How Safe is Canada?

From Roger Ebert (in his discussion of his review of the Michael Wilson film, "Michael Moore Hates America" [which, btw, received two thumbs up]):

For the year 2003, per 100,000 population,

Canada had 8,530 crimes, and the U.S. 4,267.
For crimes of violence, 958 vs. 523.
For property crimes, 4,275 vs. 3,744.

Why do you suppose Canada has a higher crime rate than the U.S.?

• Canada's law enforcement agencies keep better records?
• The proliferation of hand guns in the U.S. actually deters crime? John Lott would probably agree with this explanation

UPDATE: Another possible explanation, presented in Moore's Lies, is that the categories of crimes include different crimes in the two countries, with the Canadian categories being broader and more inclusive.