What is the Disciplinary Council?

The Disciplinary Council is a quasi-judicial tribunal independent of the Ordre. It is composed of a lawyer appointed by the government and two psychologists appointed by the Ordre's Board of Directors. The Disciplinary Council receives complaints filed by a Syndic or private complainant against a psychologist or psychotherapist who is not a member of a professional order, hears the evidence, and determines whether there has been a breach of professional laws and applicable regulations. Where applicable, the Council may order imposition of one or more of the following penalties provided for in the Professional Code:

• Reprimand
• Temporary or permanent striking off the roll
• Fine of $2,500 to $62,500 for each offence
• Obligation to return to any person to whom it belongs a sum of money that the professional holds or should hold for him or her
• Obligation to communicate a document or any information contained therein, and the obligation to complete, delete, update or rectify such a document or information
• Revocation of the psychologist’s or psychotherapist’s permit
• Limitation or suspension of the right to engage in professional activities

Disciplinary Council hearings are public unless the Council orders them to be held in camera. The calendar of disciplinary hearings indicates the identity of the psychologist or psychotherapist concerned, the nature of the complaint, and the place and time of the hearings.

Parties dissatisfied with the decisions rendered by the Disciplinary Council may appeal to the Tribunal des professions once the “not guilty” decision or the decision ordering imposition of a penalty has been rendered. However, if the complaint was filed by the Office of the Syndic, only the Syndic and the psychologist or psychotherapist concerned by the complaint may appeal the decision.

To find out whether a psychologist or psychotherapist who is not a member of a professional order has a disciplinary file, contact the Disciplinary Council Secretariat at info@ordrepsy.qc.ca.

To consult decisions rendered by the Disciplinary Council since June 2001, visit the SOQUIJ website (French only).