An Ontario court’s recent ruling against psychologist Jordan Peterson has reignited debates about free speech and professional conduct.
The court upheld the decision of the College of Psychologists of Ontario, requiring Peterson to undergo social media training or risk losing his licence to practise, according to CTV News.
In a unanimous decision released on Wednesday, three judges of the Ontario Divisional Court supported the regulatory body’s stance.
The case revolved around Peterson’s controversial online statements and language, sparking a broader discussion about the responsibilities and limitations of professionals in the digital age.
Justice Paul Schabas, the author of the ruling, defended the college’s order as a balanced approach to regulating the psychology profession.
He highlighted that the directive was not meant to be punitive but to ensure professionalism in public statements, emphasising that Peterson’s freedom to express his views on contentious topics would not be impeded.
Peterson had previously argued that his online statements were personal opinions and not reflective of his clinical psychologist role.
However, the court rejected this argument, noting Peterson’s self-identification as a clinical psychologist while engaging in public discourse that he claims assists millions of people.
Justice Schabas asserted, “Peterson cannot have it both ways: he cannot speak as a member of a regulated profession without taking responsibility for the risk of harm that flows from him speaking in that trusted capacity.”
The contentious psychologist, a retired professor from the University of Toronto, achieved prominence through polarizing YouTube videos critiquing liberal culture and a bestselling self-help book titled “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos.”
The College of Psychologists of Ontario, the governing body overseeing the province’s psychologists, had received complaints since at least 2018 regarding Peterson’s online commentary on a range of subjects, spanning from gender transitions to climate change.
Despite having ceased patient consultations in 2017, Peterson remained a registered member of the professional body.
The court case highlighted specific complaints, including posts directed at Canadian politicians, a plus-sized Sports Illustrated model, and transgender actor Elliot Page.
Last November, the college’s complaints committee found Peterson’s comments “may be engaging in degrading, demeaning, and unprofessional comments,” especially concerning an appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. During the podcast, he identified himself as a clinical psychologist and allegedly demeaned a former client, potentially violating the college’s ethics code.
The committee concluded that certain remarks made by Peterson posed “moderate risks of harm to the public,” including undermining public trust in the psychology profession and the college’s regulatory capacity.
