In 2009 and 2010, a group from Samara partnered with the Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians to conduct Canada's first-ever series of exit interviews with 65 former Members of Parliament, including 21 cabinet ministers and one prime minister. These men and women, who together represented all political parties and all regions of the country, generously gave their time, allowing us to record the interviews and use the information to advance public understanding of Canadian politics and political culture.

From these interviews emerged four reports that follow the arc of an MP's experience, from the decision to run, through their committee assignments, interactions with fellow MPs and their party, all the way to their reflections on their time in office and their advice and recommendations.

Click on any of the covers below to read each of the four reports.

Details the MPs' backgrounds and paths to politics	Describes the MPs' initial orientation and the varied ways they defined their role
Summarizes how MPs spent their time in Parliament and their relationship with their political parties	Reveals the MPs' advice to future Parliamentarians and offers recommendations for change

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On the MP Exit Interviews site you can

• learn how to use the MP exit interview reports in your classroom or academic work.
• find out what's coming next from Samara.

About Samara

Samara is a charitable organization whose programs work to strengthen Canada's democracy. Founded in 2009, Samara was created out of a belief that public service and public leadership matter to Canada's future, and its work focuses on three areas: political leadership, public affairs journalism and citizen participation in public life.

You can follow Samara on Twitter or join the Facebook group, and check out our podcasts in the iTunes Store.