Just over a hundred people gathered in front of the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) on Eglinton Avenue West on Wednesday afternoon to show support for Dr. Jordan Peterson.
The protest, organized by Bethan Nodwell and Stacey Kauder, comes in the face of recent backlash surrounding the CPO’s proposal of disciplinary action against the University of Toronto Professor Emeritus’ comments made on Twitter and on a Joe Rogan podcast episode aired on Jan. 25, 2022.
The CPO – the regulatory body responsible for the safeguarding of the “public interest” by “regulating the practice of psychology” across the province – threatened to remove Peterson’s clinical licence if he doesn’t undergo a mandatory “coaching program” for his lack of “professionalism in public statements.”
In retaliation, Peterson has since filed a Notice of Application for Judicial Review with the Ontario Divisional Court, mounting a legal challenge against the College arguing that their actions violate his Charter right to freedom of expression.
The Toronto protest drew support from all different corners of the province, with some protestors coming as far as Barrie and London to stand in solidarity with the professor. While the demonstration’s primary purpose was to rally in support of Peterson, many attendees saw this as an occasion to stand up for freedom of speech and the right to protest for all Canadians.
For Mississauga nurse Brenda, who lost her job in Oct. 2021 due to vaccine mandates, the protest had a dual purpose.
“I came to the protest today because I am a supporter of Jordan Peterson. I admire and appreciate what he stands for. I also came to break free from the tyrannical implementation of these mandates which have affected many of us including myself. Still in the medical realm, these mandates have not been lifted, so I can’t utilise my God-given skills to support my community,” she said.
Ottawa physician Mary O’Connor and PPC leader Maxime Bernier spoke to the crowds – along with a virtual visit from EU Member of Parliament Christine Anderson – expressing support for Peterson while also acknowledging the importance of freedom of speech and expression in a democracy.
Bernier said he came to support Peterson, but also to support “courageous Canadians who were silenced,” referring to those who lost their jobs because of “their convictions.”
“Freedom of expression is the most important of all freedoms. Without it, you’re not free anymore. All these regulatory bodies and authoritarian politicians who censor us must stop. The bad guys are always the ones who censor,” he said. “I believe it is a new beginning right now. It is important to be here. It is important to win the battle: to regain our freedom. We will win that battle for us, for our children and for our country. ”
While protest attendee Adam Czarnota thought that some of Peterson’s tweets were insensitive, he maintained that this doesn’t give the CPO authority to take away his professional licence. He said that he originally attended the rally to “see what it was all about,” and was pleasantly surprised with what he saw.
“It’s nice to see character in Canadians. It’s not something you usually see,” he said.
