A psychologist’s appeal for an injunction has been rejected by the Court of Queen’s Bench.
Had it been successful, the appeal would have allowed the Fredericton-based psychologist to continue practicing as she waits for an evaluation of her suspension by the judiciary.
Joan Wright had to cease practicing at the beginning of April. This was following a complaint filed back in 2018, by a previous clientele, forcing the College of Psychologists of New Brunswick to resort to suspending her.
The judicial is set to give its review of the case come June, 18th.
In Wright’s defense, her lawyer, Kelly Lamrock raised several crucial points based on Section 51 of the Psychologist’s Act.
She stated that the clause, which prohibits an injunctive relief or a stay, is unconstitutional. She also explained how Wright’s reputation would be damaged if she was to be discontinued from practicing.
Speaking on behalf of the court, Chief Justice Tracey DeWare said that the court had no right to intervene in Wright’s case.
She added that the psychologist’s case failed to meet several conditions to be viable for a stay.
The College of Psychologists asked Dr. Wright to stop practicing momentarily, citing reasons, such as professional misconduct and violation of boundaries of a psychologist-client relation.
To qualify to get her license again, she has to meet certain criteria, which entails taking three university-level courses and passing the professional practice of psychology exam.
She also has to cater for all the expenses the college spent related to the complaint, which include a $2,000 fine and an additional $134,510.
