Jordan Peterson, the renowned Canadian psychologist and professor, has officially emigrated to the United States, citing growing frustration with liberal policies in Canada. Peterson, known for his outspoken conservative views, has faced increasing scrutiny in his home country, particularly from the Ontario-based College of Psychologists.
The regulatory body targeted Peterson for his criticisms of “transgender insanity” and his vocal opposition to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Last year, the College of Psychologists demanded Peterson undergo a “re-education” program or risk losing his license to practice. Peterson refused, prompting a legal battle that ultimately did not go in his favor.
Peterson announced his move during an episode of his daughter Mikhaila Peterson’s podcast earlier this month.
“Dad, welcome to my podcast, and welcome to moving to America, formally,” Mikhaila said in the episode, celebrating the decision.
When asked how he felt about leaving Canada, Peterson responded with characteristic candor, expressing relief at the opportunity to live in a country he believes aligns more closely with his values of free speech and individual liberty.
In August 2023, a Canadian court upheld an order from a governing body for psychologists that requires Dr. Jordan Peterson to undergo re-education training.
The order follows complaints from strangers who were offended by Peterson’s views opposing left-wing ideologies.
The College of Psychologists of Ontario said Peterson’s comments were degrading, demeaning and unprofessional” and risk “undermining public trust in the profession of psychology, and trust in the college’s ability to regulate the profession in the public interest.”
Peterson’s “demeaning” comments included criticizing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his former chief of staff Gerald Butts, suggesting a doctor conducting a transgender surgery was a “criminal physician,” and retweeting a comment that the extent of COVID-19 lockdowns were unnecessary.
Peterson wrote in an article in the National Post, “I’m not complying. I’m not submitting to re-education. I am not admitting that my viewpoints — many of which have, by the way, been entirely justified by the facts that have emerged since the complaints were levied — were either wrong or unprofessional.”
“I have done nothing to compromise those in my care; quite the contrary — I have served all my clients and the millions of people I am communicating with to the best of my ability and in good faith, and that’s that,” he wrote.
