Christmas Cuts to National Settlement Funding – CASW Appalled

For Immediate Release
December 24 , 2010

(Ottawa) – The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is appalled by the recent revelation that the Government of Canada has chosen to reduce its national settlement funding across country with the majority of funding cuts targeting Toronto immigrant service agencies.

“The short-sightedness of this decision is appalling given the critical support immigrant services provide to new Canadians transitioning into our economy” stated Darlene MacDonald, President of CASW. “Immigrant services provide necessary gateways to engaging in community, accessing social service supports and importantly, developing the skills necessary to compete for employment in Canada.” 

On the eve of Christmas, the 18,500 social workers associated with CASW through its provincial and territorial member organizations are appealing to the Government of Canada to reverse its decision and restore the $53 million cut from national settlement funding.

To use Prime Minister Stephen Harper's words quoted in celebration of Human Rights Day (December 10/2010), “We have a solemn duty to defend the vulnerable, to challenge the aggressor, to protect and promote human rights, human dignity, at home and abroad.”

CASW is a federation of nine provincial and one territorial social work organizations. It provides a national leadership role in strengthening and advancing the social work profession in Canada. 

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For more information:
Darlene MacDonald, MSW, RSW
President
casw@casw-acts.ca 
Tel.: 613.729.6668 
Fax.: 613.729.9608