About the Project: Volume I

From 2008-2011 Samara conducted the first ever systematic series of exit interviews with former Members of Parliament. In total, 80 interviews took place in the homes and communities of former Members of Parliament who sat in the 38^th, 39^th and 40^th Parliament.  The discussions formed the basis of a series of research reports and the best-selling book Tragedy in the Commons. This research has been cited by academics over 60 times and is informing the work of current MPs—the book has been referenced in Parliamentary debates and it helped inform the creation of the Reform Act.

Exit interviews are a tool used by the corporate world to capture experience and learn what worked well and what could work better.

Samara believes this practice should be applied to transform Canadian politics.

This Time: Volume II

With the exit cohort from the 41st Parliament accumulating over 1,000 years of collective Parliamentary experience, we revisited the exit interview process in 2017 with new questions, new themes, and new results. Like last time, we travelled across the country and visited over 50 former parliamentarians in their communities. Flip the Script is the first in a series of three reports that makes a case for MPs who are independent and empowered, thoughtful and engaged in three environments: Parliament, the constituency, and the party. To read or listen to the report, go to samaracanada.com/flip-the-script.

We want to continue to build this national archive—to create an historic record for future scholars, parliamentarians and citizens—compare how practices and norms change over time, and explore new topics.

How you can help

"Participating in Samara’s Exit Interviews was a really positive experience; it was also a chance to continue to have an impact, in a different but useful way."

-Paddy Torsney, Former MP

Tragedy in the Commons