The Right Honourable Mark Carney
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
Dear Prime Minister Carney,
On behalf of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), I extend our sincere congratulations on your election as Prime Minister of Canada. CASW looks forward to collaborating with your government in building a strong, equitable and inclusive Canada.
As background for you, CASW is the national association for the social work profession, composed of ten partner federation partners across provinces and territories, representing a diverse body of over 25,000 social work professionals in Canada.
For close to a decade CASW has advocated for the profession’s inclusion for Canada Student Loans forgiveness for social workers that work in rural or remote communities. CASW appreciates upholding this commitment with the swift publication of the proposed amendments as drafted by the previous Liberal government.
Prior to the 2025 federal election, CASW urged your consideration, if elected, of reinstating the Ministerial roles dedicated to Persons with Disabilities, as well as Mental Health and Substance Use. CASW joins others in expressing deep disappointment regarding the elimination of both Ministerial roles in Cabinet, especially with no corresponding appointment of Secretaries of State.
In a time marked by division and overt challenges to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the absence of dedicated representation for equity-denied groups in Cabinet sends a concerning message. It suggests that the needs and rights of equity denied groups are not being prioritized as voices do not have meaningful representation. There is no economic progress without social progress.
Again, on behalf of the CASW Board and federation partners, we look forward to supporting your government in meaningfully progressing towards economic and social security for all.
Sincerely,
Barb Whitenect, MSW, RSW
CASW President