Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

The College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP) has adopted both a Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists and Standards of Practice that prohibit discriminatory practices and support respect for the dignity of all communities of people. Like the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) and the Psychologists Association of Alberta (PAA) we invite all regulated members to stand up, speak out and work collaboratively to eradicate all forms of racism and discrimination. Leading by example, CAP is committed to identifying regulatory practices to ensure that they reflect equity, diversity and inclusion. CAP is also committed to actively encouraging all regulated members to examine their own personal and professional beliefs/actions and work toward equity and justice for all.

CAP stands against racism and all forms of unjust discrimination. All psychology students, applicants and regulated members deserve equal opportunities and fair treatment that is guaranteed under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Actions

2018: CAP formally adopted the Canadian Psychological Association Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists (2017) that specifically prohibits discrimination against peoples and communities.

2018: CAP, along with the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta (PAA), established A Truth and Reconciliation Task Force in November 2018. The Task Force led to multiple concrete outcomes.

2019: CAP incorporated both the Criminal Code of Canada and Alberta Human Rights Act definitions of harassment and discrimination into our Standards of Practice.

2019: CAP established two new Standards of Practice: Recognizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and prohibiting the practice of Conversion Therapy.

2020: CAP issued a Position Statement standing against racism and standing for equity, diversity and inclusion.

2020: CAP and PAA's joint virtual Professional Development Event focused on combatting racism.

2020: CAP's Winter issue of The CAP Monitor was dedicated to anti-racism.

2021: CAP co-sponsored a workshop, Cultural Safety and Humility – It Starts with Me, with the Association of Canadian Psychology Regulated Organizations (ACPRO) for psychology regulated members across Canada.

2021: CAP issued a Practice Guideline, Working with Indigenous Populations and Communities: A Guide to Culturally Safe Practice and Humility.

2022: CAP recognizes September 30 as a day for Truth and Reconciliation.

2022: CAP implements a requirement for all regulated members of four hours to Indigenous focused cultural safety and humility education or awareness in the Continuing Competence Program and Manual.

2023: CAP staff attended a webinar hosted by the Alberta Federation of Regulated Health Professions: Gender & Sexual Diversity & Inclusion.

2023: CAP hosted a free province-wide virtual Town Hall Meeting with the ASPPB Executive Officers to present on the Myths and Facts about the EPPP Parts 1 and 2. Dr. Mariann Burnetti-Atwell and Dr. Hao Song answered questions regarding the development, validity and implementation of both examinations. The virtual presentation was also viewed from an equity, diversity, and inclusion lens. ASPPB is taking active steps to reduce any real or perceived bias to ensure that the EPPP is not a systemic barrier to the profession.

2023: CAP hosted a free province-wide virtual Town Hall Meeting with renowned speaker, Dr. Monnica Williams, on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: Psychologists tearing down barriers and building allies.

2023: CAP's Spring issue of The CAP Monitor was dedicated to multiculturalism.

2023: CAP hosted a workshop for all CAP decision-makers on how to avoid unconscious bias.

2023: CAP's Summer issue of The CAP Monitor was dedicated to gender diversity.