The Ontario College of Psychologists (OCP) deemed it necessary for Peterson to go through social-media communication retraining with their experts because of his posts, which are by the way, not related to the practice of psychology. The professor was informed of a dozen complaints about him from people all over the world, not by any individuals Peterson has ever treated.
"I am to take a course of such training – with reports documenting my 'progress' or face an in-person tribunal and suspension of my right to operate as a licensed clinical psychologist," he reported. "We are now in a situation in Canada under @JustinTrudeau where practicing professionals can have their livelihoods and public reputations threatened in a very serious manner for agreeing with the official opposition and criticizing major government figures." (Related: Online censorship is killing free thought and ushering in period of left-wing tyranny: Matt Taibbi.)
Peterson actually applied for a judicial review arguing that OCP had no say in his personal online commentary, but the application was dismissed by the Ontario Divisional Court. As per CBC, the ruling asserted that "the college's decision falls within its mandate to regulate the profession in the public interest and does not affect his freedom of expression." Back in January, the College required that Peterson work with either Dr. Erika Abner or Gail Siskind, RN, MA, to review, reflect on, and ameliorate his professionalism in public statements. He was also told to "complete the 'Coaching Program' within six months of receiving the ICRC decision in the matter."
The costs of all of the "training" were for Peterson to pay. These mentioned consultants charge a hefty $225 per hour rate and the program could also be extended at the discretion of the coach if his progress was not to their liking.
Peterson told CBC News, "I'll comply with their regulations, but I'm not going to do it in secret. And the reason I'm not going to do it in secret is because I don't believe I've done anything wrong." He added that he "will video-record all further hearings and 'mandatory re-education training courses." He will also broadcast them unedited on YouTube for the world to see. "I swear it by all that is holy," he vowed.
He also expressed, via a tweet on X prior to the verdict, that he stands by what he has said and done and wishes them luck in their continued prosecution. "They're going to need it. I tweeted and otherwise expressed my opposition to trans surgery butchery, @JustinTrudeau and his minions, and the lying climate apocalypse-mongers. All that's looking pretty good from my end. And if I can't express such opinions in Canada, I will let the world know," he said.
The decision of an Ontario court re the allegations levied against me by @CPOntario is due tomorrow.
I stand by what I have said and done and wish them luck in their continued prosecution.
They're going to need it.
I tweeted and otherwise expressed my opposition to trans…
— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) August 22, 2023
The psychologist would hold on to his professional licensing in Ontario, because according to him, "I deserve it. I earned it. I haven't done anything to justify suspending it, and I don't want to give the hyenas their bones."
OCP has a Code of Ethics, as referenced in a document obtained by the Post Millennial, which states that "personal behavior becomes a concern of the discipline only if it is of such a nature that it undermines public trust in the discipline as a whole or if it raises questions about the psychologist's ability to carry out appropriately his/her responsibilities as a psychologist."
An online petition has been set up, calling on OCP to rescind the unreasonable, undemocratic, and punitive decision to sentence Peterson to mandatory reeducation.
Health regulators and free speech advocates monitor the case
This particular case caught the attention of free speech advocates and regulators in other professions, including the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario.
Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) Executive Director Noa Mendelsohn Aviv said in a statement that the CCLA doesn't endorse Peterson's views, but still argued in court that professional regulatory bodies shouldn't be policing speech that is not directly connected to professional practice. "Freedom of expression is a right that no individual gives up just because they join a regulated profession," she said.
Meanwhile, Chief Legal Officer for the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario Carolyn Silver, who appeared at the hearing on behalf of the college in its intervention, said the college welcomes the decision.
"The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario is pleased with the court's decision confirming that members of regulated health professions are expected to maintain high standards of conduct, which at times may result in some curtailment of their freedom of expression," she said in a statement on Wednesday. "In our view, the decision again confirms that when a regulated health professional breaches expectations set by its regulator, including with respect to public speech, the regulator is best situated to assess and address the potential harm to public trust and confidence in the profession."
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