Television Content Rating Systems - Canada

Canada

The Canadian TV Classification System was created in late 1997 for English-language programmers to use in conjunction with the V-chip. The upper-right corner of the Canadian age rating symbols are shaped like the corner of a maple leaf, like the national flag. The rating is intended to be shown once an hour lasting 15 seconds, although in the case of longer programs that do not start on the hour, some broadcasters show the rating at the start and at the top of each subsequent clock hour, while others show the rating at the start and again precisely one hour later. However, there are some networks like Global that only display the television rating at the beginning of the show.

The ratings are displayed in upper-left corner and the size should be a minimum of 52 scan lines tall.

Additionally, should a program contain content potentially unsuitable for some viewers, such as violence, coarse language, or nudity, members of the self-regulating Canadian Broadcast Standards Council (which does not include the CBC) are required to air a disclaimer at the beginning of the program and at the end of each commercial break, advising viewer discretion (such disclaimers are only required for the first hour if airing after 9:00 pm). This disclaimer is technically required even if the final commercial break comes immediately before the closing credits, and some (but not all) channels in fact observe this.

Notably, the television rating given may depend on the level of cable and satellite, or if the program is broadcast over-the-air. Also, television ratings are generally considered more restricted than movie ratings.