Data were obtained from Statistics Canada as well as other data sources. The discussion begins by tracing trends in Canadian homicide rates from the 1920s through the 1980s. This permits an assessment of recent concerns over increasing levels of homicide from the perspective of trends over several decades. The chapter next discusses spatial variation in homicide rates by examining their distribution across regions and communities of varying sizes. This is followed by an analysis of the distribution of homicide among social groups distinguished by gender, race, and age. The chapter's final section addresses the growing fear of Canadians that patterns of homicide in Canada are beginning to resemble those in the United States, not only in frequency but also in characteristics. The author notes that homicides remain relatively rare events in Canada, and as such they are subject to occasional sharp but random fluctuations in their levels or characteristics. Long-term data are needed to determine whether such changes are chance fluctuations or indicators of more lasting transformations in homicide rates. Homicide rates in Canada are not likely to parallel those in the United States, except perhaps in some regions of Canada. Understanding why some regions are more violent than others is the first step toward providing equal protection to all Canadians. 13 tables, 39 notes, and 73 references