OTTAWA, July 27, 2012 – The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is encouraged by the cooperation and leadership of the Council of the Federation in releasing the Health Care Innovation Working Group report that provides specific recommendations in five areas to improve health outcomes for Canadians. CASW is hopeful that the collaboration demonstrated in healthcare delivery will be applied equally to establishing equity and accountability in the delivery of social services across Canada.
“A generation of research and the front line experience of social workers and other healthcare professionals continually demonstrate that consistent and accountable investments in the social determinants of health lead to better health outcomes while containing costs. That means better value for Canadians and their governments as we all strive to strengthen universal, publicly funded healthcare” notes CASW Vice President, Jan Christianson-Wood.
Social services in each province and territory are supported by the federal government through the Canadian Social Transfer – one that has few conditions or measures to ensure any level of accountability with respect to social programs across Canada.
“Given the public’s demand for accountability on spending by all levels of government, and broad economic impact of social service spending, it is shocking that no such reporting requirements exist” notes Christianson-Wood.
The leadership of the Council of the Federation in meeting the challenges of healthcare for Canadians is welcome. However the absence of the federal government at the negotiating table to ensure that the provinces and territories abide by the principles of the Canada Health Act is a serious concern.
“The Harper Government has the capacity – and responsibility – to monitor health and social services and to intervene to support a level playing field for Canadians on a national level” notes Christianson-Wood. “The federal government is positioned to provide the kind of leadership role Canadians are seeking and CASW believes it’s time for the federal government move back to the table.”
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For more information on the Canada Social transfer please visit the CASW website (www.casw-acts.ca) or click the below links:
Canada Social Transfer Project - Accountability Matters (English)
Étude sur le Transfert canadien en matière de programmes sociaux (Français)
Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) was founded in 1926 and has evolved into a national non-profit social work organization that promotes the profession of social work in Canada and advances social justice.
For further information:
Fred Phelps, Executive Director
Canadian Association of Social Workers
Tel: 613-729-6668
E-mail: fred.phelps@casw-acts.ca