Infographic: Homicide in Canada, 2015

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Release date: November 23, 2016
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Infographic: Homicide in Canada, 2015
Description for Infographic: Homicide in Canada, 2015

The homicide rate in 2015 increased by 15% from the previous year, but is still 2% lower than the average rate from 2005 to 2014.                                                                                                                                                                

Homicide rate (number of victims per 100,000 population in Canada) from 2005 to 2015
Year Homicide rate (number of victims per 100,000 population in Canada)
2005 2.06
2006 1.86
2007 1.81
2008 1.84
2009 1.81
2010 1.63
2011 1.76
2012 1.58
2013 1.45
2014 1.47
2015 1.68
Average rate from 2005 to 2014: 1.72

In 2015, there were 604 victims of homicide in Canada, 83 more than in 2014.

Aboriginal people represented about 5% of Canada's total population in 2015 yet accounted for a higher percentage of homicide victims and accused persons.

  • Victims of homicide:
    • Aboriginal – 25%
    • Non-Aboriginal– 74%
    • Unknown – 1%
  • Persons accused of homicide:
    • Aboriginal – 33%
    • Non-Aboriginal– 66%
    • Unknown – 2%

In 2015, 87% of victims knew the accused. The reported relationships between victims and accused were:

  • 12% Criminal partner
  • 4% Other intimate partner (excludes spouse)
  • 35% Acquaintance
  • 22% Other family member
  • 14% Spouse
  • 13% Stranger

In 2015, the majority of homicide victims were male.

  • Male victims – 71%
  • Female victims – 29%

The homicide rate in 2015 was higher outside census metropolitan areas (CMSs).

Homicide rate in 2015 per 100,000 population
  Rate per 100,000 population
Total CMAs 1.54
Total Non-CMAs 2.03

Among CMAs, the five highest homicide rates were reported in:

Five highest homicide rates per 100,000 population in Canadian CMAs
CMA Rate per 100,000 population
Regina 3.30
Saskatoon 3.22
Edmonton 2.87
Winnipeg 2.72
Calgary 2.70

The most common methods of homicide in 2015 were:

  • Stabbing – 37%
  • Shooting – 30%
  • Beating – 23%
  • Other methods (suffocation, motor vehicle impact, fire, poisoning, etc.) – 10%

Source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Centre for Justice Statistics, Homicide Survey

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Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2016

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 11-627-M

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

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