Challenges in the Life of Jordan Peterson in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Jordan Peterson's life and career.

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and media commentator known for his conservative-leaning views on cultural and political issues. While often described as conservative, Peterson identifies as a classical liberal and traditionalist. He gained prominence in the late 2010s, sparking significant debate and discussion.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

September 2016: Criticism of Bill C-16

In September 2016, Peterson released a series of videos criticizing Bill C-16.

2016: Criticism of Bill C-16

In 2016, Peterson released a series of YouTube videos criticizing a Canadian law (Bill C-16) that prohibited discrimination against gender identity and expression. This led to significant media coverage and controversy.

2016: Diet Restriction

In 2016, Peterson restricted his diet to only meat and a few vegetables in an attempt to control his depression and the effects of an autoimmune disorder.

2016: Prescription of Clonazepam

In 2016, Peterson was prescribed clonazepam for anxiety that reportedly began after a "violent reaction to a meat and greens only diet". The dose started at 0.5 mg/day.

April 2017: Denied SSHRC Grant

In April 2017, Jordan Peterson was denied a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant, leading to claims of retaliation for his statements regarding Bill C-16.

May 2017: Spoke Against Bill C-16

In May 2017, Jordan Peterson spoke against Bill C-16 at a Canadian Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs hearing as one of 24 witnesses invited to speak about the bill.

November 2017: Lindsay Shepherd Censure

In November 2017, Lindsay Shepherd, a teaching assistant at Wilfrid Laurier University, was censured for showing a clip of Peterson debating Bill C-16, sparking controversy. The censure was later withdrawn and the university apologized.

February 2018: Agreement with the College of Psychologists of Ontario

In February 2018, Peterson entered into an agreement with the College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) after a professional misconduct complaint.

2018: Peterson Eats Only Beef, Salt, and Water

In mid-2018, Peterson stopped eating vegetables altogether and continued eating only beef, salt, and water.

March 2019: Cambridge University Rescinds Fellowship Invitation

In March 2019, Cambridge University rescinded a visiting fellowship invitation to Jordan Peterson, citing concerns over his association with a man wearing an Islamophobic shirt and the university's commitment to inclusivity.

2019: Health Problems Related to Benzodiazepine Dependence

In 2019, Peterson suffered health problems related to benzodiazepine dependence.

January 2020: Medically Induced Coma in Russia

In January 2020, Peterson flew to Moscow, Russia, after being unable to find North American doctors willing to place him into a medically induced coma as treatment for his addiction. Doctors in Russia reportedly diagnosed him with pneumonia in both lungs upon arrival and placed him into a medically induced coma for eight days, followed by four weeks in the intensive care unit, during which time he reported having suffered a temporary loss of motor skills.

March 2020: Investigation by the College of Psychologists of Ontario

In March 2020, the College of Psychologists of Ontario investigated statements made by Peterson, but concluded without making any orders.

August 2020: Contracted COVID-19

In August 2020, Peterson's daughter announced that her father had contracted COVID-19 during his hospital stay in Serbia.

November 2020: Penguin Random House Town Hall Criticism

On 23 November 2020, Peterson's publisher Penguin Random House Canada (PRH Canada) held an internal town hall where many employees criticized the decision to publish his book.

2020: Clonazepam dosage increase

By 2020, Peterson's clonazepam dose had increased to 4 mg/day. Peterson attributed his increased usage of clonazepam to his wife Tammy's diagnosis of kidney cancer.

2020: Health problems related to benzodiazepine dependence

In 2020, Peterson continued to suffer health problems related to benzodiazepine dependence.

January 2022: ICRC investigation into public statements

In January 2022, some of the language used in Jordan Peterson's public statements was investigated by the ICRC.

June 2022: ICRC investigation into public statements

In June 2022, some of the language used in Jordan Peterson's public statements was investigated by the ICRC.

June 2022: Suspension of Twitter Account

On 29 June 2022, Peterson's Twitter account was suspended under the site's "hateful conduct policy" after posting a tweet misgendering and deadnaming transgender actor Elliot Page.

November 2022: Order for Remedial Program by ICRC

In November 2022, the ICRC ordered Peterson to complete a continuing education or remedial program regarding professionalism in public statements.

2022: Initial decision by the College of Psychologists of Ontario

In 2022, the ICRC made its initial decision regarding Jordan Peterson's public statements.

August 2023: Judicial Review Upholding CPO's Decision

In August 2023, Peterson's appeal was reviewed by the Ontario Divisional Court, who upheld the college's initial decision and ordered Peterson to pay legal costs.

January 2024: Decision Upheld on Appeal

In January 2024, the decision was upheld on appeal to the Court of Appeal for Ontario.

August 2024: Supreme Court Declines Appeal

In August 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada declined to hear an appeal from the appeal court decision, closing Peterson's legal options for resisting the social media training.

October 2024: Trudeau's Statement and Potential Legal Action

In October 2024, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau said under oath that Peterson was funded by Russian state-owned media outlet RT. In response, Peterson said he was considering legal action.

November 7, 2024: Lawsuit Dismissed

On November 7, 2024, Jordan Peterson's lawsuit against Wilfrid Laurier University was dismissed by the court.

November 24, 2024: Criticism in The Guardian

On November 24, 2024, Martha Gill in The Guardian criticized Jordan Peterson for tapping into the self-improvement market among young men and advocating a form of spirituality as a route, given that religion was in decline among members of that cohort.