May 2026

Communiqué

Welcome to the May edition of the Communiqué. In this issue you will find important updates and news from the College presented in order of importance. At the beginning you will find time sensitive updates and information, followed by “good to know” and least urgent news and updates. We hope you enjoy this new and improved format.

CRPO COUNCIL ELECTION UNDERWAY

Voting is now open in the CRPO Council election in District 3 (East) and District 4 (Central East)!

Why vote?

Council’s decisions have a direct impact on professional practice and public trust. Council members help shape policies and set expectations for safe and ethical care. By voting in the election, RPs are actively contributing to the evolution of the profession and how standards are upheld. Even a single vote helps ensure that Council members reflect the diversity, experience, and values of the profession. Strong participation leads to stronger governance. 

Who can vote?

To vote in CRPO elections, you must meet the criteria defined in the by-laws, including the requirement to primarily practice the profession (or, if not practicing, primarily reside) in one of the electoral districts that are holding elections.

How can I vote?

Elections are conducted entirely online using Simply Voting election software. Eligible voters have already received a unique ballot (includes elector ID and password) at the email address associated with their CRPO account. Cast your vote before the election closes on May 27 at 12:00 noon ET.

Who is running?

District 3 (East) (covers Ottawa and surrounding areas)

Nicolas El-Kada, RP

Paul Ferdinand, RP

District 4 (Central East) (covers regional municipalities of York and Durham)



Mohamad Reza Eskandari, RP

Valerie Kates, RP

Razgar Qaderpour, RP

Click here to read the candidate statements.

Questions?

Email elections@crpo.ca or visit our website Council Elections & Meetings - CRPO.

HST GUIDANCE 

A new publication on the application of the GST/HST to psychotherapy and counselling therapy services has been published on Canada.ca:  

25-3 Application of the GST/HST to Psychotherapy and Counselling Therapy Services - Canada.ca

CRPO has updated its article on the HST exemption for these services, which you can read here. 

THERAPY ANIMALS: NEW IPAC TOOL FROM PUBLIC HEALTH ONTARIO

HIGHLIGHTS FROM SPRING PEER CIRCLE EVENTS 

This Spring, CRPO hosted two peer circle events - one in-person and one virtual, bringing registrants together to discuss ethical issues, share knowledge, and learn from one another. 

On April 23, 2026, CRPO was pleased to partner with the Ontario Association of Mental Health Professionals to host an in-person Peer Circle event in downtown Toronto. The event had an excellent turnout, with 84 registrants attending over the morning and afternoon sessions. The virtual Peer Circle on May 12, 2026, welcomed 76 registrants.

Participants from both sessions shared that they enjoyed connecting with their peers, appreciated the opportunity to learn in a collaborative environment and felt less isolated. Thanks to the outstanding team of Peer Circle facilitators, who fostered supportive and safe spaces, participants engaged in thoughtful discussion and reflected meaningfully on the cases presented. 

CRPO extends its sincere appreciation to all attendees. Without your participation and willingness to share openly, these events would not have been such a rich and valuable experience for everyone involved. 

CRPO staff look forward to co-hosting another in-person peer circle event this September, with a series of virtual Peer Circles also planned for the Fall. Registration details will be shared in a future Communiqué and on our website. 

PRACTICE MATTERS: REGISTRANT SAFETY

From time to time, we will be republishing articles, the topic of which most often comes up in registrants’ inquiries or are subject of a few complaints reviewed by different ICRC panels. In this issue, we would like to remind you about Registrant Safety. The article was first published in March 2025 and it was updated in May 2026. You can read it here.

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