Read Our Spring 2021 Pre-Budget Submission


The Government of Ontario is preparing a Spring 2021 Budget and as a part of this they consulted the public on how to support Ontarians during COVID-19 and position Ontario for a strong economic recovery. OASW made a written and oral submission focused on improving the socioeconomic and mental health outcomes of Ontarians as the province plans for the road to recovery. 

For the Spring 2021 Budget, OASW has recommended that government:

  • Increase annual mental health and addictions funding to $380 million;
  • Strengthen mental health care for long-term care residents by increasing the number of Registered Social Workers in homes;
  • Support safer communities by hiring Registered Social Workers dedicated to discharge planning for all provincial correctional facilities;
  • Improve and expedite access to mental health care for motor vehicle accident victims;
  • Increase the number of Registered Social Workers in schools to provide more access and services to students and families impacted by COVID-19; and
  • Immediately increase social assistance rates and the availability of quality and affordable housing

We will continue to advance these recommendations and others, in ongoing meetings with government officials.


About OASW
 
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing approximately 6000 social workers. All members have a university degree in social work at the bachelor, master or doctoral level. OASW works to actively speak on behalf of social workers on issues of interest to the profession and advocates for the improvement of social policies and programs directly affecting social work practice and client groups served.