It is a busy and exciting time at the College. Our number of registrants has significantly increased as a result of welcoming Behaviour Analysts. With this new membership comes new energy to improve how we regulate psychological and behaviour analysis care in Ontario. Since proclamation of the new Act on July 1, 2024, we conducted the inaugural election for the Behaviour Analyst seats on Council (the Board of Directors). The is a crucial symbol of ABA’s entrance into self-regulation in Ontario; a social contract to uphold the best interests of the pubic over self or professional interest.
With this exponential increase in scale also comes new challenges to operate the College efficiently, to process applications and to address inquiries, complaints, and reports, along with all of the College’s other statutory duties. This is no small task, but the College, including the staff, Council, Committees, and Working Groups, are up for the challenge. Although it is new that ABA and psychology are now regulated by the same College, it will be business as usual; we will expect the same high standards of our registrants, and so will the Ontario public.
I end my Registrar’s message with the recent case that involved one of our registrants and the Supreme Court of Canada. The finding is publicly available here, as is the Divisional Court Decision. I would like to make clear that the College does not discuss their registrants’ cases outside of what is available in the public space. This is meant to preserve the dignity and confidentiality of both the registrant and the member(s) of the public involved in the inquiries, complaints, and reports process. The College respects all registrants’ rights under the law, including the attempt to have decisions appealed to the Courts. Although the College is pleased with the decision, it is also acknowledged that this process has been difficult for all involved.
Sincerely,
Tony DeBono, MBA, Ph.D., C.Psych.
Registrar & Executive Director