Dr. Jordan Peterson, an outspoken and distinguished psychologist and professor, has been fighting the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) over statements made on social media.

The CPO is the governing body licensing professional psychologists in the province. Those licenced under the CPO are expected to follow a standard of professional conduct.

This case is about where that expectation of ‘professional conduct’ ends, and the individual’s right to freedom of speech begins.

The accusations were based on comments made on the subjects of ‘gender-affirming care’ for children (which he sees as a crime against humanity), a discussion regarding the current climate change ‘scam’ and harsh criticisms of Trudeau and other officials; all of which apparently resulted in complaints. The CPO responded by mandating ‘re-education training’ to correct his behaviour.

Dr. Peterson sought to appeal the decision and has now reached the end of that effort, with the Supreme Court of Canada dismissing his final appeal request with costs.

In his own words, “I am now bereft of options on the legal front in Canada.”

Our Supreme Court has again demonstrated that the inalienable rights afforded us under our Charter are subject to their discretion. In this case, they have determined that those of us licensed under a governing body (teachers, doctors, engineers…) forgo those freedoms by the very act of becoming educated in our fields, and that those governing bodies are entitled to restrict our rights as they see fit. As Dr. Peterson stated, “This is a serious blow to free speech in Canada.”

Nothing Dr. Peterson has stated should be dismissed. He is a highly regarded expert that speaks on many important subjects; each point a well-informed opinion or a verifiable fact.

If all professionals bow to the whims of these agencies, there will be none left that we can trust to speak the truth. Apparently there is no end to the ‘expectation of professional conduct’ and as a result, no room left for individual freedom of speech and expression.

To read the Epoch Times article written by Jennifer Cowan, click here