Differences among the populations of electoral districts have been reduced. Most restrictions on the right to vote or be a candidate have been eliminated. Political parties have been made more accountable for the money they raise and spend. Representation of women has improved. This article examines the quality of electoral democracy among the provinces and in comparison to the national level.
Provincial rankings differ depending on what dimension is considered.
Manitoba and Saskatchewan have the fairest election maps and fairly egalitarian election outcomes, but Saskatchewan places more restrictions on the right to vote than Manitoba. Both provinces rank in the middle on party and election finance. Quebec is the most democratic province from the perspective of financial regulation and places few restrictions on the right to vote. But it has one of the most unequal electoral maps in the country. On average, Nova Scotia appears to be the least democratic province with the lowest score on most indicators.