POLIS Index Canada for Party Leaders
Highlights by Generational Cohort
Across all generational cohorts in Canada, Mark Carney is consistently rated as the most ethically credible leader. Among Baby Boomers, Carney receives the highest POLIS score at 3.45, followed by Jagmeet Singh at 3.08, and Pierre Poilievre at 2.60. Carney’s ratings in this group are especially strong on competence, legitimacy, and procedural fairness. Singh performs well on benevolence and fairness, while Poilievre, though rated lowest, does slightly better among Boomers than among younger generations.
Generation X shows a similar pattern, with Carney again on top with a POLIS score of 3.36, Singh in second at 3.13, and Poilievre at 2.50. Carney’s continued strength is tied to perceptions of institutional competence and trustworthiness. Singh maintains his ethical appeal on fairness and accountability, while Poilievre continues to struggle with lower ratings in transparency and benevolence. This group, positioned between older and younger voters, shows moderate ethical evaluations across all leaders.
Millennials rate Carney highest at 3.32, followed by Singh at 3.01, and Poilievre at 2.29. Singh’s drop in this group suggests a relative decline in perceived competence or legitimacy, though his ratings on moral dimensions remain strong. Carney retains high ratings across all seven values, reinforcing his image as a steady, trusted leader. Poilievre’s lower score indicates limited appeal among Millennials in terms of ethical leadership, especially on fairness and accountability.
Among Generation Z, Carney again leads with a POLIS score of 3.41, followed closely by Singh at 3.06, and Poilievre at 2.44. This cohort appears to value both ethical warmth and institutional credibility, with Carney and Singh performing especially well on values like legitimacy, fairness, and benevolence. Poilievre performs modestly better here compared to Millennials, but remains far behind the other two leaders in overall ethical perception.
Overall, these results show that generational identity shapes perceptions of political leaders' ethical credibility. Carney maintains the strongest ratings across all cohorts, Singh appeals especially on moral and fairness-based dimensions, and Poilievre consistently ranks third, with his best showing among Baby Boomers. These patterns suggest that evaluations of ethical leadership—captured through the POLIS Index—are shaped by generational experiences, values, and expectations of how political leaders should conduct themselves in public life.
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.