Yukon-based clinical social worker temporarily stripped of registration for pushing conspiracy theories

A Yukon-based clinical social worker has had her professional registration stripped — at least temporarily — for pushing conspiracy theories, but that's not stopping her from offering services.

The British Columbia College of Social Workers says Debbra Greig's views could be detrimental to her clients and there is a real risk of harm. 

Greig believes in cult leader Romana Didulo, the self-professed "Queen of Canada" known for her QAnon beliefs. 

Since the Yukon has no government regulations or oversight for social workers, Greig sought registration with the B.C. college in 2007. Similar registration is mandatory in order to practise in the majority of the country.

Greig was registered as a clinical social worker, the highest level of clinical designation that also allowed her to make mental health diagnoses. Having a registered classification is also a requirement for some contracts with various governments and Indigenous Services Canada.

The B.C. college is now investigating Greig's work after a complaint her behaviour was "extremely concerning." Meanwhile, the college has taken what it calls "extraordinary action to protect the public" by suspending Greig's registration and ordering her not to provide services to existing or prospective clients. However, the reach of the B.C. college doesn't extend past the Yukon border.

That's a concern for Linda McDonald, an advocate with the Liard Aboriginal Women's Society in Watson Lake, Yukon, where Greig is based. 

"To hear the B.C. College of Social Workers has taken away Ms. Greig's licence to practise and the reasons behind it is very concerning to us, because we have a lot of people here who are struggling and need support," McDonald said. "We feel that people here should be able to count on unbiased and healthy counselling experiences." 

CBC reached out to Greig multiple times by phone for this article, but did not hear back.

Greig has largely worked with rural Yukoners. This summer, she was working with a client from Ross River who was due in family court. A legal aid lawyer working with the same client received an email from Greig just days before the proceeding, stating the court process was now "null and void" and that Canada is now governed by "HRH Queen Romana Didulo" who has issued her own decrees.

"It was really strange to say the least," said Lynn MacDiarmid, the executive director of the Yukon Legal Services Society.

MacDiarmid said the legal aid staff thought it was a prank or a mistake. They replied asking for clarification.

"She confirmed that she firmly believed this and that we need to know this, that the royal decrees are valid, and Queen Romana is the queen of Canada," MacDiarmid said.

That reply from Greig raised concerns about her ability to advocate for her clients in an informed, competent and ethical manner, prompting MacDiarmid's team to contact the B.C. College.