Dateline: 11/08/06
For the second year in a row, the national homicide rate in Canada went up in 2005, with the number of homicides using a gun also rising. According to Statistics Canada, there were 658 homicides reported by police in Canada in 2005, compared to 624 in 2004. The number of homicides committed with a gun went up to 222 from 173.
Although the homicide rate in Canada has gone up in the last two years, it is still far below its peak in the mid-1970s of 3.03 homicides per 100,000 population. The 2005 homicide rate in Canada was 2.04 homicides per 100,000 population.
Gang-Related Homicides Inrease
The increase in the number of homicides in 2005 was primarily gang-related, especially in Ontario and Quebec. Police reported 107 gang-related homicides, or 16 percent of total homicides. Two-thirds of the suspected gang-related homicides reported involved a firearm, usually a handgun. Ontario, especially Toronto, and Alberta had the largest increases in gang-related homicides.
Homicides by Youth Up
The rate of young people aged 12 to 17 accused of homicide continues to rise, with 65 accused in 2005. This contrasts with the overall rate of youth crime, which went down 6 percent.
Spousal Homicides Down
Spousal rates stayed about the same in 2005, with 74 spouses killed. The rate of spousal homicides against women remains five times higher than that against women. The homicide rate for those living in common-law relationships is five times higher than for those in legal marriages.
