Canada’s homicide rate sees biggest decline since 1986: StatCan

Canada's homicide rate experienced its most substantial annual decrease since 1986 in 2025, according to new data from Statistics Canada. Police recorded 672 homicides, a reduction of 125 cases from the previous year. This decline represents a 16 percent drop compared to 2024 figures.

The data also revealed a decrease in homicides involving women and girls, with 175 victims in 2025, down 67 from 2024. The number of male victims also fell by 53, totaling 494. Despite men and boys constituting 74 percent of homicide victims, women were disproportionately targeted by spouses or intimate partners, accounting for 41 percent of such cases compared to five percent for men.

Gang-related homicides also saw a notable reduction, falling from 155 in 2024 to 119 in 2025, making up less than one-fifth of all homicides. However, the homicide victimization rate among Indigenous people remained significantly higher, approximately eight times that of the non-Indigenous population.

Beyond homicides, other crime statistics show a mixed trend. Breaking and entering, identified as the most severe property crime, dropped by 11 percent. Conversely, shoplifting incidents rose by 11 percent, marking the fifth consecutive annual increase and contributing significantly to offsetting the overall decline in crime numbers. Motor vehicle theft also decreased by 16 percent, continuing a downward trend.