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BC Association of Social Workers
SoCiAl Work
ProfeSSion of ChoiCe
ANNUAL REPORT2014/2015
annual report 2014/201502
BCASW BoArD MeMBerS 2014-2015
eXeCUTiVe
President MichaelCrawford
PastPresident PamMiller
VicePresident LeyaEguchi
Treasurer SusanPeck
Secretary CherylAsh
CASWRepresentative PhyllisNash
rePreSenTATiVeS To The BoArD
StudentRepresentative KarisBergsma
VancouverSeatoSkyBranch LeanneHarder/Elizabeth
Vondette
FraserRiverBranch PaulJenkinson
KootenaysBranch DeborahWandler
NorthernBranch VincentSherry
NorthwestBranch tba
Thompson/NicolaBranch TwylaRussell
Delta/Richmond/BurnabyBranch KristaGermyn
OkanaganBranch CherylAsh
VancouverIslandBranch NancyBaker
MeMBerS AT lArGe
MaxineGibson
Kundoqk,JacquieGreen
CarolRoss
BCASW STAffExecutiveDirector DianneHeath
AdministratorandMemberServicesSupport GregSturck/
LouKawakami
Bookkeeper CathyLarkin
ABoUT BCASWBCASWisavoluntary,not-for-profitmembershipassociation
thatsupportsandpromotestheprofessionofsocialworkand
advocatesforsocialjustice.BCASWisoneoftheprovincial/
territorialsocialworkassociationsinpartnershipwiththeCanadian
AssociationofSocialWorkers(CASW).ThroughCASW,wesupport
theworkoftheInternationalFederationofSocialWorkers.
Incorporatedin1956,BCASWhasbranchesandmembers
throughoutBC.
MembershipinBCASWcreatesasynergythatstrengthensyour
voice,supportsyourpractice,andbuildsasolidfoundationfor
advocacyandsocialaction.Weprovideinformationandsupportto
socialworkers,leadershipinprofessionalandsocialadvocacy,and
professionaldevelopmentopportunities.Oursisastrongcollective
voicethatadvancestheinterestsofsocialwork,communicates
thevitalcontributionofsocialworkerstotheircommunities,and
enhancesthecontributionofsocialworktosocialjustice.
our Mission“We are the professional association of social workers in British Columbia
and promote the profession of Social Work. We advance Social Work
practice and values to create a just and compassionate society.”
The BCASW logoOurlogoincorporatestwosymbols:
thedove,whichexpressesfreedom,
peaceandhope;andthehand,
whichexpresseshelp,humanityand
caring,thequalitiesembeddedin
BCASW’smission.
BC ASSoCiATion of SoCiAl WorkerS402-1755WestBroadway,Vancouver,BCV6J4S5
T604730.9111/F604730.9112
TollfreeinBC1800665.4747
CASW Annual Meeting, Charlottetown, PEI
annual report 2014/2015 03
eXeCUTiVe CoMMiTTee’S rePorT
ItwasagreathonourtorecognizeGlenSchmidtwiththeBCCASW
Distinguished Service Award this year. Acknowledgement of his
contributiontoourprofessionislongoverdue.Wedemonstratedwhat
adiversegroupweareaswegatheredtohonourthosewhochoseour
professionduringSocialWorkWeek.Diversewemaybe,however,we
alsohavemuchincommon.Weareboundtogetherbyourdesirefor
abetterandfairerworldanddrivenbymoralandethicalimperatives
towork for improvedsocial conditionsandequality.Ourvaluesand
beliefscompelustoworkforsocialjustice.Asinequalitygrowswecan
feel frustratedandsomewhathelplessaswestruggletohelpclients
tomeetevenbasichumanneedswhenresourcesare limited. Inour
workplacesandonthestreetweseethemiseryanddespairofpoverty
andinequality.
ResearchconductedbytheCanadianCentreforPolicyAlternatives’
Growing Gap Project clearly shows worsening income and wealth
inequalityinCanada.InBC,oneinninepeopleliveinpoverty.Weare
nowtheonlyprovincewithoutapovertyreductionplan.OurBoardand
Committeeswillcontinuetoworkwithalliedprofessionalassociations
andNGOstolobbytheBCgovernmenttoaction.Wehavehadsome
successes of late. Through direct lobbying and working with allied
groups,BCASWhelpedtobringaboutanincreaseinallowableearnings
forincomeassistancerecipients,increasedaccesstoeducation,andan
endtotheclawbackofchildsupportpayments.Thesechangesmakea
worldofdifferenceinsomelives,butonlylargersystemicchangecan
reducethekindofinequalityweseeinBC.
BCASWworkscollaborativelywithotherorganizationstocreate
social change and to promote our profession in our province. This
yearwebecameanofficial“friend”toBoardVoice.Weshareastrong
commitment to develop a Social Policy Framework for BC. It is our
hopethatwecanworktogethertotacklethisenormousjob;including
identifyingthedesiresofBCCitizens,determiningourbottomlines,
andworkingwiththeprovincialgovernmentforadoption.
TheBoardofBCASWremainscommittedtostrongrelationships
withtheotherdomainsofsocialworkpractice.Ajointmeetingheld
withtheBCCollegeofSocialWorkers January23,2015providedan
opportunitytoexploresharedcommitmenttotheprofessionandto
discussstrategiesforpromotion.BCASWcontinuestoofferpractical
andaccessibleprofessionaldevelopmentresourcesforpractitionersin
BCasasupporttothestandardsmandatedthroughthecommitment
ofourCollegetopracticeexcellence.
Social workers have chosen a profession with two jobs. On the
one hand, we respond to immediate need and do the best we can
submitted by Leya Eguchi, Pamela Miller, Phyllis Nash, Susan Peck, Cheryl Ash
to provide service, resources, and relief. On the other hand, we are
obliged to make the world a better and fairer place where needs are
met.Thisyear,BCASWworkedtoputtheissuesbeforeourmembers.
Democracies work best when people are informed and when actions
areconsistentwithachievingequalityandjustice.Givenhowclosethe
majorpartieswereinthepolls,webelievedthattimelyinvolvementat
thebranchlevelwouldmakeadifferenceintermsofcandidateshearing
andrespondingtotheissueswecareabout.
Lookingaheadto2016,theBoardwillcontinuethedevelopment
ofanewstrategicplanthatwillensurethatthegoalsoftheorganization
remainrelevantandtimelytoourmembership.Wewilllookforwaysto
involvememberssothatwecreateaplanthatgivesguidancetothe
work we do to promote the profession and to advance practice and
valuestocreateajustandcompassionatesociety.
We look forward to the year ahead, to meeting members across
theprovince,andhearingofyouraccomplishmentsandideas,andto
working with the Board as we move forward guided by our strategic
plan.
reCoGniTion AWArDS
Congratulationstoallrecipients!
BC’s CASW Distinguished Service Award:GlenSchmidt
The Inspiring Social Worker of the Year:StephenQuinlan
Branch Awards
ThompsonNicola–Heart of the Grasslands:AvaDean
Northwest–The Copper Shield:RobertHart
North–The Bridget Moran Award:GregBeattie
FraserRiver–The Roopchand Seebaran Legacy Social Work Award for
Advocacy:RoopchandSeebaran
VancouverIsland–The Deryck Thomson Award:BruceWallace
Richmond/Delta/Burnabyletterofacknowledgement:TheSpirit
oftheChildrenSociety
VancouverSeatoSkyMSWstudentaward:LauraBurkholder
AwardsfromthePacificSocialWorkFoundationareavailableeach
yeartobeawardedtostudentsinBSWprogramsatBCSchoolsof
SocialWork.
annual report 2014/2015 annual report 2014/2015 0504
PUBliCATionS AnD CoMMUniCATionS
PERsPEcTivEs neWSleTTerEditor:DianneHeath
EditorialCommittee:CayceLaviolette,DawnHemingway,LindaKorbin
LayoutandDesign:HeatherMacNeil
Mailed to all members and available online, subscriptions for
Perspectives are purchased by universities, libraries, and individuals.
Thesaleofinsertsandadssubsidizethepublication.
• January presented observations on choosing social work and
practicechoicestobemadeassocialworkers
• Maydescribedprofessionaljourneysofsocialworkers
• September addressed social work as a profession of choice for
employers.
e-BUlleTinS
• Monthly bulletins listed events, providing updates and
information.
MeDiA releASeS
Threemediareleasesandfollow-upinterviews/communications:
• BCSocialWorkersWelcomeTruthandReconciliationReport
• BCASW Speaks to the Responsibility to Secure Safety for All
Children
• TheBritishColumbiaAssociationofSocialWorkersUrgesAction
onFindingsinGrowingUpinB.C.–2015
• Dialoguewithmembers-questions,concerns,andresponses
• CASWandBranchcommunications
• Opportunity Ads- job advertisements, continuing professional
development,events
WeBSiTewww.bcasw.org
Memberinformation,services,andbenefitsincluding:
• Branchevents,committeeupdates,news/events
• Jobadvertisements
• VideoclipforSocialWorkWeek-WhyChooseSocialWork?
• Continuingprofessionaldevelopment
• Onlineprintablesocialworkweekposter
• Healthsocialworkerroleinformationsheetfordownload
• bc.findasocialworker.capracticeroster–33listings
• LinktoAONinsuranceonlineapplication
ProMoTionAl MATeriAl
• TwopostersdesignedforSocialWorkWeek
• Orders for brochures on Social Work Skills and Knowledge in
HealthCareandethicsposterscontinue
• Social Work Services in Health Care Settings patient/client
brochure in English, Punjabi, Chinese, and French; for sale at
cost
• Promotional flyer for inclusion in BCCSW mailouts to new
registrants–WhyBelongtoBCASW?
CoMMUniCATionS WiTh The ProVinCiAl GoVernMenT
Issues addressed in partnership and/or as a single organization
included poverty reduction, access to services, directions in health
carepolicy,studentloanforgiveness.Seewebsiteforcopiesofletters
andcommunications.
AnnUAl rePorT • 2014/2015inreview
ACCESS RESOURCESContinuing Professional Development • Affordable Insurance • Mentorship & Networking
ADVANCE THE PROFESSION OF SOCIAL WORKCommunications • Scholarships • Service Recognition
ADVOCATE FOR SOCIAL WORK VALUESAdvocacy Initiatives • Coalition Partnerships • Communities of Practice
Why Belong to the BC Association of Social Workers?
annual report 2014/2015 annual report 2014/2015 0504
submitted by Dianne Heath
eXeCUTiVe DireCTor’S rePorT
What is new in the office? This year the office re-organization
wascompleted.LouKawakamibringsherexpertise inwebsite
and project management to her new position as Administrator and
MemberServicesSupport,fourdays/week.CathyLarkin,Bookkeeperis
nowalsoonstaffina.2fteposition.
In Julywepurchased, learned,and launchedtheAdobeConnect
meeting platform with the aim of hosting collegial webinars to
support discussion and reflection on practice and to showcase and
sharememberexpertise.Weencourageparticipantstoviewwebinars
withcolleaguesandusetheconceptsforfurtherdiscussion.Ourfirst
WednesdayWebinarpresenterwasmemberLyndaMonkwhoshared
herinsightsinExpressive Writing for Social Worker Self-Care,September30.
Wewill continuetoofferwebinars.Somewillbe recordedfor future
purchase.
OurEducationandNetworkingDayOctober23,Show Me the Data,
broughttogetherexcellentspeakersonevidence-basedpractice.
Our new flyer, Congratulations, You’re a Registered Social Worker:
Consider Becoming a Member of Your Professional Associationwasdistributed
bytheBCCSWtonewregistrants.Theincreaseinmentorshiprequests
from 13 last year to 28 this year to date may be attributed to this
flyer.
Pleaseconsidersendinginyourapplicationtobeamentor.
CASWhassecuredanincreaseof$1millionfrom$4to$5million
professional liabilityaswellas increase indefencefrom$150,000to
$200,000.Costofpremiumsremainsunchanged–$125.Theprogram
offeredisthebestinCanadaforsocialworkers.As443membersreport
having a private practice, this is important news. We encourage all
practitioners to consider their own professional liability insurance as
theemployer’scoveragemaynotcoverorbeadequate.
ThenewInspiringSocialWorkerAwardwaspresentedtoStephen
Quinlan. BCASW Board members, Pam Miller and Jacquie Green
assistedMiuChungYanandMarionManindeterminingcriteriaforan
awardthatwouldcapturethequalitiesofexemplarysocialworkersas
reflectedinthelifeofPaulCheng.
Note that membership is up to 1200 at the time of writing.
(This number changes daily; April snapshot data is for consistent
comparison).
National meetings in Charlottetown this spring were attended
byMichaelCrawford,PhyllisNashandmyself.ThethemeSocial Work:
Profession of Choice proved popular and was retained nationally for
2016.
Our strategic plan was deferred due in part to medical leave of
a key player but the office did operate from a renewed tactical plan,
attachedtotheMayBoardmeetingminutes,postedinthemembers
areaofthewebsite.Allactivitiesfallunderatleastoneofourthreeend
goals—promote the profession, support the members, and advocate
for social justice, plus operations. New activities and some ongoing
servicesarelisted.
CHallenGeS anD opportunItIeS
Opportunities exist to promote social work, to put us on the list of
go-toprofessionalsforhealthandsocialcare,privatepracticeservices,
socialpolicyinitiatives.AsanAssociation,itisourroletopromoteour
professioninatimeofservicerestrictionandlossofpositionstoother
professions.
Capacity issues inherent in a small office and volunteer-fuelled
organization with numerous objectives require deft re-allocation of
resources, based on set priorities, member interest, and a desire for
timelyresponsetosocialissues.
Future DIreCtIonS
Although office re-organization is complete, room remains for
improved efficiency using new technology and increased use of
the Adobe Connect platform. A focus on CPD meant the database,
although in process, remains to be completed over the next year. A
conferenceisplannedforthefallof2016.
Relianceonvolunteertimewillcontinue.Increasedmembershipis
requiredforsustainablegrowthtosupportmeetingchallengesrequiring
thepromotionofourprofession,toprovideaccessiblememberservices
andsolidadvocacy.Thisneedwillbean importantconsiderationfor
strategicplanning.Wecontinuetoaddnewtechnologiesandservices
tosupportandcontinueourconversationandconnectionwitheach
otherandourprofession.
annual report 2014/201506
submitted by Susan Peck
TreASUrer’S rePorT
Membership Fees 68%
Advertising 11%
Continuing Professional
Development 18%
Membership Materials
2%
Investments 1%
Income Distribution
Staffing 43%
Professional Activities 15%
Office Administration 15%
Communications Membership Materials 8%
Board Activities 6%
Continuing Professional
Development 13%
Expenses Distribution
It is coming up to my first anniversary as Treasurer for the BCASW.
Learning the structure and workings of our Association has meant
tappingintoitsknowledgebaseandIamgratefulforalltheinputIhave
received from various Board members and especially our ED, Dianne
Heath.
This report reviews the main highlights of our 2014 financial
statementsandprovidesabriefupdateontherecordsfor2015,upto
andincludingJuly,2015.
2014 SUMMArY
Membership fees collected surpassed our budgeted expectation and
increased more than 3% over the 2013 figures. Advertising income
generated from email blasts, flyers, and website advertisements
accountedfor11%ofourincome.Profitfromcontinuingprofessional
developmenteventsamountedtoabout5%ofoverallincome.Weare
primarilyamemberduessupportedassociation.
Ourtermdepositstotal$128,866;thesebearinterestratesranging
from1.9%to3.3%andmatureinOctober2015.
Creditcardtransactionfeeswerenegotiateddownslightly.Funds
forthenewdatabasehavebeendeferredto2015ashasthementorship
project.Theofficepremisesaresharedbythreeassociations,costing
BCASW$1311.00inmonthlyrentplusoperatingexpensesonaterm
offiveyearsendingDec.31,2017.Atotalof$4592.00wasdispersed
totheninebranchesforlocalactivities.
2015 UPDATe
Ahighlightfor2015isthestreamlinedmonthlyfinancialrecordsas
wenowhavearegularpart-timebookkeeper.Wefilledtheposition
ofAdministratorandMemberServicesSupportwith50%ofthesalary
forsixmonthscoveredbyawagesubsidyworkexperienceprogram.
Quotesforanewbenefitsproviderweresolicitedearlierthisyearand
anewcontractsigned.OurBoardislookingatcost-savingmeasures
such as reducing the number of face-to-face meetings and relying
more on options such as teleconferencing. Work continued on the
newdatabaseanditisexpectedtorolloutovertheyear.Thedecision
toholdanEducationandNetworkingDayinsteadofaconferencefor
2015enabledourorganizationtofocusoncoreprioritiesandprojects
suchasthenewdatabase.Itisayearofgrowthanddevelopmentfor
theBCASW.
annual report 2014/2015 07
For the complete financial statement, please refer to the Review Engagement Report
at www.bcasw.org.
reVieW enGAGeMenT rePorT
REVIEW ENGAGEMENT REPORT
To the Members of British Columbia Association of Social Workers
We have reviewed the statement of financial position of British Columbia Association of Social Workersas at December 31, 2014 and the statements of changes in fund balances, operations and cash flows forthe year then ended. Our review was made in accordance with Canadian generally accepted standardsfor review engagements and, accordingly, consisted primarily of inquiry, analytical procedures anddiscussion related to information supplied to us by the Association.
A review does not constitute an audit and, consequently, we do not express an audit opinion on thesefinancial statements.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that these financialstatements are not, in all material respects, in accordance with Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations.
Burnaby, British ColumbiaFebruary 19, 2015 Chartered Accountants
1
REVIEW ENGAGEMENT REPORT
To the Members of British Columbia Association of Social Workers
We have reviewed the statement of financial position of British Columbia Association of Social Workersas at December 31, 2014 and the statements of changes in fund balances, operations and cash flows forthe year then ended. Our review was made in accordance with Canadian generally accepted standardsfor review engagements and, accordingly, consisted primarily of inquiry, analytical procedures anddiscussion related to information supplied to us by the Association.
A review does not constitute an audit and, consequently, we do not express an audit opinion on thesefinancial statements.
Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that these financialstatements are not, in all material respects, in accordance with Canadian Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations.
Burnaby, British ColumbiaFebruary 19, 2015 Chartered Accountants
1
BRITISH COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERSStatement of Operations
Year Ended December 31, 2014(Unaudited)
2014 2013
INCOMEMembership fees $ 217,539 $ 211,130Advertising 35,875 32,144Conferences and workshops 58,747 5,564Interest and investment income 2,674 2,406Membership materials 4,244 3,737Perspectives and publication sales 685 622
319,764 255,603
EXPENSES (per Schedule 1)Office administration 48,393 44,790Information services 24,305 27,498Professional activities 87,942 52,938Board activities 19,363 19,486Staffing 136,118 135,845
316,121 280,557
EXCESS (DEFICIENCY) OF INCOME OVER EXPENSES (PERSCHEDULE 1) $ 3,643 $ (24,954)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 4
BRITISH COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERSStatement of Changes in Fund Balances
Year Ended December 31, 2014(Unaudited)
OperatingFund 2014 2013
FUND BALANCES - BEGINNING OF YEAR $ 162,009 $ 162,009 $ 186,963Excess (deficiency) of income over expenses 3,643 3,643 (24,954)
FUND BALANCES - END OF YEAR $ 165,652 $ 165,652 $ 162,009
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 3
BRITISH COLUMBIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERSStatement of Financial Position
December 31, 2014(Unaudited)
2014 2013
ASSETSCURRENT
Cash $ 97,413 $ 119,239Investments 128,866 127,335Accounts receivable 437 70Prepaid expenses 625 750
227,341 247,394
CAPITAL ASSETS (Notes 2, 3) 3,913 282
$ 231,254 $ 247,676
LIABILITIESCURRENT
Accounts payable and accrued charges $ 5,419 $ 2,283Government remittances payable 1,353 2,454Deferred revenue (Note 4) 58,830 80,930
65,602 85,667
FUND BALANCESOperating fund 165,652 162,009
$ 231,254 $ 247,676
COMMITMENTS (Note 5)
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
_____________________________ Director
_____________________________ Director
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements. 2
annual report 2014/201508
BCASW Membership Data report
Why this data summary?Toinformfutureplanning.
When? AsnapshotofdatatakenApril2015
Who are we?Weare1166SocialWorkers,SocialWorkStudentsandAssociates
Member Category Number Full Time 501 Part Time 297 Student 165 Retired 69 Unemployed 54 30 Year Retired 29 New Graduate 26 Recent Graduate 14 Associate 11 Total 1166
Full Time 43%
Part Time 25%
Student 14%
Retired 6%
Unemployed 5%
30 Year Retired
3%
New Graduate 2%
Recent Graduate
1% Associate
1%
Membership by Category
Member Category Number Full Time 501 Part Time 297 Student 165 Retired 69 Unemployed 54 30 Year Retired 29 New Graduate 26 Recent Graduate 14 Associate 11 Total 1166
Full Time 43%
Part Time 25%
Student 14%
Retired 6%
Unemployed 5%
30 Year Retired
3%
New Graduate 2%
Recent Graduate
1% Associate
1%
Membership by Category
Branch Count Vancouver Sea to Sky 299 Vancouver Island 235 Fraser River 146 Okanagan 123 Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby 115 Northern 86 Thompson/ Nicola 85 Kootenay 38 Northwest 30 Out of Province 9 Total 1166
Vancouver Sea to Sky 26%
Vancouver Island 20%
Fraser River 12%
Okanagan 11%
Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby
10%
Northern 7%
Thompson/ Nicola
7%
Kootenay 3%
Northwest 3% Out of Province
1%
Membership by Branch
Branch Count Vancouver Sea to Sky 299 Vancouver Island 235 Fraser River 146 Okanagan 123 Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby 115 Northern 86 Thompson/ Nicola 85 Kootenay 38 Northwest 30 Out of Province 9 Total 1166
Vancouver Sea to Sky 26%
Vancouver Island 20%
Fraser River 12%
Okanagan 11%
Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby
10%
Northern 7%
Thompson/ Nicola
7%
Kootenay 3%
Northwest 3% Out of Province
1%
Membership by Branch
annual report 2014/2015 09
Area of Practice Count Adult Mental Health 407 Health Medical 262 Family Services 272 Alcohol /Substance Abuse 226 Child Mental Health 204 EAP 161 Child Welfare 141 Community Development 122 Disability 122 Education 125 Aging 119 Multicultural Services 71 Community Living 45 Occupational/ Industrial 53 Corrections 45
Adult Mental Health
17%
Health Medical 11%
Family Services 11%
Alcohol /Substance
Abuse 10% Child Mental
Health 9%
EAP 7%
Child Welfare 6%
Community Development
5%
Disability 5%
Education 5%
Aging 5%
Multicultural Services
3%
Community Living
2%
Occupational/ Industrial
2% Corrections
2%
Area of Practice
Area of Practice Count Adult Mental Health 407 Health Medical 262 Family Services 272 Alcohol /Substance Abuse 226 Child Mental Health 204 EAP 161 Child Welfare 141 Community Development 122 Disability 122 Education 125 Aging 119 Multicultural Services 71 Community Living 45 Occupational/ Industrial 53 Corrections 45
Adult Mental Health
17%
Health Medical 11%
Family Services 11%
Alcohol /Substance
Abuse 10% Child Mental
Health 9%
EAP 7%
Child Welfare 6%
Community Development
5%
Disability 5%
Education 5%
Aging 5%
Multicultural Services
3%
Community Living
2%
Occupational/ Industrial
2% Corrections
2%
Area of Practice
Primary Activity Count Direct Practice 720 Management/ Admin 180 Community Development 152 Teaching/ Research 128 Planning/ Policy 69
Direct Practice 58%
Management/ Admin
14%
Community Development
12%
Teaching/ Research
10%
Planning/Policy 6%
Primary Activity
Primary Activity Count Direct Practice 720 Management/ Admin 180 Community Development 152 Teaching/ Research 128 Planning/ Policy 69
Direct Practice 58%
Management/ Admin
14%
Community Development
12%
Teaching/ Research
10%
Planning/Policy 6%
Primary Activity
Sector Count Self Employed 346 Health 262 Non Profit 235 Provincial 125 Education 87 Private Profit 69 Aboriginal Services 55 Federal 20 Municipal 4
Self Employed 29%
Health 22% Non Profit
19%
Provincial 10%
Education 7%
Private Profit 6%
Aboriginal Services
5% Federal
2% Municipal 0%
Sector
Sector Count Self Employed 346 Health 262 Non Profit 235 Provincial 125 Education 87 Private Profit 69 Aboriginal Services 55 Federal 20 Municipal 4
Self Employed 29%
Health 22% Non Profit
19%
Provincial 10%
Education 7%
Private Profit 6%
Aboriginal Services
5% Federal
2% Municipal 0%
Sector
10 annual report 2014/2015
BrAnCh hiGhliGhTS 2015
nortHWeSt OnJune11,BranchmembersattendedtheOur Dreams Matter Too
walkandletterwritingeventtosupportculturally-basedequityfor
FirstNationsChildren.TheBranchcontinuestosupportNorthwest
memberRobHartandhisworkontheBCASWAdvocacyCommittee.
OurBranchisplanninganetworkingandrecruitmenteventin
Terrace.ThiseventwillbringnewsocialworkstudentsandBCASW
memberstogether.
Kelsey Pedro
FraSer rIVer The Branch focus was on engaging the social work professional
community, expanding our current level of activity with social
work professionals, students, and educators while also addressing
current social issues. We held seven Branch events, provided CPD
opportunities,supportedstudentparticipationintheUFVSocialWork
Conference,andsponsoredaBSWGradDinnerwiththeSocialWork
StudentAssociationandtheUFVSchoolofSocialWorkandHuman
Services. The Branch held a Social Work Week lecture and reception
withProfessorEmeritusRoopSebaran,launchinganewannualaward
tohonourtheadvocacyofoutstandingBranchsocialworkers.
TheBranchheldaBranchAGMandBBQinJune.TheExecutive
expandedtoincludeCarolineBullockasTreasurerandSusanMcMillan
and Jeff Wood joining as Members at Large. Former Treasurer Dr.
ElizabethDowwillactastheBranchLiaisontotheUFV.
Fall meetings began on September 23 with Ethics in Politics-Preparing for the Fall Federal Election. October’s meeting included a
presentationandpanelonEmployment Challenges Facing Social Workers.
Paul Jenkinson
VanCouVer Sea to SKY WeenjoyedgreatattendanceatourmonthlyCPDevents.Presenters
spoke on adult attachment, family constellation, art therapy with
seniors,Imagotherapy,dialecticalbehaviourtherapyforadolescents,
ethics, and recent changes in immigration laws and implications for
thesocialworkprofession.
We continue to look for presenters within our membership to
support professional development. Monthly events continue under
thedirectionofournewBranchRepresentative,ElizabethVondette,
whohastakenonthisrolefromLeanneHarder.
Elizabeth Vondette
VanCouVer ISlanD TheVancouverIslandBranchfocusedonCPDopportunitiesduringthe
past year, hosting five workshops March- September, 2015. We are
fortunatetohavegiftedpresentersontopicsthatmembersindicated
areareasofinterest:
• Race and Mixed-Race Families: Implications for Social Workers,
March. Local perspectives were provided by a guest panel
includingRoseHenryandElviraLopez,moderatedbyDavid
Turner
• Social Inclusion in Social Work Practice: Engaging & Employing People with Experiential Knowledge, April, an exploration of
how people with experiential knowledge are meaningfully
engagedindecisionmaking,planning,andprovidingservices
inlocalagencies.ThepresenterswerefromAIDSVancouver
Island (AVI), Peers Victoria, The Greater Victoria Coalition
to End Homelessness (GVCEH), Social Inclusion Advisory
Committee (SIAC), and the Society of Illicit Drug Users
(SOLID).BruceWallace,UVICSchoolofSocialWorkwasthe
moderator.
• Social Work Ethics in Healthcare, May, presented by Sandy
LundmarkandJennySpring,IslandHealth
• Motivational Interviewing, June, presented by Darryl Jackson,
IslandHealth
• The Basic Dynamics and Long-Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse of Males, September, presented by Alana Samson,
VictoriaMen’sTraumaCentre
We look forward to hosting more CPD opportunities and
continuingtoengagewithmembersandcommunitypartners.
Nancy Baker
oKanaGan Our work to engage students at University of British Columbia,
Okanagan Campus (UBCO) continued this year with an introduction
totheAssociationattheirschoolorientation,andthe3rdAnnualSocial
WorkSpeakerSeries.
Thespeakerserieswasagainagreatsuccess.MSWstudentshad
an opportunity to meet professionals providing diverse social work
services. Attendees benefited by being introduced to cutting edge
knowledge in the areas of policy, practice, and research. The series
includedthefollowingpresentations:
• Professional Boundaries and Honouring the "Do No Harm" Principle
presentedbyChristeneWalsh
• Palliative Care and Hospice Work,BarbPesut,MerelVoth,Karen
Kutcha,andateamfromInteriorHealthSouthOkanagan
• Teenage Suicide – Assessing and Parents’ Voice with Jennifer
White,TraciCooke,andaParentPanel
TheBranchRepjoinedMSWstudentsandtheCASWEPresident-
Elect, during the UBCO Social Work Student Union Tea in March to
annual report 2014/2015 11
provide information on the value of membership. Two members
havesteppedforwardtojointheExecutiveandcontributetoBranch
rejuvenation.OurfirstExecutivemeetingwasheldonSeptember21.
Discussionsincludedroles,futuredirection,andmembershipsupport.
Cheryl Ash
nortHern Our main focus this year was to connect with members in outlying
areas.WereliedonSkypeandemailcommunications.Wearegrateful
toChrisWagnerwhomaintainstheSkypeconnectionsandtoDawn
Hemingwaywhokeepsusconnectedandinformedaboutcommunity
events.Wehopetohavemoremembersattendmonthlymeetingsin
personorelectronically.
Activitiesincluded:
• AGMandelectionofofficers,June
• CPDopportunities
• Engaginglocalfederalpoliticiansandencouragingvoting
• Planningandattendingcommunityevents.
Vincent Sherry
rICHMonD/Delta/BurnaBY TheRDBBranch iscontinuallyuncoveringwaystoreachandengage
branchmembers,findingthatteleconferencesworkwellforourlarge
region.Wereceivedpositivefeedbackforpersonalwelcomestonew
membersoutliningwaystobeactiveintheAssociation.
OurMarchteleconferenceincludeddiscussiononBurnabypolitics,
the Virginia Satir Change Process Model, and ideas for upcoming
events. Diana Serban was the lucky winner of a BCASW lanyard for
participatingintheteleconference!
InApril,a letterwaswrittentotheSpiritoftheChildrenSociety
ExecutiveDirector,WallyRupert,torecognizethebeneficialprograms
and services they offer to people in the lower mainland and to
acknowledge what a valuable resource they are to social workersin
our communities. Kim Robinson, worked alongside this agency and
broughttheirservicestotheattentionoftheBranch.Here ispartof
Mr.Rupert’seloquentresponse,sharedwithhispermission.
We are so proud that the efforts of our agency and of our staff have been noticed in such a complimentary way….
Our historical experience shows us that success is crafted by many hands working together and we have been blessed by the great relationship that has been nurtured together with our larger community and the generous hearts of the Ministry social workers that we work with….
Too often it seems that attention is brought to the shortfalls in both of our spheres so it is particularly gratifying to be the focus of such positive regard….it is encouraging and leaves us wanting more goodness to occur for all of us, wherever we intersect in our communities, and on behalf of the children, families and youth that we serve….
On behalf of all of the Spirit staff, thank you….!!!!
In May,wehosted a workshop on systemic advocacy facilitated
by long-timeadvocateandBranchMember,CarolRoss.Carolshared
strategies for systemic advocacy campaigns and brought resource
materials tohelpparticipantsexamineandbuild theirownadvocacy
skills.Asalways,insightsandideasweresharedovergoodfood!Money
wasraisedforthePacificSocialWorkFoundation.
This summer, we launched a new Facebook page,
www.facebook.com/RichmondDeltaBurnabyBCASWBranch
containing updates, highlights from BCASW and CASW, andlocal
politicalandsocialmatters.
In September, the Branch filled Executive positions including
Branch Rep, Krista Germyn; Treasurer, Duncan Stephen; Secretary,
MobinaHasan;StudentRep,DianaSerban.
Welookforwardtocontinuedgrowth,increasedparticipationand
engagementofmembers,andthedeliveryofworkshops,presentations,
andnetworkingevents.
KootenaY Thisyear,wemetfortwodinnermeetingsandtwoeducationalevents
forBCCSWCPDrequirements.Attendancehasbeenlowtothedinner
meetings.Itseemsliketheeducationpieceiswhatbringsustogether.
We combine our educational evenings with a potluck dinner and
livelydiscussion.WelistenedtoapodcastonMotivational Interviewing
in November. In June we watched the video Hard Choices made by
theUniversityofVictoria’sFrancesRicksintheearly90’swithethical
dilemmascenariosthatcontinuetoberelevanttoday.
ManythanksgotoBranchExecutivemembers,GeriLynnRempel
andLucindaTaylor,fortheirsupportandcontributionsovertheyears.
ThisfallwehopetodrawnewenergyandfacesintotheBranchas
wecontinuetobringpeoplefromalargegeographicareatogetherto
celebratetheprofessionofsocialworkandeachother!
Deb Wandler
tHoMpSon nICola During2015,ourExecutiveincludedfive3rdand4thyearBSWstudents
fromTRU,Branchmembershipincreased,andnewmembersreceiveda
welcominge-mailandphonecall.
We focused on information/educational events and delivered
four events. Our March event was a Social Work Week luncheon for
members,communitysocialworkers,andstudents.Theguestspeaker
wasStephanieCadieux,MinisterofChildrenandFamilyDevelopment.
TheHeartoftheGrasslandsAwardwaspresentedtoAvaDean.
ThespringeventwasheldinMay.ShelinaNeallani,whoisbotha
socialworkerandlawyer,facilitatedUnderstanding Mediation & Dynamics of Conflict: Developing Dispute Resolution Skills.
Numerous Branch members indicated that they participated in
the letter writing campaign regarding Fair and Equitable funding for
all First Nations programs and used the sample letter on BCASW’S
website.Letters(e-mail/post)weresenttoPrimeMinisterHarperand
localMP’s.
The Executive met in September to plan upcoming events and
waystoincreaseinvolvementbyitsmembers.
Twyla Russell
STUDenT rePreSenTATiVe’S rePorT
1212 annual report 2014/2015
MeDiA releASeS
May 27, 2015, BCASW Speaks to the responsibility to Secure Safety for All Children
The British Columbia Association of Social Workers remains deeply
concerned that children suffer as a result of multi-system failure to
protectthem.Thereport,Paige’s Story: Abuse, Indifference and a Young Life
Discarded,releasedbytheOfficeoftheRepresentativeforChildrenand
YouthonMay14describesonesuchstoryinbleakdetail.
We all must accept responsibility for the well-being of children.
We must also accept responsibility for the impact of our judgments
of parents who struggle with addictions and of the front line social
workersinvolvedinthelivesoffamilies.Indifferenceisnotawordthat
candescribewhatthevastmajorityofsocialworkersfeel.Frustration,
anger, exhaustion, sadness, and helplessness are far more common
statesofmind.
Socialworkers,teachers,andhealthprofessionalscannotprevent
childabusewithouttheinvolvementandcommitmentofallcitizens.
Government policy and practice that demonstrates full parenting
responsibility for children in care requires adequate staff levels;
adequate resources; commitment to addressing poverty, addictions,
anddiscrimination;andacommitmenttofindingsecure,lovinghomes
andconnectionsforchildrenwellbeyondtheageof19years.Weall
wantpeopleinourliveswhowillbethereforthelonghaul.
Childprotectionworkersneedadequatesupportstodotheirjobs.
Their positions must be designed to sustain high morale in order to
attractandretainsocialworkerswhochoosetodothedifficultwork
of safeguarding children. Only with a healthy system can success for
childreninneedbeachieved.BCASWcallsforservicestobeextended
tochildrenincarebeyondtheageof19years.Paige’sneedforhelpdid
notendthedaysheturnednineteen.
June 8, 2015, BC Social Workers Welcome Truth and reconciliation report
SocialworkersinBritishColumbiawelcomedthelong-awaitedreport
from Justice Murray Sinclair and will continue advocacy efforts to
ensure that the provincial and federal governments implement the
commission’srecommendations.
“This has been a very long and painful process for the almost
7,000 witnesses that spoke of their time at the residential schools
and the effect on them and their families” said Michael Crawford,
BCASW president. “Justice Sinclair has properly referred to our
collectivehistoricalactionsas‘culturalgenocide’anditisourcollective
responsibilitytoworkwithIndigenouspeoplestowardreconciliation.”
More than half of all children in the care of British Columbia’s
childwelfaresystemareAboriginalalthoughtheAboriginalpopulation
Canada wide is 4.3% according to census 2011. In spite of many
promises, funding for housing, education, health, and sanitation
remainsappallinglyinadequateforfamilies.
“TheCommission’s recommendationsneedtobe implemented
andgovernmentsneedtotakethissituationseriously”saidCarolRoss,
BCASW Board Member and chair of the Child Welfare Committee.
“Canadaapologizedin2008howeversincethenwehaveseencutbacks
tofundingandanindifferencetotheconditionsIndigenouspeoplelive
inandthebarrierstheyface.”
BCASW commits to engaging and consulting with Indigenous
peoples and communities on the process of reconciliation and
healing.
July 13, 2015, The British Columbia Association of Social Workers Urges Action on findings in Growing Up in B.c.– 2015 Growing Up in B.C.-2015,afive-yearfollow-uptotheGUIBC-2010report,
is a well-researched document that examines health and well-being
outcomesforchildrenandyouth.TheRepresentativeforChildrenand
Youth, Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond and the Provincial Health Officer,
Dr. Perry Kendall produced a document that is clear and compelling
in its findings and supports necessary policy and practice changes.
Thefindingsthatone-thirdofchildrenarenotreadytoenterschool;
60% of children in care are not graduating; and Aboriginal children
continuetobeoverrepresentedinthechildwelfaresystem,calloutfor
governmentcommitmenttochange.
The BCASW recommends that the B.C. Government: 1) create
aninter-ministerialapproachtothecreationofsocialpoliciestomeet
the gaps identified in the GUIBC report. The establishment of a B.C.
SocialPolicyFrameworkisafirststep;2)establishaProvincialPoverty
ReductionPlan;3)engagewithAboriginalleadersandcommunitiesto
addresstheoverrepresentationofAboriginalchildreninfostercare.
continued on next page...
annual report 2014/2015 13
CoMMiTTeeS AnD CoMMUniTieS of PrACTiCe 2015
IfyouareinterestedinjoiningaBCASWpracticeinterestgroupplease
contacttheBCASWofficeortheemailaddressprovided.
HealtH aDVoCaCY CoMMIttee
Chair: Fiona Lewis
Activity Summary:
• WroteanewinformationsheetonThe Role of Social Workers on
the Health Care Team
• SentalettertotheMinisterofSocialDevelopmentandSocial
Innovation in regards to raising income assistance rates to
reducepovertyandimprovehealthoutcomes
• Developed healthcare-related questions to ask federal
electioncandidates
• PromotedBCASWatatableattheHealthSciencesAssociation
convention,May'15
• Participated in Integrated Case Management Group
meetings
If you are interested in joining, please contact Nancy at
MultICultural & antI-raCISM CoMMIttee
Co-Chairs: Dave Sangha & Marisa Tuzi
BCASW proudly announces that MARC has been nominated for a
2015 British Columbia Multicultural award for work in championing
multiculturalism!
Activity Summary:
• CollaborativeworkshopwiththeSeatoSkyBranch, Current
Changes in Canadian Immigration and Implications for the Social
Work Profession
• SubmittedarticletoPerspectives newsletteron:“TheWearing
ofFaithArticlesinthePublicDomain-WhyisAnti-Oppressive
SocialWorkEssentialtoReligiousFreedom?”
• Monitored federal and provincial court decisions re: the
wearing of faith articles in a citizenship ceremony and in
courtwithregardstotheCitizenshipActandtheCharterof
Rights;monitoredchangestoimmigrationlawwithregards
to the rights of migrant workers; advocating for increased
federalgovernmentresponsetotheSyrianrefugeecrisis
• Met with representatives of the Filipino Social Workers
Association to discuss accreditation issues and challenges
facedbyforeigntrainedsocialworkersinBC;MARCsupported
theplantodiscussaccreditationconcernswiththeBCCollege
ofWorkers
• Mentoredsocialworkersnewtotheprofessionand/ornewto
Canada
• Developingaroundtablediscussionworkshop,tobeheldat
MOSAICinthefallof2016,How to Respond to Racist Comments
from Clients and Staff
HealtH praCtICe enHanCeMent CoMMIttee
Co-Chairs: Cayce Laviolette & Susan McMillan
Activity Summary:
• Revisedtermsofreference
• Setupbankaccountforthepurposeoffundingeducational
events
• Planned and hosted The Education and Networking Day,
October 23, in collaboration with Harvey Bosma, St. Paul’s
Hospital
• MaderecommendationsontheuseoffundsfromthePacific
SocialWorkFoundation
• AttendedorientationtotheMinistryofHealthpolicypapers,
April24,2015
CoMMunItY oF praCtICe on SenIorS’ ISSueS
Chair: Alison Leaney
Thanks go to Gail Jackson and Leya Eguchi for starting the
Seniors Community of Practice. We met in July spurred on by
the release of Seniors Advocate reports. Since October 2014,
there have been three major reports: The Journey Begins: Together
We Can Do Better; Placement, Drugs, and Therapy…We Can Do
Better; and Seniors Housing in BC: Affordable, Appropriate, Available
(www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca).Thesereportstacklethemesofageism;
vulnerability and abuse/neglect; access to financial benefits; lack of
affordable, appropriate, and available housing; and issues related to
medicationsinresidentialcaresettings.
TheCommunityofPracticemeetsmonthlytoeducateourselves
on these and other related issues and associated best practices, for
support,andtotakeactionbasedonwhatwelearntogether.
committees and communities of Practice...continued from previous page
14 annual report 2014/2015
CaSW GroupS
AsapartnerinCASW,BCASWhasrepresentativesinthefollowing
nationalgroups:
HealthInterestGroup NancyBaker
SocialPolicyInterestGroup MichaelCrawford
Children’sIssuesInterestGroup CarolRoss
PrivatePracticeInterestGroup MaryLeslie
Canadian Social Work JournalEditorialBoard GlenSchmidt
SoMe of oUr CoAliTionS AnD ConneCTionS
Weareatthetablewithorhavesupported:
BCAllianceonMentalHealth/IllnessandAddiction
BCCoalitionforSaferSchools
BCCollegeofSocialWork
BCCouncilforFamilies
BCPovertyReductionCoalition
BCSchoolsofSocialWork
BoardVoice
CanadianCentreforPolicyAlternatives
DisasterPsychosocialVolunteerNetwork
FirstCall:BCChildandYouthCoalition
HealthSciencesAssociation
BCGovernmentandServiceEmployees’Union
RaisetheRates
RepresentativeforChildrenandYouth
RootsofEmpathy
PacificSocialWorkFoundation
UpforDebate
aDVoCaCY CoMMIttee
Chair: Paul Jenkinson
Asacommittee,membersworktobemutuallysupportiveofadvocacy
areas pursued on behalf of the committee and the larger BCASW
membership. The various spheres of social work focus are addressed
bythecommittee,creatingorgatheringadvocacytoolsthatarethen
accessibleontheBCASWwebsite.Advocacytraininghasbeenmade
availabletoBranches.
Advocacy Tools and initiatives
Robert Hart creates a poverty-related action on a regular basis. The
actions use materials and campaigns of Association partners; BC
PovertyReductionCoalition,FirstCall,CCPAandgenerallyconsistof
amodel letterandbackgroundpoints.Thismaterial ispostedonthe
website for the use of members. The Board may consider using the
materialtocraftanAssociationpositiontocommunicatetopoliticians
andmedia.ActionswillbesenttoBrancheswitharequestthatthey:
a)write tothePremier,Minister,MLAs,andcommunitynewspapers
withinbranchboundaries,b)sendittotheirmemberswitharequest
thattheytakesimilaractions,andc)considerfollow-upmeetingswith
MLAsandgovernmentministerswithinbranchboundaries.Feedback
totheCommitteeonactionstakenbyBranchesisrequested.
legislation, Policy and Practice initiative
Carol Ross has extensive experience and knowledge in the area of
issuesaffectingkinshipcareprovidersofchildrennolongerabletolive
withtheirparents.Themostimmediateneedisforachangeinpolicy
and practice so that more MCFD/government support will be made
availabletothisgroupofmostlygrandparentsraisinggrandchildren.
Continued Professional Development and Advocacy
DavidTurnerisfocusingonintroducinganadvocacycomponentinto
CPD activities and is providing a example of how this might work
withinhisBranch.
Communications
Paul Jenkinson is developing a protocol to facilitate quick response
to emerging and long-standing social issues.He will work on the
development of a speaker’s bureau to support BCASW response,
engagingwithotherBCASWcommitteestoidentifycurrentissuesand
speakerswillingtointeractwiththemedia.Theobjectiveistocreate
newmaterialforthewebsitetomakesocialworkissuesvisibleandto
presentthesocialworkperspectivetothepublicinatimelymanner.
CHIlD proteCtIon CoMMunItY oF praCtICe
Lead and Board Liasion: Carol Ross
Activity Summary:
• Re-grouping as a community of practice, new members
welcome
•Facebookpageinprocess
LeadandBoardMember-at-LargereviewedreportsfromtheOffice
oftheRepresentativeforChildrenandYouthandFederalgovernment,
draftedmediaresponsesfollowingreleases,assistedmediaresearchers
to develop their stories and referred them to content experts,
participated in interviewswithmediaandMLAs, inconjunctionwith
the Executive Director. Carol Ross represents BCASW on the CASW
Children’sInterestgroupandisworkingonasubcommitteedraftinga
statementonchildrenagingoutofcare.
Mental HealtH anD aDDICtIonS praCtICe CoMMIttee
Platforminprocessofreview
InDIGenouS CoMMIttee
Termsofreferenceunderreview
annual report 2014/2015 15
BCASW rePreSenTATiVe To CASW rePorT
submitted by Phyllis Nash
submitted by Karis Bergsma
STUDenT rePreSenTATiVe’S rePorT
ItisalreadyoneyearthatIhavebeentheStudentRepresentativeforBCASW.ItismotivatesandencouragesmeasastudentandafuturesocialworkertoseetheimportantworkthatourprofessiondoesacrossBritishColumbia.Beingpartofthisteamcontinuestobeaveryrewarding
experience.ItrulyhopethatIcanprovideinsightandvalueasastudentrepresentingandadvocatingforallofthehard-workingstudentsacrosstheprovince.MycurrentgoalistointerestasmanystudentsaspossibleinBCASW.TheFacebookgroup,calledBCASWStudentNetwork,hasprovedtobeagreatresourceforstudentstointeractwitheachotherandtostaycurrentandinformedonsocialworkinBC.Atthemoment,153peoplefollowthispage.Thenumbergrowsweekly.
Beginning my last two-year term as your representative on theCASW Board, I continue to be committed to and passionate
about the promotion of our profession and the pursuit of socialjustice.Thesetwostrategicdirectionshaveguidedalloftheworkofthe Board for the past five years under some difficult circumstancesincluding an unsympathetic federal government and the loss of twoprovincial associations as members. In spite of these circumstances,CASWthrives,havingmorevisibilityandaccomplishmentsthaninthepreviousfiveyears.
A number of strategies have been applied to promote theprofession. A key strategy was to bring together the three majorsectors of social work: Provincial Associations, Colleges (Boards ofRegistration)andtheCanadianAssociationofSocialWorkEducators.Fortwoconsecutiveyears,thesegroupsmetannuallytoexploretheirrelationshipsandstrategiesforworkingtogether.NationalSocialWorkMonthwaspromotedthroughCanadanewswireandwasdownloaded5820 times. CASW printed and distributed Adding Further Value to Employee Benefits Planstoallpartnerorganizations,notingthevalueofregisteredsocialworkersasmentalhealthserviceproviders.IamproudtoaddthatthecontentwasprovidedbyBCASW.CASWcoordinatedtheProfession of choicesocialmediacampaignandhasapresenceonFacebook,Twitter,andYouTube.Theannualwebinar, Negligence and Documentation for Social Workers, available to members during SocialWorkMonthwaspresentedbyDr.RobertSolomon.TheCASWwebsiteiswell-used.CASWnotonlycontinues itsworkonpromotionoftheprofessionbutexpandsitspresenceeveryyear.
Thepursuitofsocialjusticeisaddressedbyanumberofapproachesincluding internal CASW interest groups, external national coalitions(over30)andstrategicalliances.ToquoteFredPhelps,ED,“...CASWhaspositioneditselfasanationalleaderontheCanadaSocialTransfer,SocialDeterminantsofHealth,andtheimpactofbothonthegrowinginequityinCanada.”CASWissuedPromoting Equity for a Stronger Canada: the Future of Canadian Social Policy to the Canada newswire where it
appeared online on 254 websites. It requested that governmentdevelopanationallong-termaffordablehousingplan,supportedtheCollegeofFamilyPhysiciansofCanada incallingfor improvedhomecareandchildandyouthhealth.AsanactivecoalitionmemberoftheDignity for All campaign,itsupportedtheissuingofthepaperA National Anti-Poverty Plan for Canada. Areas of focus include early childhoodeducationandcare,housing,incomesecurity,foodsecurity,aswellaslabour, employment, and poverty. CASW participated in the MentalHealthCommission’sdevelopmentofaMental Health Action PlanandisactivewiththeCanadianAllianceforMentalIllnessandMentalHealth.Advocacy was carried out opposing both Bill C-43 and the StandingCommittee on Citizenship and Immigration on recommendations toreduce refugee access to social services. Statements were publishedon Affirmation of Gender Diverse Children and Youth, Seniors andHealth.
My role on the Board continues to be an active one. I chair theSuccession Planning Committee for President and Board, sit on theProfessionalDevelopmentCommitteeandamco-boardliaisonontheSocialPolicyCommittee.
ThebestnewsofallfromCASWthisyearisthattheAlbertaCollegeofSocialWorkers(ACSW)CouncilvotedunanimouslytoreturntotheCASWFederationApril1,2016.TheACSWcouncilhadthecouragetoconsultitsmembershiponthismatterandreceivedanoverwhelmingmajorityofsupportforreunification.
CASW continues to reach out to the Quebec and OntarioAssociations of Social Work. Reunification remains a high priority inourstrategicplan.
annual report 2014/2015
www.bcasw.orgBC Association of Social Workers
The strongest principle of growth
lies in human choice.George Eliot
The good we secure for ourselves is precarious and
uncertain until it is secured for all of us
and incorporated into our common life.
Jane Addams
Social WorkProfession of Choice
