POLIS Index Canada for Party Leaders
Highlights by Children in Household
Perceptions of political party leaders on ethical values differ slightly depending on whether respondents have children in the household. Among those with no children, Mark Carney receives the highest POLIS score at 3.37, followed by Jagmeet Singh at 3.07, and Pierre Poilievre at 2.33. Carney leads across most values, particularly competence, legitimacy, and transparency, indicating a strong perception of ethical credibility among child-free Canadians. Singh scores highest on benevolence and fairness, reinforcing his reputation for moral concern, while Poilievre trails across all seven values.
Among respondents with one or more children, the rankings are the same. Carney remains the top-rated leader with a POLIS score of 3.35, Singh follows at 3.03, and Poilievre again ranks last at 2.51. Although Carney’s score declines only marginally, Singh’s and Poilievre’s scores both rise slightly among this group. The increased score for Poilievre is mostly due to modest gains in perceived competence and legitimacy. However, he continues to lag behind on transparency, fairness, and benevolence.
The consistency of Carney’s lead in both groups suggests broad-based ethical appeal, particularly among those who value technocratic competence and institutional trust. His strongest ratings come from competence and legitimacy, with high marks also in fairness and transparency. Singh’s appeal, while slightly lower, is based more on perceptions of benevolence, fairness, and accountability. Among respondents with and without children, Singh scores highest on benevolence, suggesting that his reputation as a caring and morally grounded leader is well recognized.
Poilievre’s performance is weakest overall, but the fact that his score is higher among respondents with children may suggest a slightly more favorable perception of him among voters prioritizing economic or structural concerns. His highest relative values are competence and legitimacy, but his scores remain low in benevolence and fairness, which could reflect how parents perceive his political messaging or tone. Still, he lags significantly behind both Carney and Singh across all values and household groups.
In sum, the data reveal that ethical perceptions of party leaders vary modestly based on household structure, but the general pattern remains stable. Carney is seen as the most ethically credible leader regardless of parental status, while Singh is respected for moral warmth and fairness. Poilievre, while improving slightly among parents, remains the lowest-rated leader on ethical dimensions overall. These findings suggest that the public’s evaluation of leaders through the lens of the POLIS Index is shaped by how values such as competence, fairness, and benevolence resonate with their day-to-day responsibilities and lived experience.
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.