Canadian psychologist and author Jordan Peterson has announced he has moved to the U.S. because of professional and political challenges in Canada.
In a recent episode of The Mikhaila Peterson Podcast, hosted by his daughter, Peterson cited his feud with the College of Psychologists of Ontario and concerns about a contentious bill targeting hate speech as among the key reasons for his decision to leave Canada.
Peterson’s departure could be seen as symbolizing conservative dissatisfaction some Canadians feel with the country’s governance under Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as well as his own criticism on perceived restriction of free speech.
“The issue with the College of Psychologists is very annoying, to say the least, and the new legislation that the Liberals are attempting to push through, Bill C-63, we’d all be living in a totalitarian hellhole if it passes,” Peterson said.
Jordan Peterson addresses the 5th Demographic Summit in the Fine Arts Museum in Budapest, Hungary, on September 14, 2023. Peterson has announced that he has moved to the U.S. from Canada. Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP/Getty Images
“The tax situation is out of hand. The government in Canada at the federal level is incompetent beyond belief, and it’s become uncomfortable for me in my neighborhood in Toronto,” he added.
Newsweek has contacted Peterson’s office for comment via email.
Peterson did not specify where in the U.S. he has relocated but noted that one advantage is being closer to his daughter, who lives in Arizona.
Peterson has been at odds with the College of Psychologists of Ontario since its Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee mandated in 2022 that he undergo social media communication retraining or risk losing his license.
The college said it had received complaints dating back to 2018 about Peterson’s social media posts on topics such as transgenderism, racism, and the response to COVID-19.
The Canadian Supreme Court dismissed Peterson’s appeal against the college’s decision in August.