Saskatchewan to change movie classification rules
The legislative amendments will save distributors thousands of dollars.
The Saskatchewan government has announced the creation of a new Film Content Information Act. It will change the rules for labeling, classification and approval of film content. The new rules will replace the current cumbersome and costly requirements.
"Currently, in Canada, films have to be classified by up to seven different bodies, each typically requiring a fee, which imposes a significant burden on cinema operators big and small," Justice Minister Bronwyn Eyre said. "The proposed bill will reduce red tape and costs while ensuring that consumers continue to be provided with clear, comprehensive film content information."
Currently, registration and distribution fees for members of the film industry in Saskatchewan can be as high as CA$ 440 per movie. The new law will eliminate this fee, resulting in a savings of approximately CA$ 65,000 per year. The updated law also adapts the regulatory framework to today's digital marketplace.
That said, provincial authorities still expect distributors to provide open and detailed information about the film's content:
- the age of the intended audience;
- the presence of erotic scenes or nudity;
- touching on adult topics;
- demonstration of violence;
- the presence of coarse/inappropriate language;
- the presence of scenes with substance use.
Pornographic and erotic films will still have an age classification rating.
The Cinema Association of Canada has already made its position official, welcoming Saskatchewan's new law. The organization praised it as a "significant and well-timed improvement".
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