SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Social Work Month
March 20, 2019
Honourable senators, yesterday, March 19, was World Social Work Day, and March is National Social Work Month in Canada.
On Monday, I had the honour of co-hosting the first ever Social Work Day on the Hill with my fellow social workers, Senators Hartling and Seidman, and the Canadian Association of Social Workers, CASW. We welcomed social workers on the Hill to celebrate the profession and plan for the future of social work. I rise today to pay tribute to CASW and all social workers, and to raise awareness about the current issues faced by social workers in Canada.
The profession of social work commits to creating social change and social justice. Much of my career in social work education has been in creating culturally specific and socially just curricula that respects the dignity of individuals and recognizes the unique struggles faced by marginalized groups. For example, in 1999, I developed an Afrocentric social work course that addresses the need for social work education, centred around the experiences of African-Canadian families and communities. It is the only such course in this country.
Developing education programs that focus on social justice and client empowerment is key to creating the change needed for marginalized communities. Opportunities to engage in respectful discussions that promote equity and diversity must be created in social work education, continuing professional development programs and in social work practice.
As social workers, it is our responsibility to recognize and address the structural and systemic barriers that have been created by oppressive systems and practices. Social workers are allies. I encourage allies to centre the impacted, to listen and to leverage their own privilege.
Honourable senators, Social Work Month is a reminder that social change and social justice can be achieved through education and practice that are inclusive, anti-racist, de-colonial and anti-oppressive. Please join me in thanking all of the social workers who are dedicating their careers to breaking cycles of oppression. Real people, real impact.
Thank you.
