INTERVIEW STYLE
The questions for these interviews were organized using a semi-structured interview methodology. We created a standard question-guide to ensure uniformity of process; however, follow-up questions varied depending on responses. We felt this approach would better capture the nuances of the MPs’ experiences. All interviewees were provided with an overview of the interview objectives and process in advance.
All but two of the interviews were conducted in person, often in the home or office of the former Parliamentarian, in their preferred official language. The interviews were about two hours in length.
QUESTIONS ASKED
The questions we asked the MPs focused on four main areas:
- Their motivations for entering and paths to politics;
- The nature of the job, including how they contemplated their role, how they spent their time, and what they viewed as their successes and frustrations;
- Their connection to civil society, either directly or through the media; and
- Their advice and recommendations for the future.
ON THE RECORD
The MPs signed a release form and spoke on the record. As a courtesy, the MPs were given the option not to respond to any question if they so preferred, and were free to strike statements from the transcript that they did not want to appear on the public record, a request we honoured in the few cases in which we were asked.
RECORDINGS AND TRANSCRIPTS
The interviews were recorded in mp3-quality audio, and all the audio records have been transcribed. Because our primary objective was to foster an honest and open discussion, we did not film these interviews, concerned that the equipment necessary for a broadcast-quality video would be distracting, or encourage more of a performance-style interview, rather than the open-style conversation we wanted to encourage.
INTERVIEW ANALYSIS
All the interviews were coded and analyzed with the support of a widely-recognized qualitative research software program.
PUBLIC EDUCATION
We are committed to ensuring that the results of this work are made widely available in order to advance public understanding of the role of political leadership and Parliament in Canada.
Samara has the consent of the interviewees to deposit the interviews in the National Archives once the MP exit interview project is complete, and will do so. This project is among the largest-ever inquiries into Members of Parliament in Canada, and we would like to ensure that its educational value is available to future generations.