A huge fine for a known psychiatrist

Unable to recognize his wrongdoings, and thus deeming him at risk of reoffending, psychiatrist Louis Morissette was fined $10,000 by his professional order for conducting a bogus “expert” 14 years ago.

• Also Read: A psychiatrist is harshly censured by his professional order

“He knows no wrong […] So he did not see what he could modify in his practice. The disciplinary process is not having a deterrent effect on him either,” the Disciplinary Board of the College of Physicians observed in a recent decision.

D^R Morissette, known for his testimony in major trials including those of Carla Homolka and Guy Turcotte, was however harshly accused last February. In 2008, out of light, he conducted an “expertise” based on air.

At that time, Louis Morissette accepted a mandate from André Lalonde, then dean of the University of Ottawa, to present his psychiatric opinion on physics professor Denis Rancourt. Without ever trying to reach out to the latter and based on questionable information, the psychiatrist produced a grim report.

No radiation

“This is a fundamental crime against the medical profession,” he lamented in the decision.

In fact, the report was so bogus that the disciplinary board refused to even call it an “opinion, assessment or expertise”.

Professor Rancourt, who was eventually fired, then took action against the psychiatrist. And after 14 years, the sanction finally fell. If the plaintiff expects at least two years of dismissal, D^R Morissette escaped with a fine.

At worst, the latter believed that a reprimand would suffice.

D^R Morissette is also required to pay certain fees related to the file.