about openness — making decisions visible, explaining them clearly, and sharing information honestly. In a democracy, people have a right to know how decisions are made and why. Transparency builds public confidence and helps prevent corruption or manipulation.
Procedural Fairness
Procedural fairness ensures that rules are applied equally, decisions are made impartially, and everyone is treated with respect. In a diverse democracy, fairness is the foundation of legitimacy — it reassures people that the system is not biased or rigged. Fair processes create faith in just outcomes.