Canadian rating systems

The TV rating systems in Canada are based on the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) policy on violence in television programming.

While violence is the most important content element to be rated, the rating also takes into consideration other program content such as language, nudity, sexuality, and mature themes.

Canadian English ratings

When setting controls on the Canadian rating systems, you can choose either the Canadian English ratings or the Canadian French ratings.

Rating

Canadian English rating description

 

 

 

Age

E

Exempt: Includes news, sports, documentaries, and other information programming.

 

 

 

 

C

Children: Intended for younger children under the age of 8 years. Pays careful attention to

 

 

themes that could threaten their sense of security and well-being.

 

 

 

 

C8+

Children over 8 years old: Contains no portrayal of violence as the preferred, acceptable, or

 

 

only way to resolve conflict; does not encourage children to imitate dangerous acts that they

 

 

may see on the screen.

 

 

 

 

G

General: Considered acceptable for all age groups. Appropriate viewing for the entire family;

 

 

contains very little violence—physical, verbal, or emotional.

 

 

 

 

PG

Parental guidance: Intended for a general audience, but may not be suitable for younger

 

 

children (under the age of 8), because it could contain controversial themes or issues.

 

 

 

 

14+

Over 14 years: Could contain themes where violence is one of the dominant elements of the

 

 

storyline, but it must be integral to the development of plot or character. Language usage could

 

 

be profane and nudity present within the context of the theme.

 

 

 

 

18+

Adults: Intended for viewers 18 years and older, and might contain depictions of violence,

 

 

which, while related to the development of plot, character, or themes, are intended for adult

 

 

viewing. Could contain graphic language and portrayals of sex and nudity.

 

 

 

76HP MediaSmart HDTV User Guide