For Immediate Release
May 30, 2012
St. John’s, NL –The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is holding their annual meetings in St. John’s, NL from May 31 – June 2, 2012. During this visit, the CASW and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers (NLASW) are raising concerns about the Canada Social Transfer (CST).
The CST is the primary source of federal funding in Canada that supports provincial and territorial social programs. In recent months, emphasis has been placed on the renewal of the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) which will expire in 2014. “NLASW joins CASW in their concern on the lack of public dialogue on the renewal of the social transfer which was set to expire in 2014” says Pamela Rodgers, President of NLASW.
While it is crucial that our universal health care system be sustained and enhanced to ensure that all Canadians have access to timely, efficient, and appropriate health care services, it is also important and critical that the social transfer be renewed and augmented. “The social transfer provides essential funding to support social programming and development in the provinces and territories” notes Morel Caissie, President of CASW. “However social workers are deeply concerned with the lack of accountability and national leadership in ensuring equitable social services across Canada.”
On March 19, 2012, CASW issued a comprehensive report on the CST entitled ‘Canada Social Transfer Project – Accountability Matters’ aimed at bringing attention to the lack of accountability inherent in the delivery of the CST throughout the country. While the Federal Finance Minister has announced that the 3% annual increase in the Canada Social Transfer will continue until the 2016-17 fiscal year, there is concern that the delivery of social programs in Newfoundland and Labrador will be negatively impacted if the CST is not continued beyond 2017.
“Social workers bring a unique and holistic perspective to the issues that impact on the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities” says Ms. Rodgers. “Any reductions in social programming and development will ultimately lead to more health care issues and expenses. Therefore, the renewal of the CST should be of concern to all Canadians”. The Council of the Federation is meeting in July. The NLASW and CASW recommend that the CST be a priority on the Premier’s agenda during this meeting.
Representatives from the CASW will be available during their visit to St. John’s NL, to speak to the media about this crucial and timely issue. Media interviews can be arranged by contacting:
Lisa Crockwell
Executive Director & Registrar
NL Association of Social Workers
(709)753-0200
lcrockwell@nlasw.ca
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers
2012 marks the 20th anniversary of social work regulation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Social workers throughout Newfoundland and Labrador continue to be involved in social policy analysis and advocacy aimed at enhancing the health and well being of individuals, families and communities in this province.
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.
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