Dear Registrants,
Much has been written and discussed about the College over the past few months, so I will keep my message brief.
The College and its mandate are significantly different from that of an Association or the “guild.” The fiduciary duty of the regulator is to protect the public. This gives rise to the College’s legal authorization and duty to regulate the professions of psychology and ABA. The College has the ability to issue and to revoke registration. The College investigates allegations of professional misconduct, incompetence and incapacity, in a way that ensures procedural fairness for those who complain about the conduct of a registrant as well as for the registrants themselves. The College is also mandated to fund therapy for survivors of sexual abuse from registrants.
While individual registrants may also support the public interest, the fiduciary duty of professional Associations is to its members. This is one of the reasons why Associations offer discounted professional liability insurance which protects the registrant when receiving a complaint.
There are many occasions when regulators and Associations work collaboratively together (i.e. RxP project) and other times when they diverge, such as in the case of potential amendments to the registration regulation. At all times, however, a respect for the distinct duties is expected.
The College staff is also grateful for the varied and distinct voices on the College Board. Self-governance is a privilege based on a contract with society to place the needs of the public over that of professional interest. It is not an easy endeavour and can lead to vigorous debate within the Boardroom; this Board’s willingness to debate and discuss varying viewpoints is one of its most prized attributes and deeply appreciated by the staff. The ability to think divergently and then to arrive at an accepted decision through a quorum of the Board is a delicate balance. The Board is wise to evaluate multiple perspectives of complex issues prior to rendering a decision, which then is supported with “one voice.”
As of July 1, 2024, we became the College of Psychologists and Behaviour Analysts of Ontario, and we haven’t looked back. Behaviour Analysts on the Board of Directors have been fundamental to the College and have added valued perspectives. Our public Board members are also integral to ensuring that the College’s public interest mandate remains front and centre. Having public and diverse professional voices on the Board of Directors helps promote decision-making in the interest of the public, and not the professions.
The College staff remain fully committed to executing the decisions of the Board of Directors, and we do so with a sense of pride. We thank the Board for their work, and to all registrants who have remained engaged with the College’s work.