June 10, 2024 – Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Association of Social Workers is pleased to announce the election of Barbara Whitenect, MSW, RSW from the New Brunswick Association of Social Workers (NBASW) as the Association’s new President. Whitenect has served as CASW’s Vice President since 2022.
“Throughout my career, even when stepping into government or policy roles, I have always made a point to proudly identify myself as a Social Worker and ensure colleagues and the public understand our unique strengths and worldview” said Whitenect. “I am so honoured to be in a position to speak on behalf of my chosen profession and lead the Association into the future.”
Whitenect has a varied career path with a strong legacy of leadership. Her early career was spent working in mental health as a clinician, manager and regional Director, and in 2002 she became New Brunswick’s provincial Director of Child and Youth Addiction & Mental Health Services. In 2007, she assumed the role of Executive Director for Addiction and Mental Health Services with the Department of Health. She then moved to Public Safety as Assistant Deputy Minister of Community Services, and finished her career as Assistant deputy Minister of Children, Family and Senior services at Social Development.
“With a new Code of Ethics launched this year and newly strengthened commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging informing our mandate, it’s already such an important time of new beginnings for the Association and the profession,” said Whitenect. “I am excited to keep that momentum going with advocacy not only for social justice in Canada, but for social workers themselves – especially in increasingly difficult societal contexts. Let’s get to work.”