The death rate, also called the crude death rate, refers to the number of deaths in a given region during a specific period, usually one year, divided by the average population of that same period, expressed per thousand. On this website, the death rate refers to the annual death rate.

The formula is:

Death Rate = Annual Number of Deaths / Annual Average Population × 1000‰

The annual average population refers to the average of the population at the beginning and end of the year. In some cases, the mid-year population may also be used as a substitute.

Over time, death rates can reflect differences in age structure, health conditions, and regional demographic change. Looking at provincial trends helps show where mortality patterns remain relatively stable and where they have shifted more noticeably.