Distributing to other provinces
We are authorized to enter into agreements with other provinces and their designated classification authorities. Through administrative agreements, we provide some classification services for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
Read the Motion Picture Act, section 12.3.
Ontario
Please read our notice for information about the agreement between Consumer Protection BC and the Government of Ontario.
Fees
Classification fees for commercial theatrical feature films and trailers being distributed in Ontario:
- In addition to a BC classification: $220 for review and a certificate
- Ontario only classification: $2.08/minute for review and a certificate
Classification fees for feature film trailers being distributed in Ontario:
- Either in addition to a BC classification or Ontario only: $10.40 for review and a certificate
Only trailers that advertise feature films are required to be classified for Ontario.
Use our forms to get your feature film or trailer rated.
In 2019, we signed an agreement with the province of Ontario to provide classification services for theatrical releases and trailers shown in Ontario theatres. To learn about the fees for this service, please visit our Get your content rated webpage, scroll to the “Distributing to other provinces” section at the bottom and select the Ontario drop-down menu.
For questions about the current film classification process for Ontario film festivals, please contact Vanessa Rae at the Public Safety and Operations Policy Branch with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. She can be reached by email at publicsafetyandoperationspolicybranch@ontario.ca or by phone at 416.326.8548.
If you still have questions about distributing to Ontario, please contact our classification team at classadmin@consumerprotectionbc.ca or 888.564.9963.
Manitoba
Fees
When you submit your movie to us, you are automatically requesting classification in BC. In addition, you can also ask for classification for distribution in Manitoba. The fee is $2.00 per minute (minimum $220.00) for Manitoba.
If you are distributing trailers to Manitoba theatres, you must submit the trailers to us for classification.
Use our forms to get your motion picture or trailer rated.
In 2018, we signed an agreement with the province of Manitoba to provide motion picture classification services for the province.
Read our agreement with the province of Manitoba.
Saskatchewan
Fees
When you submit your movie to us, you are automatically requesting classification in BC. In addition, you can ask for classification in Saskatchewan. The fee is $440.00 for Saskatchewan.
We also issue decals for Adult or Restricted DVDs distributed to Saskatchewan retailers. Decal fees are $2 per decal.
We don’t classify trailers for Saskatchewan or movies that are being screened in that province only. Visit the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority to learn more about their requirements and processes.
Use our forms to get your motion picture or trailer rated.
In 1997, the governments of BC and Saskatchewan entered into an agreement in which BC would provide motion picture classification (rating) services for Saskatchewan.
Today, we continue to classify many of the movies shown in Saskatchewan theatres using the categories defined in our legislation.
The Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority (FCAA) carries out various administrative duties and classifies general release DVDs sold or rented in Saskatchewan, as well as content for repertory theatres.
Our agreement benefits consumers by providing consistent classification information in BC and Saskatchewan and industry by reducing costs and the amount of time it takes to get motion pictures classified. We encourage moviegoers in both provinces to contact us with any questions or concerns.
Read our agreement with the province of Saskatchewan.
Read the 2017 addendum.