Manitoba adopting B.C. film ratings

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government says it’s dismantling its Film Classification Board and replacing it with the classifications designated by Consumer Protection British Columbia.

Culture Minister Cathy Cox says she sees no problem accepting the standards of another province, especially one with an NDP government.

Cox says the move would make it easier for distributors who pay the cost of classifying films and video games shown and sold in Manitoba.

Film festivals would be permitted under the changes to classify their own films, or use classifications provided by other jurisdictions.

The government agency, which has been in existence since 1911, regulates the public exhibition of film and also licenses and regulates the rental and sales of videos, DVDs and video games for home entertainment.

The board’s website says it has at least 16 members – mostly parents – who are appointed by the province’s lieutenant-governor.

“This is not about cost,” said Cox.

“This is making it easier for distributors. This is an opportunity to reduce our footprint and to reduce red tape.”

Cox was not immediately aware of how many film classifications get challenged in Manitoba, but her staff did supply figures on Tuesday for classifying 377 films in Manitoba in 2016-2017.

Of those productions, 52 were listed as general, 181 fell under parental guidance, 125 required parental accompaniment under 14 years of age, 18 required parental accompaniment for viewers under 18, and one was restricted. The restricted film could not be identified. Four film classifications were appealed.