Statistics Canada numbers show New Brunswick’s Crime Severity Index (CSI) grew in 2025, despite the national average showing a decline. The index is calculated using the crime rate per population but weighing more severe crimes heavier. New Brunswick’s 2025 CSI was 90.36, while the national average was 75. Progressive Conservative MLA Kris Austin mentioned the statistics, which were released in July, during Question Period at the province’s Legislative Assembly on Thursday. New Brunswick in 2025 also had 159.1 officers per 100,000 New Brunswickers — compared to the national average of 180.3 per 100,000 people. “Why isn’t [Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin’s] government hiring more police to get at the crime issue in New Brunswick?” Austin asked. In response, Gauvin, in French, hinted at an upcoming announcement to increase the workforce. In scrums with reporters afterwards, he didn’t give more details about what it will be. “This announcement will be at a certain place, but it could have ripple effects,” he said. When asked when the announcement will be, Gauvin only said, “very soon.” Green Party Leader David Coon also called for change when asked about the exchange. “It needs to be sorted out what’s driving that, the murder rate in our province, and have we got the adequate number of people working in those sorts of units, in the police force,” he said. “In some regions definitely hire more cops.” For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
