POLIS Index Canada for Party Leaders
Highlights by Race and Ethnicity
Perceptions of political leaders differ across racial and ethnic groups, though Mark Carney consistently receives the highest POLIS score in every category. Among White respondents, Carney scores 3.37, followed by Jagmeet Singh at 3.15, and Pierre Poilievre at 2.28. Carney’s lead in this group is supported by high ratings on competence, legitimacy, and transparency. Singh is viewed positively, especially on fairness and benevolence, while Poilievre’s lower score reflects skepticism about his alignment with ethical values among White Canadians.
Among Black respondents, Carney again leads with a POLIS score of 3.37, Singh follows at 2.96, and Poilievre at 2.81—his highest rating across all racial and ethnic groups. This closer margin between Singh and Poilievre suggests that Black Canadians may see ethical value in both Singh’s moral leadership and Poilievre’s perceived competence. Still, Carney remains the most trusted figure in this group across most dimensions.
Latin American respondents rate Singh highest at 3.06, followed by Carney at 3.16, and Poilievre at 2.77. While Carney retains the top spot, this is the only group where Singh outperforms Carney on certain values like benevolence and fairness. Middle Eastern and South Asian respondents also rate Carney highest, with POLIS scores of 3.40 and 3.37 respectively. Singh scores 2.99 and 2.90 in those groups, while Poilievre scores 2.57 and 2.53, maintaining his usual third-place position.
Among East Asian respondents, Carney scores 3.29, Singh 2.94, and Poilievre 2.44. Southeast Asian respondents give Carney his highest score in the entire dataset at 3.46, followed by Singh at 2.89 and Poilievre at 2.35. Indigenous respondents rate Carney at 3.00, Singh at 2.94, and Poilievre at 2.46, showing a tighter distribution but the same ranking. These results affirm Carney’s broad cross-cultural appeal, especially on values related to institutional trust and ethical competence.
Overall, racial and ethnic identity shapes the intensity but not the direction of ethical evaluations. Carney is consistently rated as the most ethically credible leader, Singh performs well across communities—particularly on fairness and benevolence—and Poilievre remains the lowest-rated across all groups, with his best results among Black and Latin American respondents. These trends reflect how different communities evaluate political leaders not just on ideology, but through the lens of ethical trust 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.