The Association of Canadian Psychology Regulatory Organizations (ACPRO) supports equity, diversity and inclusion and invites all regulated members of the profession of psychology in Canada to stand up, speak out and to work collaboratively to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination. We advocate that all psychology regulatory bodies commit to identifying regulatory practices that promote equity, diversity and inclusion. We encourage all regulated members in Canada to examine their own personal and professional beliefs/actions and to work toward equity and justice for all. Most especially, as health service providers, psychologists should be fully aware of the valuable contribution they can make to promoting Health Equity and Cultural Humility as means to ensure the safe, ethical, and competent provision of services to the public.
Health inequity is widespread and persistent in Canada, and is caused by social, political, and economic inequities and the prejudices stemming from racism and other forms of discrimination. Health Equity can only be achieved through a genuine and ongoing effort to increase awareness of (1) the role of personal factors within the health care professional (e.g., the role of privilege leading to unconscious bias) and (2) the role of broader systemic factors within society (e.g., factors within society that lead to inequitable access to health care services for certain groups). One starting point for promoting Health Equity is Cultural Humility (the ongoing process of self-exploration and self-critique combined with a willingness to learn from others) and the application of this awareness in practice in the form of creating Cultural Safety (the condition wherein a person feels accepted in psychological, physical, mental, socioeconomic, sexual, and spiritual terms). Making these changes will require a commitment to life-long learning, self-reflection and continuing competence.
The overarching or primary principle underlying the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (CPA), Fourth Edition (2017) is Respect for the Dignity of Persons and Peoples. “This principle, with its emphasis on inherent worth, non-discrimination, moral rights, distributive, social and natural justice”[1], is given the greatest weight in the CPA ethical decision-making model. “In doing so psychologists acknowledge that all human beings have a moral right to have their worth as human beings appreciated and that this inherent worth is not dependent on one’s culture, nationality, ethnicity, colour, race, religion, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental abilities, age socio-economic status, or any other preference or personal characteristic, condition, or status. As such, psychologists do not engage in unjust discrimination based on such factors and promote non-discrimination in all of their activities.”[2]
Applying the principles of Health Equity and Cultural Humility is also supported by becoming informed about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s[3] calls to action by recognizing the current and historical injustices suffered by Indigenous peoples as well as the need for psychologists working in these communities to engage in culturally sensitive, safe and competent practice. The latter recognizes that constructive action in addressing historical injustices is required; that all Canadians, including psychologists, have a responsibility for acknowledging past harms, maintaining respectful relationships, and engaging in practices that promote long-term reconciliation.
These same standards issue a prohibition against any treatment or service designed to change or modify the sexual orientation, gender identity or expression of an individual. The overall intent is to ensure that persons, peoples and communities that share a common identity are both respected and protected. The effects of racism and other forms of discrimination are known to have multiple adverse mental health outcomes.
ACPRO advocates an ethical and professional framework that highlights the importance of respecting all individuals, peoples and communities. This framework specifically prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, ethnicity, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. ACPRO encourages regulated psychologists in Canada to reflect on their own values and beliefs, both conscious and unconscious, to ensure that the dignity of others is given the highest priority in all personal and professional activities. ACPRO also encourages psychologists to work towards identifying and addressing systemic inequities wherever possible and to be leaders in the community to promote social change and Cultural Safety. As such, ACPRO invites all regulated members to work individually and together against discrimination in all forms.
[1] Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists Fourth Edition, page 4.
[2] Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists Fourth Edition, page 11.
[3] https://nctr.ca/