POLIS Index Canada for Party Leaders
Highlights by Region
Across all regions of Canada, Mark Carney is rated as the most ethically credible political leader. In Alberta, Carney leads with a POLIS score of 3.45, followed by Jagmeet Singh at 3.18, and Pierre Poilievre at 2.12. In this province, Carney is especially well-regarded for competence and legitimacy, despite Alberta’s historically conservative leanings. Singh is also rated highly, particularly for fairness and benevolence. Poilievre’s rating is the lowest of the three, with scores indicating skepticism about his ethical alignment among Albertans.
In British Columbia, Carney continues to lead with a POLIS score of 3.41, followed by Singh at 3.12 and Poilievre at 2.32. Singh performs well here on values like benevolence and procedural fairness, reflecting the province’s socially progressive leanings. Carney maintains his strong standing, especially in institutional trust and transparency. Poilievre’s score improves slightly compared to Alberta but remains the lowest among the leaders.
In Ontario, Carney again leads at 3.38, followed by Singh at 3.08, and Poilievre at 2.28. Carney’s competence and legitimacy ratings are particularly high in this province, reflecting his reputation as a technocratic and principled leader. Singh’s moral appeal continues to resonate, while Poilievre’s lower score points to concerns about transparency and fairness among Ontario respondents.
Québec presents a similar pattern, with Carney leading at 3.40, Singh close behind at 3.28, and Poilievre at 2.37. In this province, Yves-François Blanchet is also included and receives a POLIS score of 2.71, placing him ahead of Poilievre but behind Carney and Singh. Blanchet performs moderately on values such as legitimacy and competence but is rated lower on benevolence and fairness. Carney and Singh remain dominant on nearly every value measured.
In the Prairies and Atlantic Canada, the pattern remains consistent: Carney leads (3.23 and 3.34, respectively), followed by Singh (3.14 and 3.23), and Poilievre (2.36 and 2.25). These results highlight Carney’s broad cross-regional appeal, driven by strong perceptions of institutional trustworthiness and ethical leadership. Singh maintains consistently high scores, especially on values associated with care and fairness. Poilievre ranks lowest in every region, pointing to widespread concerns about his alignment with the ethical values 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.