Our agreement with the Government of Ontario to classify commercial films and trailers for distribution and exhibition in theatres in that province has ended.
On December 8, 2020, Bill 229, the Film Content Information Act 2020, received Royal Assent in Ontario, making it law in that province. That Act, and its provisions, come into effect on June 8, 2021.
Film exhibitors, retailers, and distributors are encouraged to learn more from the Government of Ontario to understand the new rules in that province. For more information about these changes, the Government of Ontario has information on their website and has created a list of frequently asked questions and additional guidance for industry. For questions about film classification in Ontario, please contact the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services by email at PublicSafetyandOperationsPolicyBranch@ontario.ca.
Using BC film classifications or to get a film classified by our office:
Anyone using our classifications must have our written permission to do so. Our film classifications, including ratings, advisories, and decision summaries are copyright protected and may only be used for a commercial purpose with our written permission. The unauthorized use of our copyright material may result in legal action under the Copyright Act. That also means that if we classify a film or trailer for distribution to a theatre in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or BC, that classification is strictly limited to those provinces and must not be used for distribution to theatres outside these provinces, including Ontario.
While films and trailers in Ontario are no longer required to be classified, we have updated information on our website for anyone wishing to request a classification from us.
About Consumer Protection BC:
Consumer Protection BC is the regulator of a variety of sectors and specific consumer transactions in the province. Our mandate is to license and inspect our regulated businesses, respond to consumer inquiries, investigate alleged violations of consumer protection laws, and to classify all general release motion pictures.
For more information about our organization, to read our recent enforcement actions, and to learn about our inspection and complaint-handling processes, please visit our corporate website at www.consumerprotectionbc.ca. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or read our blog for valuable consumer tips and resources.