Québec Anglophones

Lilli Janzen
2009-2013

As a European immigrant to Canada (at age 5) I spent my early years growing up in rural Alberta, then we moved to Winnipeg and then to Montreal. I also have roots in Saskatchewan. As such I consider myself to be a citizen of the world in recognition of the unique cultural traits which make our vertical mosaic so interesting.

A 16-year period in teaching Effective Public Speaking at night at CEGEP-level and to Continuing Education students has added more depth to my view on building self-esteem quickly and effectively. I speak German and French as well as English, and this also helps me to recognize the importance of cultural nuances of language and their impact on effective communication.

As a Counsellor and Past Board Member of the Adler Graduate School of Psychology, Montreal, I have seen the educational world from a very different angle, and this has helped me to appreciate the challenges and the inherent opportunities for both students and administration.

I have a long history of exciting leadership roles in Toastmasters International, having launched the French translation project such that all educational materials are now available in French on an ongoing basis.

In summary I tend to see obstacles as opportunities for change and do not shy away easily from seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Being a planner by nature, I also enjoy the positive and motivating side of change.

Director's Report - November 2011

Quebec Anglophone Director Report

Lilli Janzen

November 2011

Abstract

• Quebec is facing many challenges with upcoming Bill 21
• Worked with members to prepare themselves for EAP work and where to find EAP opportunities
• QCA held workshops at McGill on how to set-up a private practice
• Collaboration between student representatives and QCA for CEC events and advertising

The role of a CCPA Director in Quebec (whether Francophone or Anglophone) at this time is currently faced with unanswered questions and challenges resulting from the upcoming implementation of Bill 21. Concerned CCPA members are asking their leaders for answers about the qualification process which has still to be finalized by the pertinent professional orders. In view of the foregoing, we have been regularly updating our Quebec Anglophone members with the available information. Once Bill 21 information is ready for implementation, the intent by the Orders is to hold information sessions for potential candidates.

We have yet to receive final information from the orders regarding the grandfathering process and the timing to allow experienced counsellors to acquire the license to practise psychotherapy. Also, concerns abound by some of our members educated in Art Therapy as to their potential to acquire a psychotherapy permit. As such, every single CCPA Member living or working in the counselling profession and practising psychotherapy in Quebec and not belonging to one of these orders is now called to the table to prove his or her worthiness to become a licensed psychotherapist with the appropriate training and French-language capability. The implementation of Bill 21 can be understood to be a standardization of psychotherapy practices which are aimed at protecting the public from unprofessional counselling practises and eliminating the arbitrary practice of anyone hanging up a shingle claiming to practise psychotherapy. Current members of the professional orders in Quebec allowing the practice of psychotherapy are in a privileged position at this point.

While CCPA has been actively monitoring the progress of Bill 21 through the legislative process and trying to clarify the CCC certified status with respect to Bill 21 requirements, this situation brings into prime focus the career aspirations of professional counsellors/psychotherapists in Quebec.

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of and a proactive approach taken by Barbara MacCallum, CEO of our National Office and our Board President, Lorna Martin, it is hoped that CCPA members who are CCC-certified may be allowed to pre-qualify for the psychotherapy permit, providing the parties in power agree to this approach.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the CCPA National Office, the webinars and workshops provided through CCPA, and the CCPA conferences, professional development events abound for our members. School Counsellors also have access to professional development events through their school boards. Our CCPA Affiliate, the QCA have also hosted a number of excellent information sessions and workshops. However we still need to look at the possibility of hosting training sessions acceptable by the professional orders which help candidates qualify for membership, such as special training in counselling approaches.  CCPA and QCA members were also made aware that they could share information with us for educational events which they knew about, such as the Mental Health events in Ottawa. 

In addition, certain Employee Assistance Programs provide regular professional development opportunities for their preferred providers and affiliate counsellors.  As a result of the insight acquired through EAP work I have been able to provide our members with guidelines on how to prepare themselves for EAP work and where to find EAP opportunities.

Workshops held at McGill through the QCA included setting up a private practise to know the requirements and logistics of setting up a business and maintaining proper record-keeping, accounting and reporting practises.

We have regularly assigned Student Representatives for CCPA membership and we have been most fortunate because of their added energy, new ideas and expertise in educational event planning and hosting for CEC benefits.  CCPA/QCA membership has benefitted through the dynamic professional development events now being offered through the QCA in Montreal. At these events regular advertising promotes CCPA membership. All communication for educational events at QCA was submitted through our Ottawa CCPA Office.

Contributions and Celebrations

QCA practise of giving awards such as for excellence in counselling has been a focal point of QCA celebrations, and therefore impacts on CCPA member satisfaction.

The CCPA office has done an outstanding job in sending out timely information to our members for learning events, and a big “thank you” goes out to all of the folks at Ottawa CCPA Office for being so helpful and so thorough.  

Concerns and Challenges

The other very important point to remember is that the need to function equally well in French and in English is very much in focus in Quebec. Younger people growing up in Quebec have become much in demand as they are often perfectly bilingual. This presents a challenge to us older CCPA members who need to be ready and willing to function in French as well as English in order to have the full opportunity of getting regular work in counselling and related professions dealing with the public. The requirement to function in French vis-à-vis the professional orders should take care of this in the long run.

Coming Attractions

Ongoing Professional Development opportunities, coming out of the Quebec Anglophone population, benefit from QCA’s contribution providing added value for time and money through the excellent learning events. This information will always be shared with all CCPA members who wish to attend these sessions in Montreal or within an easy drive.