OTTAWA, November 24, 2021 – The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) applauds many of the commitments in yesterday’s Throne Speech which will be key in having Canada thrive in the wake of COVID–19 -- but how these commitments are realized remains to be seen.
“Before commenting on the content, we must take a moment to recognize this speech’s historic nature, being delivered by Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon,” said CASW President Joan Davis-Whelan. “This in itself is an important signal in our collective journey of reconciliation.”
In addition to an emphasis on reconciliation, the climate crisis, to ending the COVID-19 pandemic through strong health measures, and a recommitment to ending conversion therapy in Canada, CASW particularly applauds the speech’s treatment of the social determinants of health and wellbeing – but will be paying close attention to putting the words into action.
“We are delighted by the intent to focus on mental health in the same way as physical health,” noted Davis-Whelan. “We agree they are inseparable – but we urge this government to ensure funding and action follow this focus. The best way to actualize this goal is through new legislation to ensure Mental Health Parity. ”
That said, any mention of the ongoing opioid pandemic, only worsened by COVID-19, was conspicuously absent, as was a commitment to ending mandatory minimum sentencing specific to drug offences --something which CASW has advocated for as a step toward a bolder approach. “It’s time for the next step in the harm reduction policies begun by this government: decriminalizing the personal use of drugs,” said Davis-Whelan, “substance use isn’t a criminal issue, it’s a heath issue.”
CASW also noted the emphasis on addressing the rapidly increasing cost of living through major commitments such as to childcare and housing. “While robust support for certain social determinants of health is key in moving forward from the pandemic, income itself cannot be ignored – we would have liked to see movement toward a basic income in the speech,” said Davis-Whelan. “Bold and novel tools are required if we hope not just to recover as a country – but to thrive.”
Finally, CASW was pleased to hear data collection across health systems will be a priority. “Social workers are more essential than ever, and this focus should be expanded to the health and social workforce – we can’t meet our population’s current and future social care needs without this crucial data,” added Davis-Whelan.
“We wholeheartedly support many of the strong directions in this Throne Speech, but look forward to this government comprehensively funding their promises into reality,” concluded Davis-Whelan.
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For more information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW
Executive Director
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668