Canadian Crime Statistics

This is a selection of highlights from Statistics Canada reports on Canadian crime statistics and homicide statistics in recent years. These statistics capture general trends in crime across the country.

The Canadian crime statistics are from annual reports by Statistics Canada using data collected using the Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Survey. The UCR Survey collects information on criminal incidents reported to police services across the country, and substantiated by the police, using a standardized set of crime categories and definitions developed with the co-operation of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

The homicide statistics are also published in annual reports by Statistics Canada and use data collected by the Homicide Survey. When a homicide becomes known to the police, questionnaires are filled in by the police service and sent to Statistics Canada. New information is submitted to Statistics Canada as it becomes available.

The number of homicides in Canada went down significantly in 2010, according to Statistics Canada's Homicide Survey. The drop in the homicide rate which was at its lowest level in 40 years was mainly due to a decline in homicides in the western provinces, especially in British Columbia. Even with the declines in the west, the provinces of Manitoba and Saskatchewan still had homicide rates double the national average.

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Canadian Workforce Statistics

Analysis by Statistics Canada of the Census 2001 statistics on the population of Canada shows that the three factors that had a major impact on the Canadian workforce over the last decade were new immigrants, the demand for highly skilled workers, and the aging population in Canada.

Canada Census figures show that in May 2001 there were 15.6 million people in the workforce in Canada, an increase of 9.5 percent from the decade before.

Census figures show that in May 2001, about 20 percent of the Canadian workforce, or approximately 3.2 million people, was born outside Canada and that a large part of the growth in the Canadian workforce was due to new immigrants. A total of 977,500 immigrants who arrived in Canada in the 1990s were part of the Canadian workforce in 2001, making up about 70 percent of the growth in the workforce for the decade. Over half of these workers were in Ontario.

However, statistics from the census also show that there is a gap between employment prospects for immigrants and those for Canadian-born workers. The gap first appeared during the recession years of the early 1990s, and continued when the economy recovered in the later half of the decade. In 2001, the unemployment rate for new immigrants aged 25 to 44 was double that of Canadian-born workers.

Highly skilled jobs led the growth in the workforce in Canada in the 1990s.

By May 2001, 2.5 million of the 15.6 million people in the Canadian workforce were in occupations that required a university education - a 33 percent increase from the decade before and a growth rate triple the growth rate for the Canadian workforce as a whole.

In contrast, skilled occupations - those requiring a community college diploma or apprenticeship training - grew at only 3.3 percent, or a third of the growth rate for the workforce as a whole in Canada. The number of people in some construction trades decreased by as much as 40 to 60 percent.

Occupations requiring a high school diploma or less had a growth rate of 5.4 percent, well below the growth rate of the total Canadian workforce.

The Canadian workforce is also aging. The average age of Canadian workers rose from 37.1 years in 1991 to an average age of 39 years in 2001. About 15 percent of the workforce was within 10 years of retirement age at the end of the last decade, and projections are that by 2011 nearly a fifth of baby-boomers in Canada will be at least 61.

Added to this is the fact that birth rates in Canada have been low for the last 30 years, so fewer young people are entering the workforce to replace those getting close to retirement.

This aging of the Canadian workforce raises the potential for shortages in some highly skilled occupations, and the likelihood that Canada will need to continue to turn to immigration as a source of highly skilled workers.

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Canadian Charities

If you're in a giving mood but not sure where to start, take a few minutes to look at the many nonprofit organizations and charities in Canada which could do with a bit of your time or cash to help those who really need it.

Here are some good places to find Canadian charities and causes that strike a chord in your heart.

One of the nice things about Charity Village is that is has Canada-wide volunteer opportunities, sorted by region. They aren't always the volunteer roles you'd expect, either. You may find requests for a woodworking volunteer, casino hall help, festival organizers, a wildlife researcher, gift wrappers, and history museum curatorial assistance. Many, many more people with a bit of time to give are always needed.

Charity Village also has a well-organized directory of charities and non-profit organizations.

Volunteer Canada is the national umbrella organization of volunteer centres and bureaus in Canada. You can easily locate the volunteer centre nearest to you, and if you need a little push, read about volunteering.

If you still haven't found a group that appeals to you, there are hundreds of Canadian non-profit organizations listed on the idealist.org site. Just type "Canada" (without the quotation marks) in the Search box to find Canadian non-profit organizations, volunteer jobs, and programs.

For a traditional Canadian way of giving at Christmas, the Canadian Lung Association has adapted their Christmas Seals campaign to the Internet. You can make a donation online to help make sure that medical research into the causes and cures for lung disease continues in Canada.

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Canadian Bank Mergers Decision 1998

Dateline: 12/14/98

It's official. Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin has rejected the proposed mergers of the Royal Bank with the Bank of Montreal and CIBC with the Toronto-Dominion Bank.

The reasons for the bank mergers decision are no surprise. The Finance Minister concluded that the mergers are not in the public interest as they would result in too much concentration of economic power in Canada in the hands of too few financial institutionsa reduction in competition in the Canadian financial services sectora reduction in the Canadian government's flexibility to address future concerns.

The last round of reports delivered to the Minister of Finance last week appear to have sealed the decision.

Canada's Competition Bureau concluded that the proposed bank mergers would substantially lessen competition, would result in bank branches being closed, and mean that Canadians would have to pay more for less. The Competition Bureau's conclusions on each of the mergers are provided separately in letters to the bank presidents for the Bank of Montreal and Royal Bank merger and the CIBC and TD Bank merger.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) also weighed in with concerns. A summary letter to the Minister of Finance raised issues about the impact of mergers on the Canadian financial system as a whole. It noted that if one of the merged banks were to run into trouble, the policy options for government would be severely reduced. For example, the possibility of a sale to a domestic competitor would be less, since it would result in further reducing competition. And a sale to a competitor from outside Canada would have a negative impact on Canadian ownership and control.

On the political side, both the House of Commons Finance Committee and the Senate Banking, Trade and Commerce Committee tabled their reports on the financial sector.

The four banks have been using the line "the status quo is not acceptable" to push their case for mergers. Martin has turned that around to say the status quo must be changed before bank mergers are considered.

To that end, the government plans to develop a new policy framework for the financial sector in Canada. It will probably take at least a year. The new framework is expected to include a new review process for major bank merger proposals. It is likely the new process will require merger proposals to meet the same conditions though.

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New Canadian \$100 Bill in 2011

A new Canadian $100 bill will begin circulating in November 2011. The $100 bill is the first in the Polymer series of Canadian bank notes which will be printed on a plastic material. The plastic bank notes will be more secure, longer lasting and cheaper to produce than the current Canadian Journey series which is printed on cotton paper. The new bills will be lighter and smoother than the ones we're used to, and they might even feel a bit slippery. The new $100 bills will still be the same size and colour as the old ones, and still feature Sir Robert Borden. There are many other features that have changed however.

Like the other bills in the Polymer series, the $100 bills will have new security features to protect them from counterfeiting and make it easier to check if they are real. Those features include: raised ink two transparent areas. One runs from top to bottom on the front of the bill and contains a metallic portrait and building, small numbers, and transparent text. The second is a frosted maple leaf window with a transparent outline. on the reverse side of the note, the features in the large window are repeated. hidden numbers also allow users to verify a note.

The front of the Polymer $100 bill has an updated picture of Sir Robert Borden, Canada's Prime Minister through World War I. The reverse side of the new $100 bill pays tribute to Canadian innovations in medicine: the discovery of insulin, the invention of the pacemaker, and mapping the human genetic code.

The Bank of Canada is Canada's central bank. As well as being responsible for Canadian monetary policy, for promoting sound financial systems in Canada and abroad, and providing funds-management and central banking services for the federal government, the Bank of Canada also designs and issues Canadian bank notes.

The Bank of Canada will spend about six months making sure that retailers, banks, police and the public are fully aware of how to check the new bills to make sure they are authentic.

To see the features of the new $100 bill, watch the video from the Bank of Canada.

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Canadian Charities

If you're in a giving mood but not sure where to start, take a few minutes to look at the many nonprofit organizations and charities in Canada which could do with a bit of your time or cash to help those who really need it.

Here are some good places to find Canadian charities and causes that strike a chord in your heart.

One of the nice things about Charity Village is that is has Canada-wide volunteer opportunities, sorted by region. They aren't always the volunteer roles you'd expect, either. You may find requests for a woodworking volunteer, casino hall help, festival organizers, a wildlife researcher, gift wrappers, and history museum curatorial assistance. Many, many more people with a bit of time to give are always needed.

Charity Village also has a well-organized directory of charities and non-profit organizations.

Volunteer Canada is the national umbrella organization of volunteer centres and bureaus in Canada. You can easily locate the volunteer centre nearest to you, and if you need a little push, read about volunteering.

If you still haven't found a group that appeals to you, there are hundreds of Canadian non-profit organizations listed on the idealist.org site. Just type "Canada" (without the quotation marks) in the Search box to find Canadian non-profit organizations, volunteer jobs, and programs.

For a traditional Canadian way of giving at Christmas, the Canadian Lung Association has adapted their Christmas Seals campaign to the Internet. You can make a donation online to help make sure that medical research into the causes and cures for lung disease continues in Canada.

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Canadian Forces Recruiting

The Canadian Forces are actively looking for thousands of recruits in over 100 careers and they're making it easier to join. The Canadian Forces offer recruiting allowances and bonuses to target groups, they've streamlined their recruiting procedures, and you can now apply online.

To help potential recruits identify appropriate careers, the Canadian Forces have improved their online information, which includes: Browse Jobs - this feature lets you match your interests and qualifications with available careers in the Canadian Forces Paid Education - find out how to get your university or college tuition subsidized through the Regular Force Officer Training Plan (ROTP), the Non-Commissioned Member Subsidized Education Plan (NCM SEP) or the Reserve Entry Training Plan (RETP). Pay and Benefits - details on wages and benefits, including vacation, medical and dental care, pension, continuing education subsidies and sports and fitness facilities.

The Canadian Forces have a number of online guides to help applicants through the recruiting process. These guides describe each step of the Canadian Forces recruiting process and also give useful strategies and tips so you can be fully prepared before you apply.

You can apply to the Canadian Forces using the Canadian Forces Online Application.

If you'd prefer, you can print the application forms in PDF

Complete the forms and either mail them or take them to your local Canadian Forces recruiting office.

Be sure to thoroughly read the Canadian Forces step-by-step information on How to Join the Canadian Forces before you submit your application.

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Canadian Passport Applications

A Canadian passport is the internationally accepted evidence of your Canadian citizenship, as well as providing the best possible photo identification. If you are travelling outside Canada, the Canadian federal government Department of Foreign Affairs recommends that you carry a passport valid for at least six months beyond your expected return date.

Children, including newborns, can not be listed on a parent's passport, and must have their own Canadian passport. A separate passport application must be submitted for each child.

A standard adult passport is valid for 5 years as are passports for children aged 3 to 15. For children under 3 years old, the maximum validity of a passport is 3 years.

As passport applications take longer to process during peak times, Passport Canada suggests that you try to apply for your passport during the off-peak season between June and November.

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Canadian Income Tax Basics

To file your taxes, you need an income tax package for the province in which you lived on December 31 of the previous year. The package includes a return (form), federal tax worksheet, schedules (more forms), a provincial or territory tax worksheet and an information guide.

If you filed a Canadian income tax return last year, you probably received an income tax package in the mail in January.

The type of income tax form in the income tax package sent to you by the Canada Revenue Agency is based on the income tax return you filed last year. If it is not appropriate this year, use a general income tax package.

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Canadian Embassy China

Canadian Embassy - Beijing
19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100600
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (10) 5139-4000
Fax: 86 (10) 5139-4448 Canadian Consulate - Chongqing
Metropolitan Tower, Suite 1705
Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District
Chongqing 400010
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (23) 6373-8007
Fax: 86 (23) 6373-8026 Canadian Consulate General - Guangzhou
China Hotel Office Tower, Suite 801
Liu Hua Lu
Guangzhou 510015
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (20) 8666-0569
Fax: 86 (20) 8667-2401 Canadian Consulate General - Hong Kong
11-14th Floors
One Exchange Square Central
Hong Kong SAR
People's Republic of China
Tel: (852) 3719 4700
Fax: (852) 2810 6736
Canadian Consulate General - Shanghai
American International Center
West Tower, Suite 604
1376 Nanjing Road (West)
Shanghai 200040
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (21) 6279-8400
Fax: 86 (21) 6279-8401

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Canadian Embassy Thailand

Canadian Embassy - Bangkok, Thailand
15th Floor, Abdulrahim Place
990 Rama IV Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Tel: 66 (0) 2636-0540
Fax: 66 (0) 2636-0566

See Also:
Thailand Travel Report

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Canadian Federal Government

Eugene Forsey's How Canadians Govern Themselves is an important introduction to how government works in Canada. It covers the origins of the Canadian parliamentary system and its day-to-day operations, and explains the major differences between the federal and provincial governments in Canada. It also highlights some of the differences between the Canadian and American systems of government.

For information on public policy and how it is made, try the Policy Research Initiative (PRI). The PRI was started by the Clerk of the Privy Council to strengthen public policy development and information sharing.

The Privy Council Office, the public service organization that provides support to the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is a useful source of online publications and information resources on a wide range of current Canadian public policy.

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat is another good resource for information on the inside operations of the Canadian federal government. Its Web site posts many of the policies and regulations covering human resources, financial management and information technology of the federal government. As an example, this is where you'll find information on the Government On-Line Project, the federal government's effort to put its most frequently used services on the Internet.

The Speech From the Throne opening each session of Parliament outlines the legislative and policy priorities for the government for the coming session of Parliament.

The Prime Minister's Office announces major public policy initiatives introduced by the federal government.

To get an overview of Canadian elections, start with Elections in Canada. You'll find additional reference information in Federal Elections, including the results of the last federal election, information on who can vote, the National Register of Electors, federal ridings and Members of Parliament.

Continue: Federal Government Services

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Role of Canadian Senators

There are usually 105 Senators in the Senate of Canada, the upper chamber of Canada's Parliament. Canadian Senators are appointed by the Governor General of Canada on the advice of the Canadian Prime Minister. Canadian Senators must be at least 30 years old and retire by the age of 75. Senators also must live and own property in the Canadian province or territory which they represent.

The main role Canadian Senators have is in providing "sober, second thought" on the work done by the House of Commons. All federal legislation must be passed by the Senate as well as the House of Commons. While the Canadian Senate rarely vetoes bills, although it does have the power to do so, Senators do review federal legislation clause by clause in Senate committees and may send a bill back to the House of Commons for amendments. Senate amendments are usually accepted by the House of Commons. The Canadian Senate can also delay the passage of a bill. This is especially effective towards the end of a session of parliament, when a bill can be delayed long enough to prevent it becoming law.

The Canadian Senate can also introduce its own bills, except for "money bills" which impose taxes or spend public money. Senate bills must also be passed in the House of Commons.

Canadian Senators also contribute to in-depth studies by Senate committees on public issues such as health care in Canada, illegal drugs, the regulation of the Canadian airline industry and urban Aboriginal youth. The reports from these investigations can lead to changes in federal public policy and legislation. The wide range of experience of Canadian Senators, who include former Canadian provincial premiers, cabinet ministers and business people from many Canadian economic sectors, provides substantial expertise to these investigations. Also, since Senators are not subject to the vagaries of elections, they can track issues over a longer period of time than Members of Parliament.

Canadian Senate seats are distributed regionally, with 24 Senate seats each for the Maritimes, Ontario, Quebec and Western regions, and another 8 Senate seats for Newfoundland and the territories. Senators meet in regional party caucuses and consider the regional impact of legislation. Senators also often adopt informal constituencies to represent the rights of groups and individuals who may otherwise be overlooked - the young, poor, seniors and veterans, for example.

Canadian Senators provide a detailed review of all federal legislation, and the government of the day must always be conscious that a bill must get through the Senate where the "party line" is more flexible than in the House. During the Senate Question Period, Senators also routinely question and challenge the Leader of the Government in the Senate on federal government policies and activities. Canadian Senators can also draw important issues to the attention of Cabinet ministers and the Prime Minister.

A Senator usually supports a political party and may play a role in the operation of the party.

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Canadian citizen

Definition: A Canadian citizen is a person who is Canadian by birth or who has applied for Canadian citizenship through Citizenship and Immigration Canada and has received a citizenship certificate.

You are probably a Canadian citizen if you were born in Canada. You may also be a Canadian citizen if you were born outside Canada to a Canadian parent, but not necessarily. For details on who qualifies as a Canadian citizen, and how to prove you are a Canadian citizen, please see Information About Canadian Citizenship from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

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Canadian Embassy China

Canadian Embassy - Beijing
19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie
Chao Yang District
Beijing 100600
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (10) 5139-4000
Fax: 86 (10) 5139-4448 Canadian Consulate - Chongqing
Metropolitan Tower, Suite 1705
Wu Yi Lu, Yu Zhong District
Chongqing 400010
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (23) 6373-8007
Fax: 86 (23) 6373-8026 Canadian Consulate General - Guangzhou
China Hotel Office Tower, Suite 801
Liu Hua Lu
Guangzhou 510015
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (20) 8666-0569
Fax: 86 (20) 8667-2401 Canadian Consulate General - Hong Kong
11-14th Floors
One Exchange Square Central
Hong Kong SAR
People's Republic of China
Tel: (852) 3719 4700
Fax: (852) 2810 6736
Canadian Consulate General - Shanghai
American International Center
West Tower, Suite 604
1376 Nanjing Road (West)
Shanghai 200040
People's Republic of China
Tel: 86 (21) 6279-8400
Fax: 86 (21) 6279-8401

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Role of Canadian MPs

There are normally 308 members of parliament in the Canadian House of Commons. They are elected in a general election, which is usually called every four or five years, or in a by-election when a seat in the House of Commons becomes empty due to resignation or death.

Members of parliament represent the regional and local concerns of the constituents in their ridings (also called electoral districts) in the House of Commons. Members of parliament solve problems for constituents on a wide variety of federal government matters - from checking on individual problems with federal government departments to providing information on federal government programs and policies. Members of parliament also maintain a high profile in their ridings and take part in local events and official functions there.

While it is public servants and cabinet ministers who have direct responsibility for drafting new legislation, members of parliament can influence legislation through debates in the House of Commons and during all-party committee meetings to examine legislation. Even though members of parliament are expected to "toe the party line," both substantive and fine-tuning amendments to legislation are often made at committee stage. Votes on legislation in the House of Commons are usually a formality following party lines, but can be of significant strategic importance during a minority government. Members of parliament can also introduce legislation of their own, called "private members bills," however it is rare that a private members bill passes.

Canadian members of parliament can influence federal government policy by participating in House of Commons committees which review federal government department activities and spending, as well as legislation. Government members of parliament also raise policy issues in caucus meetings of members of parliament of their own party and can lobby cabinet ministers. Members of parliament in opposition parties use the daily Question Period in the House of Commons to raise issues of concern and bring them to the attention of the public.

A member of parliament usually supports a political party and plays a role in the operation of the party. A few members of parliament may sit as independents and do not have party responsibilities.

Members of parliament maintain two offices with corresponding staff - one on Parliament Hill in Ottawa and one in the constituency. Cabinet ministers also maintain an office and staff in the departments for which they are responsible.

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Canadian Embassy South Korea

Canadian Embassy - Seoul, South Korea
16-1 Jeong-dong
Jung-gu
CPO Box 6299
Seoul, Korea 100-662
Tel: 822-3783-6000
Fax: 822-3783-6239

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RRSPs - A Canadian Tax Break

Updated: 01/08/11

Whether you're just starting out in the work force, or well advanced in your retirement planning, it's in your best interest to stay up to date on one of Canada's best tax breaks - registered retirement savings plans or RRSPs. The deadline to make contributions eligible for deductions on your 2010 income tax is midnight March 1, 2011, but the sooner you make your contribution, the better. December 31 of the year you turn 71 is the last day you can contribute to your own RRSP.

It may not be light reading, but the authoritative source on retirement savings plans is the Canada Revenue Agency section on RRSPs and related plans. It's a good idea to look through this area before the RRSP deadline arrives, in case there are still ways you can save on your taxes. You'll find information on setting up an RRSP, making contributions and withdrawals, getting payments and what to do when you turn 71.

Most Canadian banks and financial planning sites also have general RRSP information. One example is Investor Education Fund: RRSPs where you can find useful articles on the basics, from contributing to an RRSP, choosing the right RRSP for you and getting income from your RRSP savings.

When you're planning your RRSP contribution, be sure to find out your RRSP contribution limit. It's also a good idea to get a copy of the latest general income tax package and do a rough cut on your income taxes so you can see what the tax benefits of different levels of RRSP contributions will be.

It's easy to get a quick handle on the going rates for RRSPs online. CANOE Money, for example, has a useful RRSP rates chart that shows current RRSP rates at major financial institutions across Canada.

If you still prefer to keep your RRSPs with Canadian banks, you can probably make this year's contribution online. Many Canadian financial institutions allow you to contribute to an RRSP through online banking. Most restrict you to already having an RRSP with the particular bank, and paying with funds from an account at the same bank.

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Canadian Embassy Saudi Arabia

Canadian Embassy - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Diplomatic Quarter
P.O. Box 94321
Riyadh 11693
Saudi Arabia
Tel: 966 (1) 488 2288
Fax: 966 (1) 488 1997

See Also:
Saudi Arabia Travel Report

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Canadian Embassy Philippines

Canadian Embassy - Manila, Philippines
Levels 6, 7 and 8, Tower 2
RCBC Plaza
6819 Ayala Avenue
Makati City 1200
P.O. Box 2098
Philippines
Tel: (02) 857-9000
Fax: (02) 843-1082

See Also:
Philippines Travel Report

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