What is a Syndic ?

The Syndic is an independent employee appointed by each professional order.

The Syndic of the Ordre des psychologues du Québec is a psychologist. His or her role is to receive reports from the public, verify whether the allegations are well founded by investigating, and decide whether a complaint should be filed with the Disciplinary Council. When a complaint is filed, the Syndic becomes the official complainant and assumes all responsibilities.

In addition, the Office of the Syndic is responsible for informing members of the Ordre and the general public about applicable ethics and professional conduct. It also conducts investigations in the event of disagreements over fees charged for work agreed upon and done and may carry out an account conciliation. The information obtained by telephone or e-mail may be sufficient to resolve the issue and avoid a complaint.

The Syndic's powers

The Quebec Professional Code gives the Syndic broad investigative powers. In particular, the Syndic can require you to provide him or her with any information or document useful to the investigation. Moreover, members of the Ordre have very clear obligations toward the Syndic conducting the investigation and must cooperate fully with him or her: they must not hinder the investigation, encourage a third party not to cooperate, or forbid that person to disclose information concerning him or her. Moreover, the Syndic acts independently of any outside influence.