Nearly 300 people stood near the College of Psychologists of Ontario’s (CPO) office to express their displeasure with prominent Canadian psychologist and author Dr. Jordan Peterson being investigated by the regulator. .“We are here to defend openly with passion and determination our freedom to express our own opinions against these tyrants who censor and impose on us their leftist orthodoxy,” said People’s Party of Canada (PPC) Leader Maxime Bernier at the Thursday event. .“I can tell you today that together we will win that battle because we are on the right side.” .Peterson said January 3 the CPO is demanding he do a course about social media etiquette. .READ MORE: Jordan Peterson says Ontario psychologist regulator requesting he do social media course.“BREAKING: the Ontario College of Psychologists @CPOntario has demanded that I submit myself to mandatory social-media communication retraining with their experts for, among other crimes, retweeting @PierrePoilievre and criticizing @JustinTrudeau and his political allies,” said Peterson. .He said he has to take social media training, with reports documenting his progress. If he objects, he will face an in-person tribunal hearing and suspension of his right to practice as a licensed clinical psychologist. .The protest saw people stand outside the CPO’s office holding signs with messages such as “CPO, don’t be ridiculous,” “What’s new, CPO,” and “Trudeau must go.” Protestors waved Canadian and Ontario flags as they moved around. .A large police presence was seen near the office. Barricades were set up, which protestors decorated with signs reading “Freedom of choice,” “Solidarity against tyranny,” and “Trudeau must go.” .People played music and chanted their support for Peterson. A stage was set up nearby, with speakers such as Bernier, suspended Ottawa family physician Dr. Mary O’Connor, and Church of God pastor Henry Hildebrandt. .Bernier said the protestors are standing up for regulated professionals such as psychologists, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and lawyers. He said these professionals fight for them. .The PPC leader went on to say bad guys "are always the ones who censor." .“We will win that battle for us, for our children, and for our country,” he said. .O’Connor said she stands with Peterson because she went through a similar experience with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO). She refused to hand over to the CPSO vaccine exemptions she wrote for patients. .“I was described as dishonourable and/or incompetent and really posed a risk to patients and society at large,” she said. .The CPSO sent four investigators after O’Connor and her charts. The investigators could come wherever she was, and no one could obstruct them. .Hildebrandt said regardless of what the CPO does, it will provide Peterson with momentum. .“We want the truth, and we want nothing but the truth,” said Hildebrandt. .Hildebrandt said protestors know what the CPO's after and understands it wants to bring leaders down. He called Peterson “a god-gifted leader.” .While Peterson was unable to attend because he is in the United Kingdom, he acknowledged the protest was going on. .“If you're not too busy this afternoon in Toronto,” he said.
