Crime in Canada

The Conservative government pushes through a massive piece of legislation covering drug possession, young offenders, pardons, minimum sentences, human smuggling, sexual exploitation, support for victims of terrorism.

Statistics Canada reports annually on crime and homicide statistics in Canada. Here are some highlights.

Statistics Canada reports that in 2010 the Canadian homicide rate went down, especially in the west.

In 2009, the Canadian federal government passed legislation to fight violence associated with street gangs and other organized crime groups.

Summary of the Tackling Violent Crime Act, omnibus legislation which gathered the main elements of five bills from the previous session of parliament.

New laws making it easier for police to investigate impaired driving and for prosecutors to prosecute impaired drivers take effect in Canada in July 2008.

The Conditional Sentencing Reform Act amends the Canadian Criminal Code to end the use of conditional sentences - including house arrest - for serious offences.

The RCMP national DNA Data Bank stores DNA profiles in two indexes - one for convicted offenders, and one for unsolved crime scenes.

This bill to toughen sentences on gun crimes in Canada was included as part of the Tackling Violent Crime Act passed in 2008.

Timeline showing the history of the death penalty in Canada and the gradual abolition of capital punishment.

The Canadian murder rate stays low without capital punishment.

Simple step-by-step instructions on how to get a Certified Criminal Record Check.

RECOL is a Web-based centre which gives Canadians a simple way to report fraud online.

Dangerous criminals wanted by the RCMP for crimes in Canada. Report any information to the RCMP or police services in your area.

Canadian statistics on crimes, victims, suspects and criminals as well as the police and courts. From Statistics Canada.

Information about the youth justice system in Canada. From the Canadian Department of Justice.