SWAA Joins CASW
OTTAWA, April 11, 2023 – Today the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) officially welcomes the Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA) to the national federation with the signing of the federation partnership agreement.
“As the new association voice for the social work profession in Alberta, a partnership with CASW is essential for SWAA to build, grow and develop into a strong advocacy voice” states SWAA President Keith Goertzen.
As background, SWAA was established to support social workers in Alberta with an association when the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) was forced to divest its integrated association and regulatory mandates due to 2020 amendments to the Health Professions Act.
“SWAA is committed to promoting the profession, holding the Government of Alberta accountable for what matters, and supporting social workers with member benefits and services that support their practice” states Goertzen.
In joining CASW, SWAA members will maintain seamless access to national benefits and services while strengthening the federation's voice to promote the profession and advocate issues of social justice.
“The addition of SWAA to the federation strengthens the profession and ensures the voices of Alberta social workers will be heard and amplified both nationally and internationally” states CASW President, Joan Davis-Whelan. “The CASW federation looks forward to supporting SWAA to grow and build into a formidable force of positive change in Alberta.”
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For further information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW, CAE
CASW Executive Director
Tel: 613-793-2012
E-mail: fred.phelps@casw-acts.ca