POLIS Index Canada for Political Parties
Highlights by Marital Status
Across marital status groups in Canada, perceptions of political parties on ethical values follow a consistent pattern, with some variation in intensity. Among respondents who are married, the Liberal Party receives the highest POLIS score at 3.03, followed closely by the NDP at 3.03 (rounded), and the Conservative Party at 2.57. This suggests that married Canadians view both the Liberals and NDP as roughly equal in ethical credibility, with the Conservatives trailing somewhat. The narrow margin between the top two parties indicates a balanced ethical perception, possibly reflecting shared concerns about stability, competence, and accountability.
Among those who are separated, divorced, or widowed, the NDP is perceived most favorably, with a POLIS score of 3.25, followed by the Liberals at 3.27 (very close), and the Conservatives at 2.46. In this group, the NDP has a slight edge over the Liberals in most individual values, particularly in benevolence and fairness, while the Liberals lead narrowly in competence and legitimacy. The Conservative Party lags behind, reinforcing the trend seen in other demographic categories.
Single respondents also rate the NDP highest, with a POLIS score of 3.16, followed by the Liberals at 3.08, and the Conservatives at 2.45. This suggests that younger or unmarried Canadians, like other progressive-leaning groups, tend to view the NDP as the party most aligned with ethical values. Their ratings of the Liberals remain strong, especially on legitimacy and competence, while the Conservatives once again rank lowest, especially on values like benevolence and transparency.
While the rankings are stable across marital groups, the relative distance between parties varies. The NDP leads most strongly among singles and separated/divorced/widowed respondents, while the Liberals perform best among married Canadians. The Conservative Party’s POLIS scores remain lower across all groups but decline slightly among non-married respondents, suggesting that factors like life stage or personal circumstance may influence perceptions of ethical governance.
Overall, the data show that marital status influences how Canadians evaluate political parties on ethical values, though not drastically. The NDP consistently performs well across all groups, especially among those not currently married, while the Liberal Party retains strength among married Canadians. The Conservative Party continues to face challenges in ethical perception, particularly among respondents who may be navigating personal or economic vulnerability. These insights highlight how personal circumstances may shape not just political preferences, but deeper assessments of ethical representation 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.