Written by Caleb Daniels.

Jordan Peterson, the renowned psychologist and outspoken cultural critic, has made headlines again—this time for leaving his home country of Canada behind for good. His reason? Peterson calls Canada a “totalitarian hellhole” ruled by an “incompetent dictatorship,” a claim that echoes his frustrations with the country’s increasing authoritarian tendencies.

Now settled in the United States, Peterson has taken the gloves off, openly criticizing the political chaos and bureaucratic meddling that drove him to leave. In a two-hour conversation with his daughter, Mikhaila, on her podcast, he painted a grim picture of life in Toronto, describing how government interference made it unbearable.

“The government in Canada at the federal level is incompetent beyond belief,” Peterson said during the interview. While Mikhaila teased her father about officially becoming an American, Peterson noted there are “decided advantages to being here,” including what he describes as a more rational tax system.

But his decision to leave wasn’t solely about economics. For Peterson, Canada’s trajectory under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership represents a chilling slide toward censorship and authoritarianism.

The Fight Against “Re-Education”

One of Peterson’s fiercest battles has been with the Ontario College of Psychologists, a professional body he accuses of weaponizing its standards against him for his political views. Their gripe? Social media posts that Peterson says reflect sound psychological literature but have been politicized by ideologues.

For nearly two years, the college insisted that Peterson undergo remedial training for his tweets and other public statements—statements unrelated to his clinical practice. In August, the Ontario Divisional Court sided with the college, forcing Peterson to either comply or risk losing his clinical license, despite stepping away from active practice in 2017.

Peterson hasn’t minced words about the ordeal, calling it “annoying, to say the least.” He believes the college’s actions are a microcosm of a broader Canadian crackdown on free speech. “They would appoint some ideological minion to re-educate me,” he said, expressing frustration over what he sees as a violation of his rights.

This isn’t the first time Peterson has faced criticism for his stances on hot-button issues like climate change, transgender policies, and Canada’s handling of the Freedom Convoy. He maintains that his comments are protected under Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Bill C-63: A Gateway to Censorship?

The final straw for Peterson appears to be Canada’s proposed Bill C-63, dubbed the Online Harms Act. The bill would amend Canada’s Criminal Code to redefine “hatred” in a way Peterson and others believe is dangerously subjective. Under the proposed legislation, online speech deemed “intimidating” could be grounds for legal action, and complaints could be filed anonymously.

Critics, like Rebel News’ Ezra Levant, warn that this opens the door for abuse. “The complaints could come from anyone—a neighbor, a political rival, or even the government itself,” Levant said, highlighting the chilling potential for weaponized censorship.

Peterson sees this as a turning point. “We’d all be living in a totalitarian hellhole if it passes,” he remarked during the podcast.

Our Take

Jordan Peterson’s departure from Canada is more than just a personal choice—it’s a symptom of the growing authoritarianism that’s stifling free thought in Western democracies. The battle over Bill C-63 isn’t just about online speech; it’s a litmus test for whether governments can silence dissent under the guise of combating “hate.”

Peterson’s ordeal with the Ontario College of Psychologists is equally troubling. When regulatory bodies act as enforcers of ideological conformity, it sends a clear message: Fall in line, or pay the price.

For conservatives, Peterson’s story serves as both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry. The erosion of free speech and the expansion of government control are real threats that demand a firm response. If left unchecked, Canada’s experiment with censorship could very well spread beyond its borders.