Highlights by Sexual Orientation

Ethical evaluations of political leaders differ based on respondents' sexual orientation, with particularly strong distinctions in how Jagmeet Singh and Pierre Poilievre are perceived. Among gay or bisexual respondents, Mark Carney receives the highest POLIS score at 3.54, followed closely by Singh at 3.39, while Poilievre scores significantly lower at 1.92. These results suggest that gay and bisexual Canadians see Carney and Singh as far more ethically aligned with values like fairness, benevolence, and accountability, while expressing deep skepticism about Poilievre’s ethical credibility.

Among straight respondents, the rankings remain the same, though the gaps narrow. Carney still leads with a POLIS score of 3.32, Singh follows at 2.98, and Poilievre improves to 2.49. While Carney maintains his dominant position across both groups, Singh’s advantage is more pronounced among gay or bisexual Canadians, likely reflecting his perceived advocacy and moral warmth. Poilievre’s ratings improve among straight respondents, particularly in competence and legitimacy, but remain lowest overall.

Carney’s consistently high ratings across both groups show his broad appeal as a leader perceived to embody values of competence, transparency, and institutional trust. His even higher score among gay and bisexual respondents suggests that he is viewed not only as capable but also as ethically attuned to issues of fairness and representation. Singh’s strong performance in both groups, especially among sexual minorities, reflects a values-driven image built around care, equity, and social justice.

Poilievre’s significant perception gap between the two groups—scoring more than half a point lower among gay and bisexual respondents—suggests a disconnect with equity-seeking voters. His lowest ratings are on values such as benevolence and fairness, which may carry particular weight for communities historically excluded from political decision-making. Even among straight respondents, his ratings trail those of both Carney and Singh, though his score on competence is relatively stronger.

Overall, the results highlight how sexual orientation shapes evaluations of ethical leadership. Carney is viewed as the most ethically credible leader across both groups, Singh performs particularly well among gay and bisexual Canadians, and Poilievre receives the lowest scores overall. These patterns reflect how values like fairness, accountability, and inclusion are interpreted through lived experience, and how the POLIS Index offers a useful framework for capturing the moral judgments Canadians make about their leaders.