In 1983, Bill C-127 redefined the sexual assault sections of the Criminal Code, establishing three levels of sexual assault: level 1 (minor sexual assault), level 2 (incidents involving a weapon or resulting in bodily harm), and level 3 (aggravated sexual assault).

Despite a 7% decrease in 1996, Saskatchewan reported the highest provincial rate of sexual assault per 100,000 population. Consistent with the historical trend, Quebec reported the lowest rate. Quebec's tendency to report lower proportions of sexual assault is also noted in victimization surveys.

Between 1995 and 1996, Manitoba was the only province to report an increase (+4.7%) in the rate of sexual assault. Declines across the remaining provinces ranged from -1.9% in Quebec to -16.8% in New Brunswick.

While Alberta's sexual assault rate of 108 per 100,000 population in 1996 was 21.3% above the national rate of 89, it was still the third lowest among the provinces/territories. Alberta's rate was the lowest among the western provinces.