Ottawa, ON – November 4, 2025 – After eight years of committed advocacy, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is deeply disappointed that the Budget 2025 failed to deliver on the promise to include social workers in the Canada Student Loan forgiveness program for professionals working in underserved rural and remote communities.
“Social workers are the heart of care in many rural and remote communities, often the first and only support for individuals and families at their most vulnerable moments,” states Barbara Whitenect, CASW President. “It’s heartbreaking that the regulations drafted to implement this commitment have not been honoured, demonstrating a disregard for the critical roles social workers have on interprofessional health and social service teams.”
In addition to student loan forgiveness, CASW was optimistic that its advocacy to have social workers recognized as public safety personnel would be reflected in Budget 2025 however the Budget is silent on commitments to advance the priorities of the Federal Framework on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“Social workers are often the first to respond and investigate situations of extreme physical, sexual and psychological abuse,” notes Whitenect. “In these circumstances social workers are regularly called upon to complete emergency investigations, often without the accompaniment of law enforcement.”
Overall CASW commends Budget 2025 for maintaining commitments to affordable childcare, the National School Food Program, the Canada Disability Benefit, pharmacare, dental care as well as renewed commitments to the Women’sand 2SLGBTQI+ programming.
Although CASW is generally supportive of Budget 2025 investments aimed at securing the sovereignty of Canada, CASW does has concerns on the perceived shift away from human rights and public health centred approaches to crime, substance use and complex social issues.
“As the Government of Canada moves forward in shifting regulations, legislation, and funding away from up stream prevention and supports, CASW will be there to provide the evidence against regression shifts in the name of crime prevention and austerity” notes Whitenect.