Although there has been a decline in homicides, the volume and severity of crimes as measured by the Crime Severity Index (CSI) have increased for a third consecutive year in the country.
According to data compiled by Statistics Canada, the Crime Severity Index increased by 2% in 2023.
Fewer homicides
Last year, 778 people were victims of homicide in the country, 104 fewer victims than in 2022.
The vast majority of these homicides, 78%, were committed with a firearm, most often a handgun.
A quarter of homicides (22%) are attributable to gangs.
Furthermore, the proportion of women murdered by their spouse or intimate partner (31%) was almost five times higher than the proportion of men murdered by their spouse or intimate partner (6%).
Hate crimes on the rise
Police-reported hate crimes increased by 32% in 2023.
Thus, 4,777 hate crimes were committed.
This increase is believed to be attributable to hate crimes targeting religion or sexual orientation.
Increase in ‘violent crimes’
Statistics Canada notes that “significant variations were recorded for some violent and non-violent crimes and had an impact on the CSI across Canada.”
For example, in the category of “violent crimes,” the homicide rate decreased by 14%, but the extortion rate increased by 35%, the robbery rate increased by 4% and the level 2 assault rate (assault with a weapon or causing bodily harm) increased by 7%.
In contrast, in the “non-violent crimes” category, child pornography (52%), fraud (12%), shoplifting of $5,000 or less (18%) and motor vehicle theft (5%) saw increases. Break-ins, however, decreased by 5%.