Statistics Canada Report on Gun Crime

Statistics Canada reported today that gun violence in Canada remained stable in 2006, but more young people are using weapons.

"Canadian police services reported just over 8,100 victims of violent gun crime, ranging from assault to robbery and homicide, accounting for 2.4% of all victims of violence. Handguns made up nearly two-thirds of all firearms used."

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"Police-reported data showed that among young people, the use of guns in violent crime is increasing. The rate of youth aged 12 to 17 accused of a firearm-related offence has risen in three of the past four years, increasing 32% since 2002. The overall firearm-related crime rates for youth were driven primarily by robberies. "

There were 190 firearm-related homicides reported to Canadian police forces in 2006. The rate has remained more or less table over the past decade.