POLIS Index Canada for Political Parties
Highlights by Race and Ethnicity
Ethical evaluations of political parties in Canada differ across racial and ethnic groups, with clear and sometimes contrasting patterns. Among White respondents, the NDP receives the highest POLIS score at 3.20, followed by the Liberal Party at 3.05, and the Conservative Party at 2.40. These results align with national trends showing the NDP as the most ethically credible party overall, especially on values like fairness, benevolence, and accountability. The Conservative Party consistently scores lowest across all racial and ethnic groups, with its lowest rating coming from White Canadians.
Among Black respondents, the highest-rated party is the Liberal Party with a POLIS score of 3.20, followed by the NDP at 3.08, and the Conservatives at 2.85. This group expresses stronger-than-average trust in both the Liberals and NDP, especially on values like procedural fairness and legitimacy. The relatively higher score for the Conservatives here (compared to other groups) is notable and may reflect a more varied evaluation of party performance or representation among Black Canadians.
Latin American respondents rate the NDP highest, with a POLIS score of 3.26, followed by the Liberals at 3.09 and the Conservatives at 2.76. Middle Eastern and South Asian respondents also show relatively high ratings for both the Liberals and the NDP, though South Asians rate the Liberals slightly higher than the NDP (3.14 vs. 2.92), reversing the trend seen in most other groups. This suggests that within racialized communities, perceptions of party ethics may be shaped by how each party is seen to engage with multiculturalism, inclusion, and institutional responsiveness.
East Asian and Southeast Asian respondents show similar patterns: both groups rate the NDP and Liberals favorably, while the Conservative Party scores significantly lower. East Asians give the NDP a POLIS score of 3.03 and the Liberals 2.96, while Southeast Asians rate the Liberals slightly higher at 3.22 compared to the NDP at 2.93. Indigenous respondents, meanwhile, rate the NDP highest at 3.03, followed by the Liberals at 2.64, and the Conservatives at 2.48. These scores reflect widespread perceptions that the NDP and Liberals better align with ethical governance in the eyes of Indigenous peoples.
Overall, the data show that racial and ethnic identity meaningfully shapes how Canadians assess political ethics. While the NDP generally leads across most groups, the Liberal Party is highly competitive, particularly among Black, South Asian, and Southeast Asian respondents. The Conservative Party ranks lowest across every group, though it performs relatively better among Black and Latin American respondents. These results suggest that ethical representation—measured through the POLIS Index—is perceived differently depending on how communities experience inclusion, fairness, and institutional respect.
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.