November 3, 2026
Message from the CASW President
A strong Canadian economy invests in people
Ahead of this week's federal budget, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) urges the Government of Canada to table a balanced plan that recognizes a simple truth: a resilient Canada needs accessible, universal health and social care. A healthy, productive economy depends on people who are secure. That means protection from external threats, and it also means food, housing, water, and income security. These priorities support each other.
Investing in people because security starts at home.
CASW calls on the government to use Budget 2026 to advance parity for mental health and substance use health. That means stable, predictable, long-term funding for provinces and territories, with clear accountability for fair access and outcomes.
Investing in people because health includes both mind and body.
CASW also expects Budget 2026 to remove all remaining Interim Federal Health Program co-payments. This would restore access to preventive, primary, mental health, and trauma-informed care for eligible refugees and refugee claimants.
Investing in people because human rights belong to everyone.
CASW is looking for an increase to the Canada Disability Benefit so it moves closer to a basic income, along with protection from provincial and territorial clawbacks. Every day, social workers support people who struggle to meet basic needs. The cost of living keeps rising faster than incomes and faster than federal and provincial supports.
Investing in people because disability should never mean poverty.
CASW expects Budget 2026 to strengthen the profession by recognizing Registered Social Workers (RSWs) as Public Safety Personnel. This would give social workers access to federally supported research, prevention, treatment, and family supports.
Investing in social workers because we are first responders in every community.
Finally, CASW expects Budget 2026 to respect First Nations, Métis, and Inuit sovereignty, inherent and Treaty rights, and self-determination. This includes distinctions-based, Indigenous-led decisions about services and development.
Investing in reconciliation because Canada committed to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Barb Whitenect, MSW, RSW
CASW President