Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The College of Psychologists of Ontario is committed to continuing its work on issues of equity, diversity, and inclusion as they relate to our organizational practices and processes. This webpage is intended to be a dynamic resource which will change as the environment evolves and the College addresses matters meaningfully and proactively.

The College is committed to identifying any regulatory practices that may reflect systemic prejudice or discrimination and it urges all members to do the same within their practices, organizations, and professional lives. To this end, in 2020 the College established an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Working Group tasked with identifying any issues of racism, systemic discrimination or bias that may be present within the College and its regulatory processes, as well as the larger profession. The members of the Working Group represent diversity of race, colour, being Indigenous, places of origin, religions, ethnic origins, sexual orientations, and gender identities; reflective of the diversity of our members and the clients our members serve. The Working Group is first focusing on possible discrimination or bias in the College regulatory processes. It will then turn its attention outward toward the profession, in general.

Definitions*

In undertaking its tasks, the Working Group agreed to a set of definitions to ensure a common understanding of “equity, diversity, and inclusion”. The definitions reflect the Working Group’s focus on the potential for systemic prejudice, bias and discrimination related to race, colour, being Indigenous, place of origin, religion, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical disability, age and religion.

Equity is the removal of systemic barriers and biases to enact the practice of inclusion so that all individuals have equal access to and can benefit from programs, processes, activities, or services.

Diversity is defined as differences in race, colour, being Indigenous, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status, physical disability, age and religion.

Inclusion is the act of creating environments in which all individuals and groups who are systemically underserved, underrepresented, and disproportionately disadvantaged because of their diversity status, are supported to fully participate in processes, activities, and decision-making. It involves removal of barriers (e.g., physical, procedural, visible, invisible, intentional, unintentional) that inhibit participation and contribution.

*Definitions adapted from:

The College’s Role as Regulator

The College’s mandate is to protect the public interest through the regulation of the practice of psychology.  In doing so, it must always consider and reflect upon its role as regulator with respect to the important issues of diversity, equity and inclusion; a role which is distinct from that of a professional association, whose mandate includes advocacy.

While advocacy falls outside of the College mandate, we do have a key role in providing guidance and resources to our members that empower them to employ sound clinical and ethical judgment in making decisions that will benefit the individuals, families, and communities being served. This includes considerations that members must take into account related to equity, diversity and inclusion.

College Updates

College Resources

External Resources for Members

As part of its commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, the College’s EDI Working Group has prepared a list of resources and readings to assist members in thinking about and understanding these concepts and to encourage members to reflect on them within their own practice.

Online Resources

Readings and Practice Guidelines

We will continue to add resources and updates as they are available.