OASW Releases 2022 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission

The Government of Ontario is preparing the 2022 Provincial Budget and consulted with the public on how to make Ontario the best place to build a career, a family and a future. OASW made a written submission, and oral presentation to the Minister of Finance, to share our recommendations. These recommendations focused on improving the mental wellness of Ontarians through equitable and increased investments in mental health supports and the social determinants of health. Specifically, OASW recommended that the government:

  1. Accelerate the $3.8 billion funding commitment over 10 years to 5 years, with funding directed to mental health and addictions services which provide culturally appropriate and culturally safe mental health care across the province.

  2. Strengthen mental health care for long-term care residents by mandating the provision of social work services by a Registered Social Worker in all long-term care homes.

  3. Increase the number of Registered Social Workers in schools to provide greater access to mental health services, as well as culturally appropriate and safe supports where needed, to students and their families.

  4. Increase the rates of social assistance to more accurately reflect the current cost of living.

  5. Increase the availability and quality of affordable and supportive housing.

  6. Support those leaving detention to engage successfully within their communities by mandating a Registered Social Worker dedicated to discharge planning for all provincial correctional facilities.


These recommendations were developed in consultation with our members through our Advocacy Survey in Summer of 2021. We look forward to continued engagement with government to advance these recommendations.

Read the Full Submission

About OASW
OASW is the voice of social work in Ontario. It is a voluntary, bilingual, non-profit association representing 8,000+ 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.