Police records indicate that Canada may be safer at the end of the 1990s compared with the early 1980s. Of the six offenses studied, rates decreased for four (homicide, aggravated sexual assault, robbery and residential burglary) and increased for the other two (motor vehicle theft and serious assault). Victim survey reports over this time period present a slightly different picture: sexual assault and motor vehicle theft rates increased, serous assault and residential burglary rates decreased, and robbery rates stayed about the same. A much more sustained and larger change in police-reported crime rates took place in the 1990s. A substantial fall in rates of five of the six serious crimes occurred from about 1991 to 1999. The one exception was motor vehicle theft which showed an upward trend. With only two victim surveys conducted during the 1990s, it is not possible to comment on trends. While crime ranks among the public’s top concerns nationally, Canada is viewed as a safe and peaceful country in which to live and visit. Police records indicate that Canada experienced a substantial fall in rates of serious crimes in the 1990s. Reasons include an aging population and an improved economy. This paper examines trends in crime and punishment in Canada over the period of 1981 to 1999 and explores key explanations for important trends in these areas. Six offenses are studied: homicide, aggravated sexual assault, serious assault, robbery, motor vehicle theft, and residential burglary. Figures, references