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

Among the provinces, Manitoba reported the highest assault rate per 100,000 population in 1996, while Quebec reported the lowest rate.

Between 1995 and 1996, the largest increase occurred in Newfoundland (+14.9%). Three provinces recorded decreases in the rate of assault: Manitoba
(-1.2%), Quebec (-4.9%), and Ontario (-5%).

Alberta's non-sexual assault rate of 741 per 100,000 population was 2.9% higher than the national rate of 720 but was still lower than any of the other western provinces. The Alberta rate was the fifth lowest among the provinces/territories in 1996.