POLIS Index Canada for Political Parties
Highlights by 2SLGBTQ+ Identification
Perceptions of political parties based on ethical values differ notably between Canadians who identify as 2SLGBTQ+ and those who do not. Among respondents who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, the NDP receives the highest POLIS score at 3.40, followed by the Liberal Party at 3.20, and the Conservative Party at 2.04. These results show a strong ethical reputation for the NDP among this group, particularly on values like fairness, benevolence, and transparency. The Liberal Party also performs well, indicating a perception of institutional legitimacy and inclusion. The Conservative Party, by contrast, scores much lower, suggesting a significant gap in perceived ethical alignment.
Among respondents who do not identify as 2SLGBTQ+, the party rankings remain the same, but the scores are more compressed. The NDP still leads with a POLIS score of 3.06, followed by the Liberals at 3.04, and the Conservatives at 2.59. The differences between the NDP and Liberal Party are minor in this group, indicating general agreement on their ethical credibility. However, the Conservatives perform noticeably better among non-2SLGBTQ+ respondents than among those who do identify as 2SLGBTQ+, suggesting a reputational divide driven by identity-based concerns.
The nearly 1-point difference in POLIS score for the Conservative Party between the two groups—2.59 versus 2.04—is the most pronounced gap across all parties and demographic splits in the dataset. This suggests that 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians perceive the party as significantly less aligned with ethical values, likely shaped by policy history, representation, or ongoing rhetoric. The NDP’s exceptionally high score in this group reinforces its image as the party most associated with social inclusion and ethical leadership in the eyes of marginalized communities.
The Liberal Party’s relatively strong performance across both groups reflects its ability to maintain an image of ethical credibility rooted in competence, legitimacy, and procedural fairness. While it does not outperform the NDP in either group, its consistent second-place position suggests a broad base of perceived trustworthiness. The NDP’s edge in the 2SLGBTQ+ group may reflect its emphasis on justice and advocacy, while the Liberals are seen as stable and institutionally responsive.
Overall, the data show that identity matters when it comes to ethical evaluations of political parties. The NDP holds a strong ethical reputation among 2SLGBTQ+ Canadians, with the highest POLIS score of any group in the dataset. The Liberal Party remains close behind, while the Conservative Party faces a substantial perception gap that may hinder its ability to build trust among equity-seeking groups. The POLIS Index reveals how values like fairness, accountability, and legitimacy are interpreted differently depending on lived experience and group identity.
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.