One of today’s most influential intellectuals, Jordan Peterson, risks losing his professional license as a psychologist for making a post that the Government of Canada did not like.

The College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) penalized him for posting criticism of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Twitter and also for sharing a post by the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, MP Pierre Poilievre.

The CPO now obliges him to follow a “compulsory refresher course” in communication and social media with experts from the College. Retweeting the phrases of Poilievre – who once served as the country’s democratic reform minister – and criticizing Trudeau and his political allies was considered “almost a crime”.

“I have been accused of harming people, although none of the complainants are patient. I am on my way to training, with reports documenting my progress. »

The psychologist wrote that if he refuses to participate in the training, he must face a court for the suspension of his right to act as a clinical psychologist. He was concerned about the freedom of expression of those who disagree with the government’s actions.

Attack on freedom of expression

The consequences for his postings and for the practice of his free speech are disproportionate, according to Peterson: “I face public shaming, mandatory political re-education, a disciplinary hearing and the potential loss of my clinical license. ”

For the psychologist, the situation in Canada has been uncomfortable for professionals, who could see their livelihoods and reputations seriously threatened for agreeing with the official opposition and criticizing important government figures.

“Canadians: their doctors, lawyers, psychologists and other professionals are now so intimidated by their overlords that they are afraid to tell the truth. It means their legal care and advice has become dangerously unreliable,” he wrote.

It should be noted that Peterson has 15 million followers on his social networks and the number of complaints about his way of communicating is negligible.

“About a dozen people around the world (of the 15 million who follow me on social media) filed complaints about my public statements on Twitter and on the Rogan show over a four-year period. This group claimed that I ‘hurt’ people (not them) with my opinions,” he explained.

“It’s concerning,” said Elon Musk

Upon hearing what happened, Elon Musk – who now owns Twitter – spoke out by typing two exclamation points.

Jordan Peterson replied: “It’s worse than you think Canada @elonmusk. Regulated professionals are now being terrorized into silence by their respective colleges. This means they are no longer able to say what they believe to be true And who needs that from their lawyers, doctors or psychologists?”

And Musk replied: “This is extremely disturbing!”

“I will not submit to rehabilitation”

According to information from CBN News, Peterson has filed for judicial review with the Ontario Court and says he will refuse to comply with the training which aims to “re-educate the way he communicates.”

“I practiced my profession for 20 years without being investigated, it only started when I became public figure eminent”, he justified.

The professional also shared on Twitter the long list of mandatory requirements he must meet due to his comments. The requirements include his participation in a training program for which Peterson would have to pay.

Writing in an article published by the National Post on January 4, he said: “I will not comply. I will not submit to rehabilitation. My opinions were fully justified.

“It seems to be about identity, ego and superego. You could ask a psychologist about it,” the Wall Street Journal editors joked, in Peterson’s defense.

They also criticized the College of Psychologists of Ontario for its campaign to “re-educate” Peterson for “speaking his mind.”

In an article published by the newspaper, the council further wrote, “Professional bodies must ensure that professionals are competent, not impose political orthodoxies or act as out-of-office language policemen.”