Film Censorship In Canada

Censorship in Canada takes varies forms through different mass media to standardize the freedom of expression in public. The government control and regulation are deep-rooted in film industry since movies have been shown in theatres since early 1990s. Film censorship often examines the issues of obscenity and sexuality on the stand of Canada’s Criminal code. It also reflects government’s policy on protecting public interest and maintaining community standards (Quinn, 2009). Film censorship that assigned to provincial film boards promote regional distinctions and coexistence of national pride. The shift from an outright censorship that banned movies and demanded cuts to a mode of classification reflects the idea of Neo-liberalism. The
Each province has its own legislation regarding censorship, censor board and supervisory (Motion Picture Association). Such power not only allows the government to reach the audiences more efficiently, it also reflects the idea of community standard. In “Research on community standards,” Lee points out the fact that Canada has a small population that spread across in a large continent often result in different cultural values and beliefs (Lee, 2003). The community standard in each region is determined by its own history and culture which is not necessarily synonymous with the development of other parts of the country. In term of movie content, what may consider suitable for certain groups of audiences in Quebec may be very different in Alberta. The distribution of power in film censorship allows for regional distinctions to coexist with a communal feeling of strong national pride (Lee,
The shift from an outright censorship that banned movies and demanded cuts to a mode of classification reflects the idea of Neo-liberalism. The legislative form of classification and the introduction of Bill-C 10 shows a strong aspect of government control on the field of production and distribution of cinema. Film as an important cultural industry plays an important role on influencing our understanding and knowledge of the world. Limiting the content of violence, obscenity and representation of sexuality indeed could protect audiences from harm, but there is also a need to concern how the federal government seek to control content or messages of films for its political reasons and to restrict public