Reflections on the evolution of psychology in Manitoba: Past, present and future considerations.

Abstract

CPA Award for Distinguished Contribution to Psychology as a Profession (1997) / Prix pour contribution remarquable a la psychologie en tant que profession (1997)AbstractThis paper reflects upon the evolution of psychology in Manitoba which may parallel developments in other jurisdictions. The article highlights those developmental activities of particular historical relevance, identifies current issues and underscores several key issues which present challenges to the profession into the future. The implications of such issues for interjurisdictional mobility, entry level standards of practice, training, funding of services, advocacy, legislation and recruitment are discussedIntroductionSituated on the longitudinal axis of North America (96 degrees 48' 35 inches), Manitoba has, despite its distance from the political and economic centres of influence, benefitted from the collegial generosity of organized psychology across North America. Such benefits have spanned the years and have been realized in large measure through Manitoba's close association with the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), the Council of Provincial Associations of Psychologists (CPAP and its predecessor ACPAP), the Canadian Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology (CRHSPP), the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB and its predecessor AASPB), the American Psychological Association (APA), and a number of other provincial psychology associations. The willingness of these organizations to so generously share their experiences, documents, triumphs and otherwise, in many areas, including advocacy, legislative and professional affairs, has had a direct impact on the evolution of the profession of psychology in Manitoba. Indeed, one of psychology's greatest strengths in Canada, and in fact North America, lies in its willingness to so freely collaborate, share and support the development of the profession across jurisdictions, despite political, cultural or geographical differences.As joint holders of the archives for professional psychology in Manitoba and as participants in the professional affairs of organized psychology, the authors have had the unique opportunity to witness the development of the profession over four decades. The lens of Manitoba's archives brings into focus many of the same themes which are common to, and characteristic of the challenges presented to all psychology organizations. Consequently, Manitoba's history may parallel that of other jurisdictions.It is the intention of the present article to reflect upon some of these activities of particular relevance to the development of professional psychology in Manitoba. Given the broad range of activities and the contributions of so many psychologists (e.g. Tables 1 and 2 contain a listing of those who have assumed leadership roles as presidents within organized psychology), it is not possible to undertake a comprehensive review of the many developments which have occurred. Rather, the focus will be to on those developmental activities of particular historical relevance and, based on that review, to underscore several key issues which present challenges to the profession into the future.Psychology in Manitoba: The Beginnings (1920-1969)Although, the history of academic psychology in Manitoba has been documented elsewhere by Morgan Wright (1982), it is important to note that the history of academic psychology began in 1920 with the appointment of Henry W. Wright (Morgan Wright's father), to the Department of Philosoph of the University of Manitoba. During his tenure, despite the gradual increase in the number of psychology course offerings over the years, it was not until 1947 that a separate department was established. Likewise, it has been noted (Wright, 1982) that the emergence of the Canadian Psychological Association played a critical role in both Henry Wright's and the University's conversion from philosophy to psychology. …

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