As the high-profile stories continue to pile up over allegations
of sexual misconduct, we can expect an increase in sexual
harassment investigations in professional settings.
It is worth noting that late in 2017, a Montreal
psychologist and a doctor in Montmagny became the first
professionals to be barred from practicing for five years for acts
of sexual misconduct.
These rulings are the first to be handed down following the
introduction of tougher penalties under Quebec's Professional
Code, which governs the exercise of a number of professions,
including engineers, doctors and lawyers. The case involved a
psychologist who carried on a romantic affair for six
months at his office with a patient suffering anxiety and
insomnia. The patient ended the relationship, but suffered from the
separation in the following months. A complaint was filed and the
psychologist pleaded guilty. He however argued that the council
should not impose the 5-year minimum suspension since
