more likely to be a victim of violent crime of all sorts.
I'd like to see where you got that info from
In short, you're not more likely to be a victim of crime of all sorts in Canada than in the US. It's all about you. If you're not doing criminal activities or illegal things, then either place is pretty much the same.
I'll agree on avoiding large US cities, it gets crazy during the nights, but there are some cities in Canada that get also pretty bad during the nights, Winnipeg for example.
Just stay out of French Canada
Why? I don't know any good reason for that. Montreal for example is a great place for anyone. There's a lot of work, and it's as safe as a little town.
All in All if I was from an other country Canada would be my choice. You don't need the "protection" ppl seems to need in the US, because there is no threat.