All jurisdictions with the exception of Yukon and Nunavut have enacted legislation that regulates practice for Registered Social Workers (RSWs). Based on this legislation and taking into context the specific context of the jurisdiction, each regulatory organization has published and enforces Standards of Practice, Codes of Ethics and other regulations.  Together, these regulations bring consistency, identity and governance to the social work profession across the country and protect the public. Below, find an overview of areas that are generally regulated across Canada.

  • Registration requirements
  • Representation of Title of Registered Social Worker
  • Scope of Social Work and Practice
  • Representation of Qualifications
  • Relationships between R.S.W. and client
  • Client Confidentiality & Privacy
  • Conflict of Interest
  • Continuity of care
  • Continuing Competency
  • Ethics
  • Fee Policy Guidelines
  • Investigation & Discipline
  • Liability Insurance
  • Private practice specific requirements
  • Promotion and advertising of services
  • Record keeping and management

Some provinces also regulate practitioner fees and specify type of supervision required for private practitioners.

The following documents were consulted to prepare this overview:

British Columbia:

  • Social Workers Act
  • Code of Ethics and  Standards of Practice

For more information: www.bccollegeofsocialworkers.ca

Alberta:

  • Health Professions Act
  • Standards of Practice
  • Social Workers Profession Regulation
  • see standards of practice
  • Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (Adopted from CASW)

For more information: www.acsw.ab.ca

Saskatchewan:

  • Social Workers Act
  • Standards of Ethical Practice for Professional Social Workers
  • Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (Adopted from CASW)

For more information: https://www.sasw.ca

Manitoba:

  • The Social Work Professions Act
  • Standards of Practice for Social Workers
  • Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (Adopted from CASW)

For more information: https://mcsw.ca/

Ontario:

  • Social Work and Social Service Work Act
  • Code of Ethics
  • Standards of Practice

For more information: www.ocswssw.org

Quebec:

  • Code des professions
  • Code de déontologie des membres de l'Ordre professionnel des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec
  • Code of ethics of the members of the Ordre professionnel des travailleurs sociaux et des thérapeutes conjugaux et familiaux du Québec
  • Guides to the professional practice of social workers in CLCS, Schools, Hospitals
  • Other documents available under “reglements”

For more information: www.otstcfq.org

New Brunswick:

  • An Act to Incorporate the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers
  • Standards for the Use of Technology in Social Work Practice
  • Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (Adopted from CASW)

For more information: www.nbasw-atsnb.ca

Nova Scotia:

  • Social Workers Act
  • Standards of Practice
  • Code of Ethics (Amended and adopted from CASW Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice)

For more information: http://nscsw.org/

Prince Edward Island:

  • Social Work Act
  • Certification Regulations
  • Standards and Discipline
  • Private Practice Policy

For more information: www.socialworkpei.ca

Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • Social Workers Act
  • Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (Adopted from CASW)
  • Practice Standards

For more information: www.nlasw.ca

Northern Canada

  • Social Work Profession Act
  • Social Work Profession General Regulations
  • Continuing Competency for Social Workers in the NWT
  • Code of Conduct Social Workers
  • Standards of Practice for Social Workers in the NWT
  • Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (Expanded from CASW)

For more information: www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/social-worker-licence

Canada

  • CASW Social Media Use and Social Work Practice
  • CASW Code of Ethics
  • CASW Guidelines for Ethical Practice

For more information www.casw-acts.ca

Education

In Canada, all Registered Social Workers have post-secondary education.  Like other professions, accredited baccalaureate education is considered the first professional practice degree, preparing social workers to practice as generalists. Accredited Bachelor’s of Social Work programs also have a substantial practical component and include a minimum of 700 hours of field education. Graduates are expected to be proficient in the areas of assessment, counseling, advocacy, and practice with individuals, families, groups and communities.

Specialized training in advanced research and therapeutic intervention are taught at the graduate (Master’s) and post-graduate (PhD) levels. For example, accredited Master’s of Social Work curriculum include theories, policies and practices relevant to the student's selected area of social work practice such as advanced practice and/or areas of specialization, research/scholarship, professional leadership or social work supervision. Accredited Master’s of Social Work programs also include 900 hours of field education for those without a BSW and 450 for those with a BSW.

Generally a combination of relevant (social work or related) post-secondary education, supervised work experience and continuing competence development are required to be eligible for registration, yearly renewal and continued use of the title of Registered Social Worker or the designation, RSW.

Many jurisdictions allow for recognition of prior learning to substitute for a degree, as determined on a case by case basis.