The complaints arose from comments he made about politics as well as his views of women, masculinity and gender issues.

Lawyers Howard Levitt and Peter Carey have filed for leave to appeal the sanctions to the Court of Appeal.

They claim the complaints came mostly from non-Canadians who had no connection with him or his professional practice.

“A significant amount of public controversy has surrounded this case, in Canada and abroad, since it impacts a large portion of the Canadian workforce subject to regulatory trade and professional bodies. The chilling effect that this decision has had will have on the freedom of speech and debate of everyday Canadians is alarming,” Levitt said in a statement.

“The powers taken by regulatory bodies to silence Dr. Peterson’s speech is more expansive than that currently available to governments in Canada, as the Charter would prevent a similar government ruling. We are hopeful the Court of Appeal will grant leave to appeal.”

Peterson vowed to fight the college on the matter, adding, “the College of Psychologists’ ruling has already been seen on the international level as a concerning on the freedom of speech and debate in this country.”