Homicide Deaths in Canada (2000–2023): A Long-Term View

Homicide remains a relatively rare cause of death in Canada, consistently accounting for just 0.1% to 0.3% of total fatalities annually. From 2000 to 2023, the number of deaths due to homicide hovered between 396 and 582, with the highest figure recorded in 2020. Despite slight annual fluctuations, the overall trend suggests a gradual decline in both the absolute number of deaths and their percentage of total mortality in Canada.

The year 2023 saw a sharp drop, with only 354 homicide-related deaths—marking the lowest figure in the 24-year span. While the rate has stayed relatively stable, the data highlights a persistent public safety and mental health concern that warrants continued policy attention.

Homicide Deaths in Canada (2000–2023)

Year	Rank of leading causes of death	Number of deaths	Percentage of deaths
2000	22	467	0.2%
2001	23	463	0.2%
2002	22	462	0.2%
2003	22	447	0.2%
2004	21	515	0.2%
2005	21	576	0.3%
2006	21	487	0.2%
2007	21	515	0.2%
2008	21	575	0.2%
2009	21	574	0.2%
2010	21	524	0.2%
2011	21	545	0.2%
2012	22	493	0.2%
2013	24	446	0.2%
2014	23	439	0.2%
2015	23	456	0.2%
2016	25	396	0.1%
2017	21	564	0.2%
2018	22	520	0.2%
2019	21	542	0.2%
2020	22	582	0.2%
2021	24	497	0.2%
2022	25	489	0.1%
2023	26	354	0.1%

Source

Source Name:	Statistics Canada. Table 13-10-0394-01 Leading causes of death, total population, by age group
Source Link:	https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/cv.action?pid=1310039401
Release Date:	2025-02-19