Violent crimes involving a firearm in Canada, 2024
Release date: April 21, 2026
Description: Violent crimes involving a firearm in Canada, 2024
In 2024, crime involving a firearm represented 2.6% of all violent crimes reported by police in Canada, up from 2.4% in 2014.
The rate of violent crimes involving a firearm rose 44% from 2014 to 2024
| 2014 | 2024 | Percentage change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 8,635 | 14,488 | +68% |
| Rate | 25.0 per 100,000 population | 36.0 per 100,000 population | +44% |
In 2024, Saskatchewan and the territories had the highest rates per 100,000 population of violent crime involving a firearm
- N.L. - 30.8
- P.E.I. - 15.2
- N.S. - 29.8
- N.B. - 37.5
- Que. - 25.1
- Ont. - 32.3
- Man. - 81.3
- Sask. - 120.1
- Alta. - 49.3
- B.C. - 20.7
- Y.T. - 87.9
- N.W.T. - 194.5
- Nvt. - 196.8
In 2024, a handgun was used in half of firearm-related violent crimes
- Handgun: 49%
- Rifle or shotgun: 14%
- Fully automatic or sawed-off shotgun: 5%
- Other types of firearms: 31%
Toronto saw a 54% increase in the rate of firearm-related violent crime from 2014
| Rate per 100,000 population | Percentage change from 2014 | |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 44.8 | +54% |
| Montréal | 23.2 | -18% |
| Vancouver | 14.1 | -47% |
- 4 in 10 shooting homicides were attributable to organized crime
Most persons accused of a firearm-related violent crime had a recent history of violence
| Persons accused of a violent crime involving a firearm | Persons accused of a violent crime not involving a firearm | |
|---|---|---|
| None | 42% | 61% |
| 1 to 5 | 47% | 35% |
| More than 5 | 11% | 5% |
Source: Perreault, S., 2026, “Firearms and violent crime in Canada, 2024” Juristat, Statistics Canada Catalogue no. 85-002-X.
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