While substantial inter-provincial differences still exist, on the whole, the quality of democracy in the provinces has clearly improved. Using a national quotient, that is, one person-one vote regardless of province, Canada's federal electoral map is more unequal that in nine of ten provinces. It places more restrictions on the right to vote than Newfoundland, Ontario and Quebec. Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec all have stricter party and election finance rules. Seven out of ten provinces have higher turnout rates.
Female representation is higher in six of ten provinces.
Quality of democracy has improved, but the national level is no longer unequivocally the leader in setting standards of fairness.