Oscar-winning director Ang Lee came out against Bill C-10 in a talk to filmmakers in Vancouver on Sunday, saying it would restrict free speech.

Lee was in the city on a private visit and had agreed to speak to young filmmakers at the request of Mayor Sam Sullivan.

Ang Lee, shown holding his award for outstanding Taiwanese filmmaker of the year at the Golden Horse Awards last December, told young filmmakers to fight Bill C-10.
(Wally Santana/Associated Press)

Lee urged the filmmakers to fight the bill, which has been passed by the House of Commons and is before the Senate.

Bill C-10 would deny tax credits to Canadian films the federal government deems unacceptable, though foreign films made in Canada would not be affected.

"People should be free to say anything," said Lee, adding that the bill would have the effect of censoring films.

Lee, director of Brokeback Mountain, pointed out that he was not censored in making the film about gay cowboys, which was shot in Alberta.

Heritage Minister Josee Verner reacted to the speech by calling Lee's statements "completely erroneous."

"Our government is determined to ensure freedom of expression and will continue to support the production of entertaining and high quality content," Verner said in a statement.

"We are reaching out to industry to work with them on Bill C-10. Together, we will find the best solution for the industry, for Canadian citizens and taxpayers."

The film industry is battling against the provision, which would allow a government committee to vet films that may have been approved for credits in advance.

In hearings before the Senate earlier this month, Sarah Polley, Wendy Crewson and directors and producers from the film industry said the bill would make it difficult for filmmakers to secure funding.

With files from the Canadian Press