SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Canadian Association of Social Workers
June 3, 2026
Honourable senators, I rise today to recognize the 100-year anniversary of the Canadian Association of Social Workers. This centennial milestone is guided by the theme “Reflecting on Our Past, Reimagining Our Future.”
As many of you know, I am a social worker who is moonlighting as a senator. I connect with social workers across Canada through our shared commitment to human rights, social justice and advocating for marginalized individuals, families and communities.
Reflecting back, we must be honest: Our profession does not have a squeaky clean history. Social workers were at the helm of the Sixties Scoop. Social workers were among those who convinced the residents of Africville to leave their homes before their community was forcibly removed.
Social workers have caused harm to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and to the disability community. These are only a few examples, but they are important truths.
When I speak to organizations about creating meaningful systemic change, I often use the Canadian Association of Social Workers, or CASW, as a success story. Their work on reconciliation and reparations gives me critical hope.
For example, in addition to providing extensive and culturally relevant continuing education initiatives, CASW actively supports the work of Indigenous and Black social workers within their own communities. In addition, they have revised their code of ethics to reflect evolving core values and a renewed commitment to ensuring that social workers are indeed agents of positive social change.
I am proud to work alongside CASW as we shape the future of our profession. We are indeed stronger together.
Tonight, at 6:30 p.m. in SJAM, I invite you to join Senator Muggli and me as we co-host CASW members from across the country, three of whom are with us here today. It is a time to celebrate, reflect, discuss and connect as we honour this remarkable milestone in the history of the Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Thank you. Asante.
