POLIS Index Canada for Political Parties
Highlights by Gender
Ethical perceptions of political parties vary across gender groups in Canada, with notable patterns in how each party is evaluated. Among women, the NDP receives the highest POLIS score at 3.23, followed by the Liberal Party at 3.15, and the Conservative Party at 2.43. This group rates both the NDP and Liberals favorably, particularly on values such as benevolence, fairness, and accountability. The lower score for the Conservatives suggests a relative deficit in perceived ethical representation among women voters.
Among men, the results are similar in ranking but narrower in gap. The NDP and Liberal Party are nearly tied, each receiving POLIS scores of approximately 2.97, while the Conservative Party follows at 2.61. This indicates that men, like women, view the NDP and Liberals more favorably in ethical terms, but are slightly more inclined to rate the Conservatives higher compared to women. The narrower margin suggests that while ethical evaluations are still tilted toward the progressive parties, they are more balanced among men.
The most striking results appear among respondents who selected “other” as their gender identity. In this group, the NDP receives a POLIS score of 3.36, by far the highest among all gender groups, followed by the Liberal Party at 3.09, and the Conservative Party at 2.16. This indicates that non-binary and gender-diverse Canadians perceive the NDP as most ethically aligned, especially on values like benevolence, fairness, and inclusion. The lower ratings for the Conservatives are particularly pronounced here, reinforcing a broader pattern of underperformance in perceptions of ethical credibility among marginalized groups.
Across all three gender categories, the NDP is the top-rated party on ethical values, followed by the Liberals, with the Conservatives consistently ranked lowest. The NDP’s lead is strongest among non-binary respondents, followed by women, and then men. The Conservative Party performs best among men, though still lower than both competitors. These trends suggest that perceptions of ethical governance are closely tied to gendered experiences and expectations in political representation.
Overall, the data show that gender identity influences how Canadians evaluate political parties on the basis of ethics. The NDP maintains the strongest ethical reputation across gender groups, while the Liberal Party remains close behind, especially among men and women. The Conservative Party faces a persistent gap in ethical perception, particularly among women and gender-diverse respondents. These findings offer further evidence that ethical evaluation—measured through the POLIS Index—is not politically neutral, but shaped by how different groups experience inclusion, fairness, and trust in political institutions.
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.