POLIS Index Canada for Party Leaders
Highlights by Citizenship
Perceptions of political party leaders on ethical values differ based on respondents' citizenship status in Canada. Among non-citizens, Mark Carney is rated highest with a POLIS score of 3.28, followed by Pierre Poilievre at 2.89, and Jagmeet Singh at 2.75. Carney leads across nearly all values in this group, especially competence, legitimacy, and transparency, suggesting a strong perception of institutional trustworthiness and ethical leadership. Poilievre performs better among non-citizens than in many other subgroups, particularly on competence and benevolence, while Singh trails slightly, with lower ratings on competence and accountability.
Among Canadian citizens, the rankings shift more dramatically. Carney again leads with a POLIS score of 3.37, which is slightly higher than among non-citizens. Singh moves into second place at 2.92, while Poilievre drops to third at 2.35. Singh's relative improvement among citizens may reflect broader public recognition of his values-driven leadership, particularly on fairness and benevolence. Meanwhile, Poilievre’s drop in perceived ethical credibility among citizens is notable, especially in values like transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness.
Carney's consistent lead across both groups reinforces his image as a highly competent and institutionally grounded leader. His highest scores come from competence and legitimacy, both critical dimensions in how voters perceive ethical governance. Singh, while rated lower on technical competence, scores particularly well on benevolence and fairness, showing that different groups associate different strengths with his leadership. Poilievre’s ethical perception varies more between groups, performing relatively better among non-citizens but losing ground among the electorate.
The stronger ratings for Carney and Singh among citizens suggest that these leaders are perceived as more trustworthy and aligned with ethical values by those who participate directly in Canada’s democratic process. Non-citizens, on the other hand, appear to rate Poilievre more favorably than citizens do, possibly reflecting different impressions of his messaging, economic focus, or perceived strength. Still, even among non-citizens, Carney maintains the highest ethical standing across all values.
Overall, these findings highlight how citizenship status affects how Canadians and residents perceive the ethical credibility of political leaders. Carney consistently emerges as the most trusted leader, Singh builds a strong reputation for fairness and moral concern among citizens, and Poilievre’s support is relatively stronger among non-citizens. These trends offer a deeper view of how ethical leadership is evaluated through the lens of the POLIS Index, and how institutional trust and perceived moral responsibility vary by one's political access and engagement.
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.