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Statistics and federal policy on crime have changed, but the politics remain the same
Statistics Canada said the crime severity index fell 5% in 2025, while Conservatives argued rising local shootings show the numbers miss public fear.
- Statistics Canada reported on Friday that the national crime severity index dropped 5% in 2025, marking the second consecutive annual decline, while the homicide rate reached its lowest level since 2014.
- Conservative justice critic Arpan Khanna and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre disputed the data, citing a 57% rise in violent crime since 2015 and calling it a "Liberal-caused crisis" from "soft-on-crime laws."
- Andrew Enns, executive vice-president for Leger, stated that perception of crime often lasts longer than reality, explaining why high-profile incidents like the Toronto festival shooting "create the perception that it's bad today and it's never been worse."
- Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, noted crime ranks alongside climate change and immigration in importance, with voters viewing the Conservative Party as better equipped to handle public safety.
- Justice Minister Sean Fraser defended the government's record, stating that collaboration with law enforcement is more effective than "trying to scare people for votes," as three new crime bills reshape the Criminal Code.
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The Toronto Star+21 Reposted by 21 other sources
Statistics and federal policy on crime have changed, but the politics remain the same
OTTAWA - New tough-on-crime laws and statistics showing falling crime rates aren't likely to change how Canadians currently feel about crime or whether it's used as a political wedge between parties, some national pollsters say.
·Toronto, Canada
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Total News Sources22
Leaning Left15Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Left
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources lean Left
75% Left
L 75%
C 25%
Factuality
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