The crtc endorses parental control of tv viewing with the injection of the Canadian rating systems into programming and the V-chip system into all Canadian tv sets.

In commending the broadcast industry’s recent commitment to begin encoding Canadian rating systems in their programs so that the V-chip system can be made available to Canadian families, the commission recognizes the recent work of Action Group on Violence on Television, which has been encouraging tv manufacturers to ensure tv sets sold in Canada be compatible with the Canadian rating systems.

In a report to the crtc, agvot noted that approximately 200,000 homes now have tvs with V-chips that will accept the Canadian rating systems.

The advocacy group has subsequently formed an encoding implementation committee to oversee the final stage of encoding the rating systems into tv programs, a process set to begin Jan. 8, 2001, with a two-month phase-in period.

By Feb. 28, 2001, agvot projects the Canadian broadcast system will be V-chip ready.

Until V-chip technology becomes widely available, the commission expects broadcasters to continue showing on-screen ratings. *