The Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers (NLCSW) is pleased to announce that the recipient of the 2026 Canadian Association of Social Workers Distinguished Service Award for Newfoundland and Labrador is Susan Walsh.
Susan began her career as a front-line social worker within mental health and then the social services system in child protection. This early practice grounded her in the realities of working with folks at their most vulnerable. During those early years, Susan understood the importance of advocacy within systems which have significant power over individuals. With the goal of changing systems to meet the needs of people, Susan obtained a Master of Social Work degree, specializing in policy, from the University of Toronto. Susan spent 31 years in progressive leadership positions within numerous departments of the Newfoundland and Labrador provincial government focused on mental health, geriatrics, disabilities, child welfare, income support, Indigenous services, municipal affairs and executive council. Susan has led a number of reform initiatives and served on various provincial and national boards, including both the Provincial and Territorial Deputy Ministers responsible for Social Services and Responsible for Seniors. Her most recent role, prior to her appointment as the Newfoundland and Labrador Seniors’ Advocate in June of 2022, was Deputy Minister of the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development.
In her current role as Senior’s Advocate Susan has been a principled and compassionate voice for seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. In the nomination it was noted that ‘Susan reflects the highest standards of professional integrity. She brings evidence, policy analysis, and ethical reasoning together to challenge inequities while maintaining trust with the public, service providers, and government. Her work demonstrates an unwavering commitment to social justice and accountability, hallmarks of exemplary social work practice.’
Susan has worked hard to represent the seniors of Newfoundland and Labrador. In her role as Seniors Advocate, Susan has met with thousands of folks across over 70 communities to understand the unique issues facing seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. Susan has had a direct and meaningful impact on the quality of life of seniors through the focus on systemic changes. Susan has worked to ensure the voices of seniors are heard and has always maintained the link to the individuals behind those voices.
With her team, Susan has raised the voices of seniors and followed through on her consultations by making strong recommendations for change. Susan has brought visibility to systemic gaps and inequities that negatively affect seniors’ independence, mental health, and sense of security. This advocacy has contributed to increased public awareness, policy dialogue, and government accountability related to seniors’ services. Susan has maintained a commitment to seniors with the expectation that they are respected and supported to live with dignity.
Susan has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout her social work career and various titles and is noted to have a leadership style that is defined by vision, courage, mentorship combined with an ability to bridge frontline realities with system-level decision making. All of this work has happened in a complex environment that requires the balancing of political, organizational and public lenses. Susan has been a mentor to staff and students, engaged with community organizations, and fostered partnerships across sectors.
Susan's career trajectory, from frontline social worker to deputy minister to an independent advocate – over 35 years - highlights a sustained commitment to leadership that is grounded in social work values and focused on systemic change.
Susan has been a supporter of the NLCSW over the years and never hesitates to step up, most recently presenting to registrants on the work of the Seniors Advocate. Her passion for her work and those she serves, and worked with, shines through.
Social workers in NL offer our congratulations and best wishes!