We recognize that coming forward with a complaint about sexual abuse, sexual misconduct or boundary violations can be very difficult. The College’s primary objective is to remove barriers in reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct by creating a safe reporting environment and providing transparent information about the process.
If you believe a professional boundary has been violated or are a victim, or someone you know is a victim, of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct, please review our website information on how to submit a complaint.
If you wish to speak to someone directly, please contact the Complaints Director on their confidential line at 780-944-1609 ext 109. Once you contact us, we can assist you with connecting with other resources, including the possibility of funding for treatment and counselling services for victims of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
The Complaint Process for Complaints of Sexual Abuse or Misconduct
The process for sexual abuse and sexual misconduct follows the complaints process described in the Health Professions Act, with additional protections, including:
- certain types of resolution and alternative resolution are not available;
- mandatory minimum penalties after a finding of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct;
- requirements for at least one member of the Hearing Tribunal to have the same gender identity as the patient;
- requirements for trauma informed training and sexual violence training for the Hearing Tribunal;
- an opportunity for a complainant of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct to provide a statement of the impact; and
- mandatory publishing of decisions.
Additionally, for complaints of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct is made to the College, the Complaints Director will discuss with the affected the possibility of funding for treatment or counselling. The treatment/counselling is offered through a confidential, voluntary, and independent third-party program with the affected patient directly.
Potential Penalties for Complaints of Sexual Abuse or Misconduct
Each complaint is unique, and a penalty is determined by the Hearing Tribunal based on the circumstances of a complaint. However, some penalties are mandatory if the Hearing Tribunal makes a finding of sexual abuse or sexual misconduct.
If a Hearing Tribunal finds a regulated member’s conduct, in whole or in part, was sexual abuse, the mandatory penalty is cancellation of a regulated member’s permit, including a prohibition from re-applying to the College.
If a Hearing Tribunal finds a regulated member’s conduct, in whole or in part, was sexual misconduct, the mandatory penalty is a suspension of a regulated member’s practice (the length is determined by the Hearing Tribunal). The Hearing Tribunal may also find other penalties appropriate, for example remediation or education. There are also restrictions in the Health Professions Act against regulated members with findings of sexual misconduct re-applying to the College for at least five years, if they were cancelled by the Hearing Tribunal.