As promised, here are a few more factoids about the group we're speaking with as part of our exit interviews. - An experienced group: the average tenure is just over 10 years. 28% served as cabinet ministers, 35% as parliamentary secretaries;
- Not all left willingly: 52% retired from federal politics and 48% were defeated;
- Slightly more female, relatively: 74% are male and 26% are female (slightly more female than the current House, which is just over 22% female);
- Official language mix: 75% noted English as their preferred language and 25% chose French (about 23% of Canadians note French as their first language);
- More likely to be born in Canada: 12% were born outside of Canada (about 20% of the Canadian population is foreign-born, according to the 2006 Census);
- Married with children: At least 76% of our former MPs are married or in a common-law relationship and 71% have children; and
- Very well educated: At least 70% have at least one university degree while 6% have college diplomas or apprenticeships (much higher than the average Canadian).
Watch this space most Mondays for more ....
Labels: MP Exit Interviews, political leadership