Renowned Canadian psychologist and university professor Jordan Peterson has decided to leave his homeland, citing frustration with its political climate and increasing restrictions on free speech.
Peterson, known for his conservative views and outspoken criticism of liberal ideologies, is relocating to the United States, a move he recently discussed on his daughter Mikhaila Peterson’s podcast.
Peterson’s clashes with the Ontario-based College of Psychologists and Canada’s federal government have been highly publicized. The College threatened to revoke his license to practice psychology after his controversial remarks about “trans[gender] insanity” and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The College demanded Peterson undergo a “re-education” program to address his public statements, a condition he challenged in court but ultimately lost. Undeterred, Peterson announced plans to record the training sessions and share them publicly.
It's worse than you think @elonmusk
— Dr Jordan B Peterson (@jordanbpeterson) August 24, 2023
My tweets criticizing the trans insanity and @justintrudeau are the putative reason
The judges are progressives appointed by @JustinTrudeau
and all professionals in Canada are so terrified of their "professional" regulatory bodies that they…
“Bring it on,” he said in August 2023, vowing to expose the process with “utter transparency.”
While Peterson’s personal and professional conflicts in Canada played a role in his decision, he stated that his move was primarily driven by the country’s political situation.
On the podcast, Mikhaila welcomed her father to the United States, formally marking his relocation. “Dad, welcome to my podcast, and welcome to moving to America,” she said.
Peterson described his new home as offering “decided advantages,” including proximity to his daughter, who is based in Arizona. However, his motivations went beyond personal reasons.
One key factor was Canada’s proposed Bill C-63, also known as the Online Harms Act. The legislation is intended to address harmful online content, hate speech, and hate crimes. However, critics, including Peterson, have warned it poses a significant threat to free expression.
“I’d be living in a totalitarian hellhole if that legislation passes, and it could well pass,” Peterson said.
He also criticized Canada’s high taxes and what he described as “incompetent” federal governance. Additionally, he mentioned feeling increasingly uncomfortable in his Toronto neighborhood.
Despite his criticisms, Peterson admitted to feeling conflicted about leaving Canada, the country he called home for decades.
“There’s sorrow in it, too,” he told Mikhaila. While his daughter praised the sunny weather in Arizona, Peterson remained somewhat unconvinced that the move was entirely positive.
Peterson’s legal and professional challenges in Canada remain unresolved. He revealed that the mandated re-education program has yet to take place, reportedly because the College of Psychologists struggled to find someone willing to carry out the training.
“They couldn’t find anybody to ‘re-educate’ me,” Peterson said, adding that the College might have recruited someone from outside Canada who is unfamiliar with the situation. He described the selected individual as a potential “sacrificial lamb” in the ongoing conflict.
Peterson’s move to the U.S. marks a significant turning point in his career and personal life. While he expressed disappointment in the state of his home country, he appears optimistic about his future in the United States. His decision underscores his commitment to opposing restrictions on free speech and advocating for conservative values, regardless of the challenges he faces.