Additional information

• Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population
• Centre for Municipal and Local Data
• Rural Canada Statistics
• Crime and justice statistics
  • Understanding and using the Crime Severity Index
  • Video: A look at the Crime Severity Index

The police-reported Crime Severity Index (CSI) is a summary measure of the volume and severity of police-reported crime in an area—a city, a province or territory, or the country.

However, the CSI is not intended to be used in isolation and is not a universal indicator of community safety. This paper highlights the origins of the CSI and the importance of interpreting the Index in conjunction with other data sources to better understand crime in a given area.

More detailed methodology and reference publications are also highlighted at the end of this paper.

The origins of the Crime Severity Index

Since the 1960s, police-reported crime from the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey (UCR)^{Footnote 1} has been understood through the conventional crime rate.

The Crime Severity Index (CSI) was developed in 2009 as a complementary measure to the conventional crime rate and self-reported victimization data.^{Footnote 2} It represented the first major change in how Statistics Canada looked at police-reported information in nearly 50 years.

The CSI is intended to be one of many sources of information that can be used to better understand the evolving nature of crime in Canada.

Combining information from different sources provides a more comprehensive understanding of complex issues. For example, there are many ways of looking at crime, including with police-reported crime counts, courts and corrections data, police resourcing data, as well as survey data on self-reported victimization and perceptions of safety and trust in institutions.

Each source offers a particular way to understand crime, and in combination with other indicators and information sources, society.

Measuring police-reported crime with the Crime Severity Index^{Footnote 3}

The conventional crime rate is calculated by adding up the number of crimes reported by police for a given period and geographical area and then dividing that total by the population count for the area. Therefore, each crime has the same impact on the crime rate—for example, one murder has the same impact as one theft.

Typically, more frequent but less serious crimes have the largest impact on the crime rate.

While this is a useful measure of the volume of crime coming to the attention of police over time, and therefore adding to our understanding of police workloads and demands on the justice system, it is not as effective at reflecting changes in less frequent but more serious crimes.

The CSI was developed to address the limitations of the conventional crime rate by looking at both the number and relative seriousness of crimes to create an index, and then tracks these changes over time.

In fact, there are three related indexes—the overall CSI, the Violent CSI and the Non-violent CSI—that look at different types of crime. A CSI is also calculated for youth accused of crime.

Measuring—or weighing—crime severity

To calculate the CSI, each type of crime is assigned a weight that represents its relative severity. Then, the number of police-reported incidents for a given type of crime is multiplied by the crime's weight. Assigned weights are based on standardized information from court sentencing data over the previous five years.^{Footnote 4}

Crimes that are more likely to result in prison time and longer sentences are given a higher weight.

First-degree murder has a far heavier weight in the CSI than property theft, highlighting its severity, even though it happens far less frequently. So, relative to the conventional crime rate, the CSI will better reflect the impact of a change in the frequency of first-degree murder, whereas with the conventional crime rate, this change may go undetected.

Another way of looking at this is that the CSI is one way to more accurately reflect changes in instances of more serious but less frequent crimes in an area, while changes in less serious crimes will have less impact on the CSI than they do on the crime rate. This provides a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of crime, especially when combined with other measures of crime.

The CSI also allows for the comparison of changes in crime over time and across Canada when controlling for the unique circumstances of each area, such as how many people live in the area, the age and gender mix, employment opportunities and wages, level of remoteness and availability of services among others.

We can then interpret changes in the CSI within the context of other indicators.

Like any individual social, economic, or environmental indicator, other complementary sources of information, both within and outside the criminal justice system must also be considered ^{Footnote 6} to draw a full picture of crime and safety in an area.

The Crime Severity Index was developed in conjunction with stakeholders and the public and is used to measure sustainable development goals

The CSI is a standardized and consistent measure of crime and a key indicator for the country. It uses standardized data from the UCR Survey, a census of all police-reported crime in Canada.

Extensive consultation and development work ensures the CSI is methodologically sound, easily understandable, and robust with respect to changes in crime.

The CSI is also an indicator in the Canadian Indicator Framework for reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals,^{Footnote 7} an international initiative to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future. It is also a key indicator in the Quality of Life Framework for Canada,^{Footnote 8} which brings together data on the well-being of Canadians.

As such, the CSI is one piece of a much larger puzzle that helps Canadians better understand the country—its population, resources, economy, environment, society and culture.

Key considerations when using the Crime Severity Index

At its core, the CSI is a measure of crime reported by police in a specific region. It accounts for the weighted severity of each reported crime, relative to the census population count in the area, expressed per 100,000 people.

Changes in population

Population counts used to calculate the CSI are derived from the once every five years Census of Population.^{Footnote 9} However, populations can be dynamic, especially in regions where the economy is largely driven by a seasonal activity such as tourism, or through certain business activity or border crossings.^{Footnote 10}

Certain regions may also experience higher population movement or mobility due to several factors, such as the local job market, housing costs, location (city, town, remote area) and the presence or absence of community services in those areas.

These population characteristics must also be considered when interpreting crime trends.

Unreported crimes not covered by the CSI

The underlying data from the UCR Survey are a census of all crime coming to the attention of police in Canada.

The data go through rigorous quality assurance checks and are based on a standardized reporting manual for national crime statistics.^{Footnote 11}

However, these data do not capture crimes that are not reported to police.

CSI updated regularly to reflect changes in legislation and sentencing

Data from the UCR Survey may also be impacted by more area-specific changes in police practices, police resources,^{Footnote 12} public awareness campaigns,^{Footnote 13} policing initiatives for tackling specific types of crime,^{Footnote 14} and the relationship between the public and the police.

The CSI weights are regularly updated to reflect changes in legislation and sentencing in Canadian courts.^{Footnote 15}

Weights used to calculate the CSI are adjusted every five years, and the underlying methodology for counting crime is reviewed to ensure changes in legislation, crime reporting and court practices are considered.^{Footnote 16}

Looking at the CSI through a diversity-focused lens

As an area-based measure, the CSI does not consider specific demographic characteristics of each area or how different groups of people in an area may experience harm and discrimination.

For example, First Nations people, Métis and Inuit are historically overrepresented among victims of homicide,^{Footnote 17} self-reported victims of violence,^{Footnote 18} and in the criminal justice system.^{Footnote 19Footnote 20} Colonialism, territorial dispossession, socioeconomic marginalization and systemic discrimination were identified as significant contributing factors to the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in the criminal justice system.^{Footnote 21}

Indigenous people also report lower levels of confidence in police^{Footnote 24} and are more likely to report experiencing discrimination when dealing with the police than their non-Indigenous counterparts.^{Footnote 25}

Calls to address systemic racism in policing and the relationship between police and Indigenous peoples have also been raised.^{Footnote 26}

However, area-based measures of crime can potentially gloss over complex systemic issues in an area or between different groups of people, or they may reflect these underlying issues.

For example, the CSI does not account for particular socioeconomic context of an area or the the presence or absence of community services that may influence police responses in a given area.

It is therefore vital to consider additional context to better understand the lived experience of people in the area.

The foreword of Canada's Anti-Racism Strategy^{Footnote 27} acknowledges that the experiences of racism and discrimination among racialized communities and Indigenous peoples may vary. "Applying an intersectional lens reveals a complex picture of the way that different groups and individuals are excluded and harmed."

The strategy also states that "data and evidence are indispensable tools for identifying and addressing inequities, and enabling corrective action toward the elimination of racism and discrimination."

A major step in responding to increasing demands for better disaggregated data to shed light on people's diverse experiences with crime is Statistics Canada's Police-reported Indigenous and Racialized Identity Data Collection Initiative.^{Footnote 28Footnote 29}

The importance of additional information and contextualization when using the CSI

Understanding crime in an area, and specifically the CSI, requires understanding which crimes are impacting the area and the factors influencing crime and reporting.

Every year, when police-reported information is published by Statistics Canada, a suite of data tables and analysis are accompanied by detailed footnotes and explanations to better understand changes in crime patterns. These are developed in part through discussions and follow-up with individual police services to better understand the changing nature of policing practices, initiatives, local crime trends or other relevant factors throughout the country.^{Footnote 30}

Analytical articles published by Statistics Canada offer additional context with respect to larger crime trends, such as changes in property crime and hate crime at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, or online child sexual exploitation.

Footnotes in data tables and analyses provide important information on changes in legislation, local policing strategies, or complex types of crime involving cyber technology or organized crime elements.

For additional contextual information within and outside the criminal justice system, see the following resources:

• Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population
• Centre for Municipal and Local Data
• Rural Canada statistics
• Crime and justice statistics
  • Infosheet: Understanding and using the Crime Severity Index
  • Video: A look at the Crime Severity Index

Looking for more information?

For more information on the Crime Severity Index and other police-reported crime statistics, please contact the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics at statcan.ccjcss-ccsjsc.statcan@statcan.gc.ca.

Data tables at various geographic levels are also available free of charge through the Statistics Canada website.

The following are methodological reports available either through the Statistics Canada website or from the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (internal reports):

• Cormak, Andrew and Tracy Tabuchi. 2020. Updating the Police-Reported Crime Severity Index: Calculating 2018 Weights. Statistics Canada. Working paper SSMD-2020-01E .
• Babyak, Colin, Aidan Campbell, Rose Evra and Sarah Franklin. 2013. Updating the Police-Reported Crime Severity Index Weights: Refinements to the Methodology. Statistics Canada. Working paper HSMD-2013-005E.
• Babyak, Colin, Asma Alavi, Krista Collins, Amanda Halladay and Dawn Tapper. 2009. The Methodology of the Police-Reported Crime Severity Index. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. HSMD-2009-006E/F.
• Wallace, Marnie, John Turner, Colin Babyak and Anthony Matarazzo. 2009. Measuring Crime in Canada: Introducing the Crime Severity Index and Improvements to the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey. Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-004-X.

The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey was designed to measure the incidence of crime in Canadian society and its characteristics. Presented are the data elements that are available from the survey, and the violation codes that are used in data collection.

Data Elements

• Date of Birth/Age (CSC and victim)
• Attempted/Completed Violation
• Charges Laid or Recommended
• Clearance Date
• Counter - Frauds and Motor Vehicles
• CSC Status (Charged/Suspect - Chargeable)
• Cybercrime
• Cybercrime Classification
• Date Charges Laid or Recommended or Processed By Other Means
• Firearms Recovered
• Firearms Seized
• Firearms Stolen
• Firearm Discharged
• Fingerprint Section I.D. (FPS) Number
• Fraud Type
• Gender
• Hate Crime
• Hate Crime Motivation
• Incident Clearance Status
• Incident Date/Time (From and To Date and Time)
• Incident File Number
• Level of Injury
• Location of Incident
• Most Serious Violation / Violations
• Most Serious Violation Against The Victim (VAV)
• Most Serious Weapon Present
• Motor Vehicle Recovery
• Name/Primary Key
• Organized Crime
• Peace – Public Officer Status
• Relationship of CSC, (Charged/Suspect – Chargeable), To The Victim
• Report Date
• Respondent Code
• Soundex Code (CSC and victim)
• Stolen Property
• Target Vehicle
• Vehicle Type
• Weapon Causing Injury

Violation Structure for the Uniform Crime Reporting Survey

Crimes Against the Person

Violations Causing Death

• Murder 1st Degree
• Murder 2nd Degree
• Manslaughter
• Infanticide
• Criminal Negligence Causing Death
• Other Related Offences Causing Death

Attempting the Commission of a Capital Crime

• Attempted Murder
• Conspire to Commit Murder

Sexual Violations

• Sexual Assault, Level 3, Aggravated Sexual Assault
• Sexual Assault, Level 2, With A Weapon or Bodily Harm
• Sexual Assault, Level 1
• Other Sexual Crimes (expired 2008-03-31)
• Sexual Interference (effective 2008-04-01)
• Invitation To Sexual Touching (effective 2008-04-01)
• Sexual Exploitation (effective 2008-04-01)
• Sexual Exploitation of a Person with a Disability (effective 2008-05-01)
• Incest (effective 2008-04-01)
• Corrupting Morals of a Child (effective 2008-04-01)
• Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to Children (effective 2012-08-09)
• Parent or Guardian Procuring Sexual Activity
• Household Permitting Prohibited Sexual Activity
• Luring a Child via a Computer (effective 2008-04-01)
• Agreement or Arrangement - sexual offence against child
• Anal Intercourse (expired 2019-06-20)
• Bestiality - Commit or Compel Person (effective 2008-04-01)
• Bestiality in Presence of, or Incites, a Child
• Voyeurism (effective 2008-04-01)
• Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images (effective 2015-03-09)
• Sexual Offence which Occurred Prior to January 4, 1983 (effective 2019-11-04)

Assaults

• Aggravated Assault Level 3
• Assault With Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm Level 2
• Assault Level 1
• Unlawfully Causing Bodily Harm
• Discharge Firearm with Intent
• Using Firearm/Imitation of Firearm in Commission of Offence (effective 2008-04-01)
• Pointing a Firearm (effective 2008-04-01)
• Assault Against Peace Public Officer
• Assault Against Peace Officer with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm (effective 2009-10-02)
• Aggravated Assault Against Peace Officer (effective 2009-10-02)
• Criminal Negligence Causing Bodily Harm
• Trap Likely to or Causing Bodily Harm (effective 2008-04-01)
• Other Assaults

Violations Resulting in the Deprivation of Freedom

• Kidnapping / Forcible Confinement (expired 2010-01-08)
• Kidnapping (effective 2010-01-08)
• Forcible Confinement (effective 2010-01-08)
• Hostage Taking
• Trafficking in Persons (effective 2005-11-01)
• Abduction Under 14, Not Parent/Guardian
• Abduction Under 16
• Removal of Children from Canada (effective 1998-01-01)
• Abduction Under 14 Contravening A Custody Order
• Abduction Under 14, by Parent/Guardian

Sexual Services Offences

• Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration (effective 2014-12-06)
• Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration from Person Under 18 Years (effective 2014-12-06)
• Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services (effective 2014-12-06)
• Receive Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by a Person Under 18 Years (effective 2014-12-06)
• Procuring (effective 2014-12-06)
• Procuring - Person Under 18 Years (effective 2014-12-06)
• Advertising Sexual Services (effective 2014-12-06)

Other Violations Involving Violence or the Threat of Violence

• Robbery
• Robbery to Steal Firearm (effective 2008-05-01)
• Extortion
• Intimidation of a Justice System Participant or a Journalist (effective 2008-04-01)
• Intimidation of a Non-Justice System Participant (effective 2008-04-01)
• Criminal Harassment (effective 1994-01-01)
• Indecent/Harassing Communications (effective 2008-04-01)
• Utter Threats to Person (effective 1998-01-01)
• Explosives Causing Death/Bodily Harm (effective 1998-01-01)
• Arson – Disregard for Human Life (effective 1999-05-01)
• Failure to Comply with Mandatory Safeguards in Relation to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID)(effective 2016-06-17)
• Forging or Destroying Documents Related to Assistance Requests with Criminal Intent (MAID)(effective 2016-06-17)
• Causing or Providing Conversion Therapy (effective January 7, 2022)
• Material Benefit from Conversion Therapy (effective January 7, 2022)
• Intimidation of a person to impede them from obtaining health services (effective January 17, 2022)
• Intimidation of a health professional to impede their duties (effective January 17, 2022)
• Intimidation of a person assisting in the performance of the health services to impede in those functions (effective January 17, 2022)
• Obstruction or interference with access to health services (effective January 17, 2022)
• Failure to Provide Necessaries (effective October 1, 2022)
• Impeding Attempt to Save Life (effective October 1, 2022)
• Trafficking in Human Organs (effective December 15, 2022)
• Other Violations Against the Person

Crimes Against Property

• Arson
• Break and Enter
• Break and Enter to Steal Firearm (effective 2008-05-01)
• Break and Enter a Motor Vehicle (Firearm) (effective 2008-05-01)
• Theft Over $5,000
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle over $5,000 (effective 2004-01-01) (expired 2011-04-28)
• Theft Over $5,000 from a Motor Vehicle (effective 2004-01-01)
• Shoplifting Over $5,000 (effective 2008-04-01)
• Motor Vehicle Theft (effective 2011-04-29)
• Theft $5,000 or Under
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle $5,000 and Under (effective 2004-01-01) (expired 2011-04-28)
• Theft $5,000 or Under from a Motor Vehicle (effective 2004-01-01)
• Shoplifting $5,000 or Under (effective 2008-04-01)
• Have Stolen Goods (expired 2011-04-28)
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods over $5,000 (effective 2011-04-29)
• Possession of Stolen Goods over $5,000 (effective 2011-04-29)
• Trafficking in Stolen Goods $5,000 and under (effective 2011-04-29)
• Possession of Stolen Goods $5,000 and under (effective 2011-04-29)
• Fraud
• Identity Theft (effective 2010-01-08)
• Identity Fraud (effective 2010-01-08)
• Mischief
• Mischief over $5,000 (expired 2008-03-31)
• Mischief $5,000 or Under (expired 2008-03-31)
• Mischief in Relation to Cultural Property (effective 2014-06-19)
• Hate-Motivated Mischief Relating to Property Used by Identifiable Group (effective 2008-04-01)
• Mischief Relating to War Memorials (effective 2014-06-19)
• Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) (effective 2011-04-29)

Other Criminal Code Violations

Prostitution

• Bawdy House (expired 2014-12-05)
• Living off the Avails of Prostitution of a Person Under 18 (effective 1998-01-01) (expired 2014- 12-05)
• Procuring (expired 2014-12-05)
• Obtains/Communicates with a Person Under 18 for Purpose of Sex (effective 1998-01-01) (expired 2014-12-05)
• Other Prostitution (expired 2014-12-05)
• Public Communication to Sell Sexual Services (effective 2014-12-06)
• Offences Related to Impeding Traffic to Buy or Sell Sexual Services (effective 2014-12-06)

Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting

• Betting House
• Gaming House
• Other Violations Related to Gaming and Betting
• Common Bawdy House (expired 2019-06-20)

Offensive Weapons

• Explosives
• Prohibited (expired 1998-12-01)
• Restricted (expired 1998-12-01)
• Firearm Transfers/Serial Numbers (expired 1998-12-01)
• Other Offensive Weapons (expired 1998-12-01)
• Using Firearms/Imitation (expired 2008-03-31)
• Weapons Trafficking and Manufacturing (effective 1998-12-01)
• Possession and Distribution of Computer Data (Firearm) (effective 2024-01-14)
• Altering Cartridge Magazine (effective 2023-12-15)
• Weapons Possession Contrary to Order (effective 1998-12-01)
• Possession of Weapons (effective 1998-12-01)
• Unauthorized Importing/Exporting of Weapons (effective 1998-12-01)
• Pointing a Firearm (expired 2008-03-31)
• Firearms Documentation/Administration (effective 1998-12-01)
• Unsafe Storage of Firearms (effective 1998-12-01)

Other Criminal Code

• Failure to Comply with Order
• Counterfeiting
• Disturb the Peace
• Escapes or Helps Escape From Lawful Custody
• Indecent Acts
• Possessing or Accessing Child pornography
• Making, or Distribution of Child Pornography
• Voyeurism (expired 2008-03-31)
• Corrupting Morals
• Luring a Child Via a Computer (expired 2008-03-31)
• Obstruct Public Peace Officer
• Prisoner Unlawfully At Large
• Trespass at Night
• Failure to Appear
• Breach of Probation
• Threatening/Harassing Phone Calls (expired 2008-03-31)
• Utter Threats Against Property or Animals (effective 2008-04-01)
• Advocating Genocide (effective 2008-04-01)
• Public Incitement Of Hatred (effective 2008-04-01)
• Promoting or Advertising Conversion Therapy (effective January 7, 2022)
• Unauthorized Recording of a Movie/Purpose of Sale, Rental, Commercial Distribution (2007-06- 22)
• Offences Against Public Order (Part II CC)
• Property or Services for Terrorist Activity (effective 2002-01-01; 2023-06-20)
• Freezing of Property, Disclosure, Audit (effective 2002-01-01)
• Participate in Activity of Terrorist Group (effective 2002-01-01)
• Facilitate Terrorist Activity (effective 2002-01-01)
• Instruction/Commission of Act of Terrorism (effective 2002-01-01)
• Harbor or Conceal Terrorist (effective 2002-01-01) (expired 2013-07-14)
• Hoax – Terrorism (effective 2005-01-01)
• Advocating/Promoting Terrorism Offence (effective 2015-07-18)
• Firearms and Other Offensive Weapons (Part III CC)
• Leaving Canada to Participate in Terrorist Group (effective 2013-07-15)
• Leaving Canada to Facilitate Terrorist Group (effective 2013-07-15)
• Leaving Canada to Commit Offence for Terrorist Group (effective 2013-07-15)
• Leaving Canada to Commit Offence that is Terrorist Activity (effective 2013-07-15)
• Harbour / Conceal Terrorist (max. penalty for terrorist activity does not equal life) (effective 2013-07-25)
• Harbour / Conceal Person Likely to Carry Out Terrorist Activity (effective 2013-07-15)
• Concealing Person who Carried Out Terrorist Activity that is a Terrorism Offence for which that Person is Liable to Imprisonment for Life (effective 2013-07-15)
• Concealing Person who Carried Out Terrorist Activity that is a Terrorism Offence for which that Person is Liable to Any Punishment Other than Life (effective 2013-07-15)
• Harbour / Conceal Person Likely to Carry Out Terrorist Activity (effective 2013-07-15)
• Offences Against the Administration of Law and Justice (Part IV CC)
• Sexual Offences, Public Morals and Disorderly Conduct (Part V CC)
• Invasion of Privacy (Part VI CC)
• Disorderly Houses, Gaming and Betting (Part VII CC) (expired 2008-03-31)
• Offences Against the Person and Reputation (Part VIII CC) (Expired 2022-09-30)
• Other Offences Against the Person and Reputation (Part VIII CC) (Effective 2022-10-01)
• Offences Against the Person and Reputation (Part VIII CC)
• Failure to Comply with the Regulations/Obligations for Medical Assistance in Dying
• Offences Against the Rights of Property (Part IX CC)
• Fraudulent Transactions Relating to Contracts and Trade (Part X CC)
• Intimidation of Justice System Participant (expired 2008-03-31)
• Willful and Forbidden Acts in Respect of Certain Property (Part XI CC)
• Other Interference with Property (Part XI CC) (effective 2022-07-01)
• Injuring or Endangering Animals (Part XI CC) (effective 2022-07-01)
• Killing or Injuring Law Enforcement or Military Animals (Part XI CC) (effective 2022-07-01)
• Causing unnecessary suffering to Animals (Part XI CC) (effective 2022-07-01)
• Causing damage or injury due to a failure to exercise reasonable care - animals or birds (Part XI CC) (effective 2022-07-01)
• Arena for Animal Fighting (Part XI CC) (effective 2022-07-01)
• Offences Related to Currency (Part XII CC)
• Proceeds of Crime (Part XII.2 CC) (effective 1998-01-01)
• Attempts, Conspiracies, Accessories (Part XIII CC)
• Instruct Offence for Criminal Organization (effective 2002-01-01)
• Commit Offence for Criminal Organization (effective 2002-01-01)
• Participate in Activities of Criminal Organization (effective 2002-01-01)
• Recruitment of Members by a Criminal Organization (effective 2014-09-06)
• All other Criminal Code (includes Part XII.1 CC)

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (effective 1997-06-01)

Possession

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Other Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Cannabis (Pre-legalization) (expired 2018-10-16)
• Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Methylenedioxyamphetamine (Ecstasy) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Opioid (Other than Heroin)

Trafficking

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Other Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Cannabis (Pre-legalization) (expired 2018-10-16)
• Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Methylenedioxyamphetamine (Ecstasy) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Opioid (Other than Heroin)

Importation and Exportation

• Heroin
• Cocaine
• Other Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Cannabis (Pre-legalization) (expired 2018-10-16)
• Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Methylenedioxyamphetamine (Ecstasy) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Opioid (Other than Heroin)

Production

• Heroin (effective 2008-04-01)
• Cocaine (effective 2008-04-01)
• Other Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (effective 2008-04-01)
• Cannabis (Pre-legalization) (expired 2018-10-16)
• Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Methylenedioxyamphetamine (Ecstasy) (effective 2008-04-01)
• Opioid (Other than Heroin)

Other

• Possession, Sale, etc., for Use in Production of or Trafficking in Substance (effective 2011-06-26)
• Proceeds of Crime (CDSA) (expired 2002-02-01)

Cannabis Act (effective 2018-10-17)

Possession

• Possession of Illicit or Over 30g Dried Cannabis (or Equivalent) by Adult (effective 2018-10-17)
• Possession of Over 5g Dried Cannabis (or Equivalent) by Youth (effective 2018-10-17)
• Possession of Budding or Flowering Plants, or More than Four Cannabis Plants (effective 2018-10-17)
• Possession of Cannabis by Organization (effective 2018-10-17)

Distribution

• Distribution of Illicit, Over 30g Dried Cannabis (or equivalent), or to an Organization, by Adult (effective 2018-10-17)
• Distribution of Cannabis to Youth, by Adult (effective 2018-10-17)
• Distribution of Over 5g Dried Cannabis (or Equivalent), or to an Organization, by Youth (effective 2018-10-17)
• Distribution of Budding or Flowering Plants, or More than Four Cannabis Plants (effective 2018-10-17)
• Distribution of Cannabis by Organization (effective 2018-10-17)
• Possession of Cannabis for Purpose of Distributing (effective 2018-10-17)

Sale

• Sale of Cannabis to Adult (effective 2018-10-17)
• Sale of Cannabis to Youth (effective 2018-10-17)
• Sale of Cannabis to an Organization (effective 2018-10-17)
• Possession of Cannabis for Purpose of Selling (effective 2018-10-17)

Importation and Exportation

• Importation and Exportation of Cannabis (effective 2018-10-17)
• Possession of Cannabis for Purpose of Exportation (effective 2018-10-17)

Production

• Obtain, Offer to Obtain, Alter or Offer to Alter Cannabis (effective 2018-10-17)
• Cultivate, Propagate or Harvest Cannabis by Adult (effective 2018-10-17)
• Cultivate, Propagate or Harvest Cannabis by Youth or Organization (effective 2018-10-17)

Other Cannabis Violations

• Possess, Produce, Sell, Distribute or Import Anything for Use in Production or Distribution of Illicit Cannabis (effective 2018-10-17)
• Use of Young Person in the Commission of a Cannabis Offence (effective 2018-10-17)
• Other Cannabis Act (effective 2018-10-17)

Other Federal Statute Violations

• Bankruptcy Act
• Income Tax Act
• Canada Shipping Act
• Canada Health Act
• Customs Act
• Competition Act
• Excise Act
• Young Offenders Act (expired 2003-03-31)
• Youth Criminal Justice Act (effective 2003-04-01)
• Immigration & Refugee Protection Act
• Human Trafficking (effective 2011-04-29)
• Human Smuggling fewer than 10 persons (effective 2011-04-29)
• Human Smuggling 10 persons or more (effective 2011-04-29)
• Firearms Act (effective 1998-12-01)
• National Defence Act (effective 2002-01-01)
• Emergencies Act (Effective February 21, 2022)
• Quarantine Act
• Other Federal Statutes

Traffic Violations

Dangerous Operation

• Causing Death
• Causing Bodily Harm
• Operation of Motor Vehicle, Vessel or Aircraft

Flight from Peace Officer

• Causing Death (effective 2000-03-30) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Causing Bodily-Harm (effective 2000-03-30) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Flight From Peace Officer (effective 2000-03-30)

Impaired Operation/Related Violations

• Failure to Comply or Refusal (Alcohol) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Failure to Comply or Refusal (Drugs) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Failure to Provide Blood Sample (Alcohol) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Failure to Provide Blood Sample (Drugs) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Operation - Low Blood Drug Concentration
• Operation while Impaired Causing Death (Alcohol)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Death (Drugs)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Death (Alcohol and Drugs)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Death (Unspecified)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Bodily Harm (Alcohol)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Bodily Harm (Drugs)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Bodily Harm (Alcohol and Drugs)
• Operation while Impaired Causing Bodily Harm (Unspecified)
• Operation while Impaired (Alcohol)
• Operation while Impaired (Drugs)
• Operation while Impaired (Alcohol and Drugs)
• Operation while Impaired (Unspecified)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand (Alcohol)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand (Drugs)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand (Alcohol and Drugs)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand (Unspecified)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm (alcohol)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm (Drugs)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm (Alcohol and Drugs)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Bodily Harm (Unspecified)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Death (Alcohol)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Death (Drugs)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Death (Alcohol and Drug)
• Fail/Refuse to Comply with Demand, Accident Resulting in Death (Unspecified)

Other Criminal Code Traffic Violations

• Failure to Stop or Remain (unspecified) (expired 2011-04-28)
• Failure to Stop Causing Death (effective 2011-04-29)
• Failure to Stop Causing Bodily Harm (effective 2011-04-29)
• Failure to Stop or Remain (effective 2011-04-29)
• Operation While Prohibited
• Other Criminal Code (expired 2018-12-17)

Street Racing (expired 2018-12-17)

• Causing Death by Criminal Negligence While Street Racing (effective 2006-12-14) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Causing Bodily Harm by Criminal Negligence While Street Racing (effective 2006-12-14) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Dangerous Operation Causing Death While Street Racing (effective 2006-12-14) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Dangerous Operation Causing Bodily Harm While Street Racing (effective 2006-12-14) (expired 2018-12-17)
• Dangerous Operation of Motor Vehicle While Street Racing (effective 2006-12-14) (expired 2018-12-17)

For more information, contact Information and Client Services, Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics by email at: statcan.ccjcss-ccsjsc.statcan@canada.ca.

Date and location

June 27, 2024, 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Hybrid meeting

Microsoft Teams
The Ivan P. Fellegi Conference Room, 26th floor, R.H. Coats Building
100 Tunney's Pasture Parkway, Ottawa

Members

• Chantal Bernier, Co-Chair, Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, Dentons Canada (Chair)
• André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada
• Len Garis, Researcher and Adjunct Professor, University of the Fraser Valley
• Ali Ghorbani, Cyber Security Chair, University of New Brunswick

Regrets

• Robert Gordon, Executive Director, Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange
• David Robichaud, Ethics Professor, University of Ottawa

Statistics Canada guests

• Josée Bégin
• Geoff Bowlby
• Pierre Desrochers
• Geneviève Jourdain
• Patrice Martineau
• Kathleen Mitchell
• Saeid Molladavoudi
• Nicolas Rahal
• Eric Rancourt
• Christos Sarakinos
• Jennifer Withington

1. Introductions and Opening Remarks

André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada
Chantal Bernier, Co-chair, Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, Dentons Canada LLP

Mr. Loranger began the meeting by welcoming members to the eighth meeting of the Advisory Council on Ethics and Modernization of Microdata Access, his first as Chief Statistician of Canada.

Mr. Loranger then presented his vision for Statistics Canada. He reiterated his intention to continue the modernization efforts started a few years ago by the organization, by making a slight change in emphasis. According to Mr. Loranger, it will be based on the following pillars: a clear strategic vision through Statistics Canada's Strategic Plan, quality infrastructure to support activities, competent and adequately trained teams and the positioning of the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics as a central pillar guiding decisions.

According to Mr. Loranger, the organization will have to face significant challenges over the coming years, some of which will be discussed today. The Council will play an important role, providing sound advice and insight.

Ms. Bernier, for her part, congratulated Mr. Loranger on his new position and underlined the relevance of the subjects to be discussed during the meeting. She recalled the importance, for an organization such as Statistics Canada, of remaining relevant. To support her statement, she cited Canada's former chief statistician, Ivan Fellegi, who once told her: “Make sure your organization is always relevant. If you're excellent but not relevant, nobody will care.ˮ

2. Mis- Dis- and Mal-Information and Official Statistics

Pierre Desrochers, Director, Office of Privacy Management and Information Coordination, Statistics Canada

Mr. Desrochers spoke about the importance for an organization like Statistics Canada to curb misinformation by providing quality data, to maintain public trust and democratic integrity. As Mr. Desrochers indicated, this responsibility corresponds to Principle 4 of the United Nations Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics, Prevention of misuse.

Mr. Desrochers then explained the distinction between misinformation (false information, but the person who disseminates it believes it to be true), disinformation (false information and the person who disseminates it knows it) and malinformation (true information and the person who disseminates it does it with the aim of causing harm to a person, an organization, a country, etc.) Mr. Desrochers concluded by presenting some legislative measures put in place at the international level to prevent the abusive use of statistics, recalling however the limited scope of this type of intervention.

Council members were pleased with the presentation, emphasizing its great relevance in the current context. The Council strongly recommended that Statistics Canada play a more proactive role regarding the misuse of statistics and adopt a holistic approach, centered around three elements:

1. Raising awareness and educating Canadians to help the population recognize the misuse of statistics and be able to respond adequately.
2. Technology to detect the misuse of statistics.
3. Intervention, to correct the identified issues. For this element, the Council suggested a proactive approach where areas of vulnerability would be identified quickly and quality statistics to inform debates would be produced and disseminated.

Finally, the Council recommended that Statistics Canada adopt an official strategy to combat the misuse of statistics, supported by the document Countering Disinformation: A Guidebook for Public Servants, produced by the Government of Canada, and to be as proactive as its mandate allows.

3. Navigating Responsible AI: Insights from Statistics Canada's Journey, with Focus on Generative AI

Christos Sarakinos, Director, Data Science and Innovation Division, Statistics Canada

Saeid Molladavoudi, Senior Data Science Advisor, Data Science and Innovation Division, Statistics Canada

Mr. Molladavoudi presented Statistics Canada's work in generative AI and its commitment to responsible AI. As highlighted by Mr. Molladavoudi, the Government of Canada has put in place clear policies regarding AI and Statistics Canada has adopted a comprehensive framework including a governance structure, directives, seven core guiding principles, six pillars and many activities.

The members of the Council were pleased with the presentation and wanted to highlight the progress and the high-quality work carried out by Statistics Canada in this area. The use of AI offers many opportunities, including the production and publication of statistical data, but also presents certain risks.

Among the risks, Council members highlighted those related to data confidentiality, privacy, cybersecurity, false authoritative results and potential bias. For the latter, in particular, validation by a human being remains important. All these risks could greatly affect the organization's reputation and the public’s trust in it.

Council members also suggested adding a guiding principle related to the impact on individuals. The Council would like to have an update on the progress made at a future meeting, ideally during the next year.

4. How to ensure data confidentiality while offering data users fast and flexible access

Geneviève Jourdain, Director, Data Access Division, Statistics Canada

Ms. Jourdain presented Statistics Canada's current strategy regarding data access for external users, the challenges it represents as well as the proposed solutions. These include: (1) the possibility of obtaining access to microdata for a specific program rather than on a project-by-project basis and (2) the delegation of the data confidentiality vetting process to deemed employees of Statistics Canada.

Following questions from Council members, Ms. Jourdain clarified that these options would only be offered to federal partners, that Statistics Canada would retain the right to do the vetting itself when the situation warrants it, and that the data always remains in Statistics Canada's secure environment. Deemed employees would also receive thorough and appropriate training.

Still in response to questions from Council members, Ms. Jourdain added that these changes are motivated by an increase in the number of requests, by the need to modernize our practices and by the demand of our main partners.

The members of the Council were pleased with the presentation and the proposed solutions, which they believe adequately address the issues identified and maintain the security of people, data and infrastructure.

Council members recommended that Statistics Canada carry out more ex-post evaluations, to ensure that data are used as originally agreed.

5. Roundtable and Closing Remarks

André Loranger, Chief Statistician of Canada

Chantal Bernier, Co-chair, Global Privacy and Cybersecurity Group, Dentons Canada

Mr. Loranger and Ms. Bernier thanked the members of the Council as well as the participants. The Council agreed to include, at the next meeting, a session during which Council members will propose relevant issues that Statistics Canada could address in the short term.

Advisory council action items

Action Items

• Next meeting: fall 2024.
• Include a session during which Council members will propose relevant issues.

Recommendations for Statistics Canada

1. Mis- Dis- and Mal-Information and Official Statistics
   • Have an official strategy to combat the misuse of statistics and be as proactive as its mandate allows.
   • Adopt a holistic approach, focused on three elements: (1) Education and awareness; (2) Use of technology to identify misuse; (3) Intervention, to correct the identified issues.
2. Navigating Responsible AI
   • Add a guiding principle related to the impact on individuals.
   • Come back and present the progress made within a year.
3. Data confidentiality and fast and flexible access
   • Implement the new options proposed.
   • Carry out more ex-post evaluations.

Changes in legislation and the resulting change in the offence classification creates discontinuity in the historical record of particular criminal offences. Legislative changes to assault, sexual assault, theft, arson, mischief, prostitution and youth crime must be considered when making comparisons over time. Some of the more significant changes are as follows:

Sexual Assault: Bill C-127 (1983):

Bill C-127 abolished the offences of rape, attempted rape and indecent assault and introduced a three-tiered structure for sexual assault offences. C-127 also eased the circumstances under which police could lay charges in incidents of sexual and non-sexual assault.

Young Offenders Act (1984):

With the proclamation of the Young Offenders Act in April 1984, 12 years old became the minimum age for which charges could be laid under the Criminal Code. However, the maximum age continued to vary until April 1985, when the maximum age of 17 (up to the 18th birthday) was established in all provinces and territories. Youths, as defined in this publication, refer to those aged 12 to 17 (inclusive). This definition applies to the target group who fall under the delegation of the Young Offenders Act (YOA).

Traffic Offences: Bill C-18 (1985):

In December 1985, Bill C-18 made major legislative changes with respect to certain traffic offences. It imposed more stringent sentences for dangerous driving and drinking and driving. It also facilitated the enforcement of impaired driving laws by authorizing police to take blood and/or breath samples under certain circumstances. As a result, data previous to 1985 for traffic offences are not comparable and have not been presented.

Property value limits: Bill C-18 (1985) and Bill C-42 (1995):

In 1985, Bill C-18 altered the property value limits from under and over $200 to under and over $1,000. This applied to offences such as Theft, Possession of Stolen Goods, Mischief and Fraud. As of February 1995, Bill C-42 revised the property value limits to under and over $5,000.

Alternative measures: Bill C-41 (1996):

Bill C-41 came into force on September 3, 1996. One of its highlights was the introduction of "alternative measures" for adults, which provided ways of dealing with disputes and minor offences outside of formal court proceedings.

Firearms: Bill C-68 (1997):

Bill C-68, came into force on January 1, 1997, requiring all firearm owners to obtain a firearms license by January 1st, 2001. This license replaces the Firearms Acquisition Certificate (FAC) in use since 1977. As of October 1, 1998, firearms had to be registered by October 1st 2003 (within 5 years). Bill C-68 also provided for tougher penalties for using a firearm while committing a crime.

Controlled Drugs and Substances Act: Bill C-8 (1997):

This legislation came into force on May 14, 1997. The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) repealed and replaced the Narcotic Control Act (NCA) and parts of the Food and Drug Act (FDA). With this change in legislation, offences related to the possession, trafficking and importation of certain controlled or restricted substances not identified in earlier statutes were now (since 1997) included in the 'other drugs' category. Comparisons with years prior to 1997 should be made with caution.

Dangerous Operation Evading Police: Bill C-202 (2000):

Bill C-202 came into effect on March 30th, 2000. This legislation modifies section 249 of the Criminal Code, thus creating new offences surrounding the dangerous operation of a motor vehicle when used for evading police.

Youth Criminal Justice Act: Bill C-7 (2003):

The extrajudicial measures encouraged by the Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA), proclaimed on April 1, 2003, included: taking no further action informal police warnings, referrals to community programs, formal police cautions, Crown cautions, and extrajudicial sanctions programs.

Street Racing: Bill C-19 (2006):

Bill C-19 came into force on December 14, 2006 and addressed the street-racing problem by making four amendments to the Criminal Code. "Street-racing" was defined and five new street-racing offences were added. For three of the new offences, it provided maximum penalties longer than those currently provided for Dangerous Operation or Criminal Negligence in the Operation of a Motor Vehicle, and it introduced mandatory driving prohibition orders for a minimum period of time, with the length of the prohibition increasing for repeat offences.

Unauthorized Recording of a Movie: Bill C-59 (2007):

Bill C-59, came into force on June 22, 2007, addressing the illegal recording of movies in theatres by creating two new offences in the Criminal Code: Recording for Personal Use of a Movie Shown in a Theatre and Recording for Commercial Purposes of a Movie Shown in a Theatre.

Tackling Violent Crime: Bill C-2 (2008):

As a result of Bill C-2, which came into force on February 28, 2008, the age of consent was raised from 14 to 16 for the following Criminal Code offences: Sexual Interference, Invitation to Sexual Touching, Sexual Exploitation, Bestiality and Exposure to Person Under 14. The UCR also created a new violation code for Sexual Exploitation of a Person with a Disability.

Impaired Operation and Failure to Provide a Blood Sample were modified to now differentiate between alcohol and drugs (or a combination of the two). Fail/refuse to provide breath sample and failure to comply or refusal (drugs) will now have a maximum penalty of 25 years.

Bill C-2 also created two additional firearm-related offences, Robbery to Steal a Firearm and Breaking and Entering to Steal a Firearm, both of which carry a maximum penalty of 25 years.

Act to amend the Criminal Code (organized crime and protection of justice system participants) Bill C-14 (2009):

Bill C-14 officially came into effect on October 2, 2009. As a result, two new violation codes were created: Assault Against Peace Officer with a Weapon or Causing Bodily Harm, and Aggravated Assault Against a Peace Officer.

Codifying Identity Theft: Bill S-4 (2010):

Bill S-4 came into effect on January 8, 2010. As a result, two new violation codes were created: Identity Theft and Identity Fraud.

Trafficking in Person's under the age of 18: Bill C-268 (2010):

Bill C-268 came into effect on June 29, 2010. As a result, section 279.011(1) was added to the Criminal Code. This section is incorporated into the existing UCR violation code for Trafficking in Persons.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (suicide bombings): Bill S-215 (2010):

Bill S-215 became law on December 15, 2010. This bill amended the Criminal Code to clarify that suicide bombings fall within the definition of "terrorist activity" and as such, are included under UCR codes for the following: Participate in Terrorist Activity, Facilitate Terrorist Activity, and Instruct/Carry Out Terrorist Activity.

Tackling Auto Theft and Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime: Bill S-9 (2011):

Bill S-9 officially came into effect on April 29, 2011. As a result, a new UCR violation code for Motor Vehicle Theft was created, replacing the former UCR violations of Motor Vehicle Theft Over $5,000 and Motor Vehicle Theft $5,000 and Under.

Possession of Stolen Goods was separated into two new categories; Possession of Stolen Goods Over $5,000 and Possession of Stolen Goods $5,000 and Under.

Three new UCR violation codes were also created: Altering/Destroying/Removing a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), Trafficking in Stolen Goods Over $5,000 and Trafficking in Stolen Goods $5,000 and Under.

Amendment to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act: Bill C-475 (2011):

Bill C-475 came into effect on June 26, 2011. As a result, section 7.1(1) was added to the Criminal Code. This section is included under the UCR violation code of Precursor/Equipment (Crystal Meth, Ecstasy).

The Safe Streets Act: Bill C-10 (2012):

Bill C-10 came into effect on August 9, 2012. As a result, two new sections were added to the Criminal Code; Section 172.2(1) and Section 171.1(1). Section 172.2(1) is mapped to the existing UCR code of Luring a Child Via Computer. Section 171.1(1) is mapped to the new UCR violation code of Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to Children.

Combating Terrorism Act: Bill S-7 (2013):

Bill S-7 came into effect on July 15th, 2013. This bill amends the Criminal Code to create the offences of: Leaving or Attempting to Leave Canada to Commit Certain Terrorism Offences, and brought changes to the offence of Harbouring / Concealing Terrorist. Seven new UCR violation codes were introduced mid-2013 in response to this legislation.

Mischief to war memorials: Bill C-217 (2014):

Under Criminal Code sections 430(4.11(a)), 430(4.11(b)) and 430 (4.2), Bill C-217 created a new criminal offence of Mischief Relating to War Memorials when it came into force on the 19th of June, 2014. At the same time, the UCR violation Mischief in Relation to Cultural Property was introduced to the survey.

Recruitment to Criminal Organizations: Bill C-394 (2014):

This bill came into force on September 6th, 2014 and made the recruitment of members by a criminal organization a criminal offence under section 467.111 of the Criminal Code.

Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act: Bill C-36 (2014):

Bill C-36 came into effect in December 2014. The new legislation targeted "The exploitation that is inherent in prostitution and the risks of violence posed to those who engage in it" (Criminal Code Chapter 25, preamble). Violations classified as Offences in Relation to Sexual Services are considered to be violent offences and include: The Purchasing of Sexual Services or Communicating for that Purpose, Receiving a Material Benefit Deriving from the Purchase of Sexual Services, Procuring of Persons for the Purpose of Prostitution, and Advertising Sexual Services Offered for Sale. In addition, a number of other offences related to prostitution continue to be considered non-violent offences and are classified under Other Criminal Code offences. These include Public Communication to Sell Sexual Services and Offences Related to Impeding Traffic to Buy or Sell Sexual Services.

At the same time, the UCR survey was amended to add additional offence codes for the following violent violations: Parent or Guardian Procuring Sexual Activity, and Householder Permitting Prohibited Sexual Activity. The following violations officially expired on December 5, 2014: Bawdy House, Living off the Avails of Prostitution of a Person Under 18, Procuring, Obtains/Communicates with a Person Under 18 for Purpose of Sex, and Other Prostitution.

Effective December 2014, Bill C-36 amended the definition of the offence "Common Bawdy House" in the Criminal Code to remove reference to prostitution. As a result of this amendment, the UCR violation of "Bawdy House" was terminated, and the new violation of "Common Bawdy House" was introduced under 'Other Violations'.

Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act: Bill C-13 (2015):

On March 9, 2015, Bill C-13 Protecting Canadians from Online Crime Act came into effect. As a result, a new criminal offence of Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Images was added to the Criminal Code and the UCR survey. It also clarified the Criminal Code offence of Harassing / Indecent Communications can be committed by any means of telecommunication.

Tackling Contraband Tobacco Act: Bill C-10 (2015):

On April 10 2015, Bill C-10 Tackling Contraband Tobacco Act came into effect. As a result, this legislation created the Criminal Code offence of Trafficking in Contraband Tobacco which is counted under the UCR violation Offences Against the Administration of Law and Justice. Prior to April 2015, the offence was counted under the Excise Act. As such, comparisons of these two violations to previous years should be made with caution.

Tougher Penalties for Child Predators Act: Bill C-26 (2015):

On July 17th, 2015, Bill C-26 increased the maximum penalties for 6 sexual offences against children, including Sexual Interference, Invitation to Sexual Touching, Sexual Exploitation, Making Sexually Explicit Material Available to a Child and Failure to Comply with Order / Breach of Probation (when relating to a sexual offence).

Anti-terrorism Act: Bill C-51 (2015):

Bill C-51 came into effect on July 18, 2015. As a result, a new UCR violation code for the offence of "Advocating or Promoting Commission of Terrorism Offences" was added to the survey to respond to this amendment to the Criminal Code.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying): Bill C-14 (2016):

On June 17, 2016, Bill C-14 came in effect. As a result, three new UCR violation codes were introduced in response to these amendments: Fail to Comply With Safeguards Forging /Destruction of Documents Related to Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), and Failing to Comply with Regulations / Obligations regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID).

An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related Amendments to other Acts: Bill C-37 (2017):

On May 18, 2017, Bill C-37 came into effect. As a result, the offence of possessing, producing, selling or importing anything knowing it will be used to produce or traffic in crystal meth or ecstasy was expanded to include all substances listed in Schedule I, II , III, IV or V of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (Mischief): Bill C-305 (2017):

On December 12, 2017, the Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-305. This bill amended Section 430 (4.1) of the Criminal Code to include "mischief in relation to property that is used by an identifiable group for educational purposes, administrative, social, cultural, or sports activities or events or as residence for seniors." Previously this section of the Criminal Code only included "mischief to property primarily used for worship."

An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts: Bill C-45 (2018):

On June 21, 2018, the Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-45, An Act respecting cannabis and to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the Criminal Code and other Acts. The 'come into force' date for this legislation was October 17, 2018. In response to this new legislation, on October 17, 2018 the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey accepted 22 new violation codes and expired all existing cannabis-specific violations.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (offences relating to conveyances) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: Bill C-46 (2018):

On June 21, 2018, royal assent was granted to Bill C-46. The 'come into force' date for Part 1 of this legislation was June 21, 2018. Part 2 came into effect on December 18, 2018 (180 days after Part 1).

Part 1 (effective June 21, 2018)

Part 1 of Bill C-46 amended the provisions of the Criminal Code that dealt with offences and procedures relating to impaired driving. As a result, 7 new UCR violation codes were added to the survey.

Part 2 (effective December 18, 2018)

Part 2 of Bill C-46 repealed the provisions of the Criminal Code that dealt with offences and procedures relating to conveyances, including those provisions enacted by Part 1, and replaced them with provisions in a new part of the Criminal Code. In response to Part 2 of Bill C-46, all existing UCR traffic violation codes have been mapped to new Criminal Code sections or expired. In addition, the UCR survey will no longer be collecting provincial traffic offences.

An Act to amend certain Acts and Regulations in relation to firearms: Bill C-71 (2019):

On June 21, 2019, royal assent was granted to Bill C-71. Part 1 and part 2 of this Act proposed changes in firearms regulations. Part 1 amends the Firearms Act, the Criminal Code (Code) and the Regulations Prescribing Certain Firearms and Other Weapons, Components and Parts of Weapons, Accessories, Cartridge Magazines, Ammunition and Projectiles as Prohibited, Restricted or Non-Restricted.

Part 2 of the bill reintroduced the legislative amendments contained in Bill C-52 An Act to amend Chapter 6 of the Statues of Canada, 2012 (short title: Supporting Vested Rights Under Access to Information Act), which amend the Ending the Long gun Registry Act (ELRA), the Access to Information Act (ATIA) and the Privacy Act. However, in response to this Act no changes were made to the UCR survey.

An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (bestiality and animal fighting): Bill C-84 (2019):

On June 21, 2019, royal assent was granted to Bill C-84. This enactment amends the Criminal Code to define "bestiality"; expand the scope of the offence of encouraging, aiding or assisting in the fighting or baiting of animals or birds so that the offence includes promoting, arranging, receiving money for, or taking part in, the fighting or baiting of animals or birds, and also applies with respect to the training, transporting or breeding of animals or birds for fighting or baiting. It also expands the scope of the offence of building, making, maintaining or keeping a cockpit so that the offence applies with respect to any arena for animal fighting.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: Bill C-75 (2019):

On June 21, 2019, the Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-75, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Youth Criminal Justice Act and other Acts and to make consequential amendments to other Acts". As a response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) has made adjustments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey.

Effective June 21, 2019, Criminal Code sections 159 Anal intercourse, 179 Vagrancy, 181 Spreading false news, 210 Keeping common bawdy-house, 211 Transporting person to bawdy-house and 287 Procuring miscarriage have been repealed. As a result, two UCR codes have been expired: Anal Intercourse and Common Bawdy House (to keep, to transport a person to).

Effective September 19, 2019, the general penalty for summary conviction offences (except sections 173(2)(b), 271(b) and 444(2)(b)) has been increased to 2 years. As a result, the maximum penalty for the 9 relevant UCR codes has been increased from 6 months to 2 years at this time: Communicating To Provide Sexual Services for Consideration, Stopping or Impeding Traffic for the Purpose of Offering, Providing or Obtaining Sexual Services for Consideration Betting House, Gaming House, Disturb the Peace, Indecent acts, Trespass at Night, and all Other Criminal Code (includes Part XII.1 CC) and Operation - low blood drug concentration violation codes.

Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA): Bill C-4 (2020)

On November 30, 2018, Canada, the United States, and Mexico signed an agreement to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Subsequently, on December 10, 2019, Canada, the United States and Mexico agreed to update certain elements of CUSMA to improve the final outcome and clear the path toward ratification and implementation of the agreement in all three countries.

On March 13, 2020, the Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-4, "An Act to implement the Agreement between Canada, the United States of America and the United Mexican States". As a response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, effective July 1, 2020, new Criminal Code section 391 Trade secret will be mapped to existing UCR code 2160: Fraud.

Quarantine Act (S.C. 2005, c.20)

In March of 2020, the Quarantine Act was amended to add Covid-19 to the schedule of communicable diseases. A communicable disease "means a human disease that is caused by an infectious agent or a biological toxin and poses a risk of significant harm to public health, or a disease listed in the schedule, and includes an infectious agent that causes a communicable disease". Public Health orders require travelers returning to Canada by land, air or sea, to follow self-isolation orders for 14 days after arrival, and UCR code 6600 was created to charge anyone who violates these orders.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code: Bill C-3 (2021):

On December 17, 2021, the Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-3, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Canada Labour Code. The enactment of Bill C-3 amends the Criminal Code in order to create offences of intimidating a person, health professionals or assistants to health professionals in order to impede them from accessing health service or performing medical services as well as, creating an offence of obstruction of a person's access to a place where health services are provided. In addition, the Bill also amends the Canada Labour Code to, among other things, extend the duration of bereavement leave in the event of the loss of a child and extend and alter regulations regarding medical leave entitlements.

Effective January 17, 2022, sections 423.2(1) Intimidation –health services and 423.2(2) Obstruction or interference with access became punishable offences under the Criminal Code. As a result, the following four new violation codes have been added to the UCR Survey: UCR code 1635 Intimidation of a person to impede them from obtaining health services, 1636 Intimidation of a health professional to impede their duties, 1637 Intimidation of a person assisting in the performance of health services to impede in those functions, 1638 Obstruction or interference with access to health services.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code (Conversion Therapy): Bill C-4 (2021):

On December 08, 2021, the Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-4, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code, Conversion Therapy". The enactment of Bill C-4 amends the Criminal Code in order to create offences pertaining to the acts of causing another person to undergo conversion therapy, promoting or advertising conversion therapy and receiving financial or other material benefit from the provision of conversion therapy, as well as doing anything for the purpose of removing a child from Canada to undergo conversion therapy outside of Canada. As a response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) has made adjustments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey.

Effective January 07, 2022, sections 320.102 Conversion Therapy, 320.103 Promoting or Advertising and 320.104 Material Benefit, become punishable acts under the Criminal Code. As a result, the following three violation codes have been added to the UCR Survey: 1633 Causing or Providing Conversion Therapy, 1634 Material benefit from Conversion Therapy, 3570 Promoting or Advertising Conversion Therapy.

Effective January 07, 2022, existing Criminal Code section 273.3(1)(c) - Removal of Children from Canada has been amended to include section 320.102 Conversion Therapy as a punishable offence under this section. Any contraventions to this section (now including conversion therapy) are to continue being reported under existing UCR violation code 1545 Removal of Children from Canada.

Emergencies Act (S.C. 1988, c.29):

In January of 2022, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) introduced the following violation code to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey: 6570 Emergencies Act in order to capture relevant information in relation to the convoy protests around the country.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Bill C-5 (2022):

This enactment amends the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to, among other things, repeal certain mandatory minimum penalties, allow for a greater use of conditional sentences and establish diversion measures for simple drug possession offences. Under this act, mandatory minimum sentences were repealed for 14 offences in the Criminal Code and all six mandatory minimum sentences in the CDSA (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act).

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Trafficking in Human Organs): Bill S-223 (2022):

The Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill S-223: An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Trafficking in Human Organs), on December 15, 2022. In response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) has made adjustments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey. The enactment of Bill S-223 amends the Criminal Code to create new offences in relation to trafficking in human organs, among other changes.

Effective December 15, 2022, sections 240.1(1) Removal without informed consent and 240.1(2) Financial transaction became punishable offences under the Criminal Code. As a result, the following violation code has been added to the UCR Survey: 1641 Trafficking in Human Organs.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts: Bill C-41 (2023):

The Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-41, "An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to other Acts" on June 20, 2023. In response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) has made adjustments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey. New Criminal Code sections 83.03 (1) Providing, making available, etc., property or services for terrorist purposes and 83.03 (2) Providing, making available, etc., property or services — use by terrorist group will be mapped to existing UCR code 3711 'Property or Services for Terrorist Activity'.

An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act: Bill S-12 (2023):

The Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill S-12: An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Sex Offender Information Registration Act and the International Transfer of Offenders Act, on October 26, 2023. In response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) has made adjustments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey. UCR violation code 1356 'Sexual Exploitation of a Person with a Disability' has been updated to reflect the new maximum penalty outlined in the new legislation. As a result, violation code 1356 'Sexual Exploitation of a Person with a Disability' now has a maximum penalty of 10 years (previously 5 years).

An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms): Bill C-21 (2023):

The Canadian Government granted royal assent to Bill C-21, An Act to amend certain Acts and to make certain consequential amendments (firearms). In response to the changes outlined in this new legislation, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) has made adjustments to the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey. The enactment of Bill C-21 amends the Criminal Code by increasing the maximum penalty from 10 to 14 years for sections 95(2)(a), 96(2)(a), 99(2), 100(2) and 103(2), resulting in a maximum penalty increase for the UCR violation codes pertaining to these sections: 3365 'Weapons Trafficking and Manufacturing', 3375 'Possession of Weapons' and 3380 'Unauthorized Importing/Exporting of Weapons'. In addition, the UCR has modified the label for violation 3365 from "Weapons Trafficking" to "Weapons Trafficking and Manufacturing" in order to more accurately represent the sections making up this violation code.  Effective December 15, 2023, section 104.1(1)(2) Altering cartridge magazine became a punishable offence under the Criminal Code and effective January 14, 2024, sections 102.1(1) Possession of computer data and 102.1(2) Distribution of computer data have become punishable offences under subsection (3) of the same section. As a result, the following two violation codes have been added to the UCR survey: 3366, possession and distribution of computer data (firearm) and 3367, altering cartridge magazine.

British Columbia's exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) (2023):

The Canadian Government approved the province of British Columbia's request for a three-year exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to decriminalize people who use drugs, effective January 31st, 2023 – January 31st, 2026. Under the new exemption, adults (aged 18 years and older) in the province of British Columbia are able to possess certain illicit substances for personal use - under 2.5 grams. Substances covered under decriminalization are opioids (including heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, etc.) cocaine (including crack), methamphetamine, and MDMA (ecstasy) regardless of purity. In response to these changes, the Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics (CCJCSS) will not receive any drug possession violations that fall within the scope of the new exemption. Recent changes to the exemption recriminalize illicit drug use in all public spaces, including inside hospitals, on transit, and in parks, allowing police to ask a drug user to leave the area, and seize their drugs "when necessary", or arrest them "in exceptional circumstances". Drug use will still be allowed in a private residence or place where someone is legally sheltering or at overdose prevention sites, outpatient addiction services and drug checking locations.

Comparing UCR Data with Courts and Corrections Data

It is difficult to make comparisons between data reported by police and data from other sectors of the criminal justice system (i.e., courts and corrections). There is no single unit of count (i.e., incidents, offences, charges, cases or persons) which is defined consistently across the major sectors of the justice system. As well, charges actually laid can be different from the Most Serious Offence by which incidents are categorized. In addition, the number and type of charges laid by police may change at the pre-court stage or during the court process. Time lags between the various stages of the justice process also make comparisons difficult.