I have sadly learned of the passing of Dr. Barbara Wand. Dr. Wand holds a very important place in the history of the College of Psychologists of Ontario as she played an integral role in the regulation of Psychology in Ontario and across North America.
In 1974, Dr. Wand was appointed to the Ontario Board of Examiners in Psychology (OBEP), the predecessor to the College of Psychologists. After serving two years as a member of the Board, she became the first woman to be named Registrar of OBEP, a position she held until her retirement in 1991.
Dr. Wand was the first Canadian to be elected President (1983-1984) of what is now the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB); the alliance of state, provincial, and territorial psychology regulatory agencies responsible for psychology licensure and certification throughout the United States and Canada. In 1975, International Women’s Year, Dr. Wand chaired the Canadian Psychological Association Task Force on the Status of Women.
Some of us were fortunate to have had the privilege of meeting Dr. Wand on various occasions but for many Dr. Barbara Wand is best remembered for the Barbara Wand Seminar in Professional Ethics, Standards and Conduct. The Seminar was established by the Board of Examiners, upon her retirement as Registrar, to recognize her achievements in the regulation of the practice of Psychology. Her significant contributions were also recognized by the Ontario Psychological Association which established the Barbara Wand Award for Excellence in the Area of Professional Ethics and Standards.
On behalf of the College of Psychologists, I want to extend our sincerest condolences to Dr. Wand’s family, her friends, and many colleagues. A copy of the obituary prepared by Dr. Wand’s family can be found by clicking here.
Rick Morris, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Registrar & Executive Director