When choosing a new city to call home in Canada, safety is a top priority for many immigrants. One useful tool to gauge the safety of a city is Statistics Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI). Unlike traditional crime rates that simply count the number of crimes, the CSI weighs the seriousness of each incident, offering a more nuanced view of crime levels.
What is the Crime Severity Index?
The Crime Severity Index (CSI) provides a detailed look at crime by considering the severity of each crime reported to the police. Scores are standardized to 100, using 2006 as the base year, making it easier to compare across different time periods. Serious crimes are given higher weights, affecting the overall score more significantly, while less severe crimes have a smaller impact.
How to Use the CSI
Newcomers to Canada can use the CSI alongside other important factors like economic conditions, employment opportunities, housing, and community safety data to make informed decisions about where to live. It’s important not to rely solely on the CSI but to include it as part of a broader analysis.
Safest Cities in Canada (2019-2023)
Based on the CSI data from 2019 to 2023, here are some of the safest cities in Canada:
| Quebec City, Quebec: CSI Score: 45.73 | Halifax, Nova Scotia: CSI Score: 66.92 | Brantford, Ontario: CSI Score: 77.09 |
| Barrie, Ontario: CSI Score: 47.71 | Kingston, Ontario: CSI Score: 70.92 | Vancouver, British Columbia: CSI Score: 90.74 |
| Toronto, Ontario: CSI Score: 51.54 | St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: CSI Score: 72.92 | Edmonton, Alberta: CSI Score: 105.16 |
| Ottawa-Gatineau: CSI Score: 55.59 | London, Ontario: CSI Score: 73.71 | Regina, Saskatchewan: CSI Score: 113.18 |
| Hamilton, Ontario: CSI Score: 57.74 | Victoria, British Columbia: CSI Score: 75.40 | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan: CSI Score: 114.85 |
| St. Catharines-Niagara, Ontario: CSI Score: 58.94 | Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario: CSI Score: 75.94 | Kelowna, British Columbia: CSI Score: 120.51 |
| Montréal, Quebec: CSI Score: 59.98 | Calgary, Alberta: CSI Score: 79.79 | Winnipeg, Manitoba: CSI Score: 125.82 |
Provinces and Territories
For areas not covered by the CSI in specific cities, the following data is available:
- Prince Edward Island: CSI Score: 62.59
- New Brunswick: CSI Score: 84.94
- Yukon: CSI Score: 215.87
- Nunavut: CSI Score: 390.66
- Northwest Territories: CSI Score: 427.88
Understanding the CSI Categories
The CSI can be broken down into two main categories:
Violent Crime Severity Index: This includes all violent crimes such as uttering threats, criminal harassment, and forcible confinement.
Non-Violent Crime Severity Index: This includes non-violent crimes such as traffic offences, drug violations, and other federal statute violations.
While the Crime Severity Index provides valuable insights into the safety of different Canadian cities, it should be part of a broader assessment. Consider economic conditions, employment opportunities, housing affordability, and community resources when deciding where to settle.
For further assistance on making an informed decision about immigrating to Canada, reach out to ImmigCanada. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and find the perfect city for your new life in Canada.
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