Recent News

Announcing our 2023 Local Award Winners! (8/31/2023) 
OASW is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2023 Local Awards, recognizing leadership, commitment and local contributions in communities across Ontario.
OASW Press Release: More Mental Health Resources Needed for Schools (8/29/2023) 
Parents should voice their concerns if their children’s mental health needs aren’t being addressed at school, says OASW, which is flagging persistent shortages of professionals even as mental health funding for schools increases.
OASW Celebrates Emancipation Day (8/1/2023) 
Today, we remember the lives that were destroyed through slavery and Canada’s active participation in the transatlantic slave trade and the multigenerational effects of this trauma, and oppressive systems, which remain today.
OASW Celebrates and Honours National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month (6/21/2023) 
On National Indigenous Peoples Day and throughout National Indigenous History Month, OASW celebrates and honours the history, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.
OASW Press Release: Employers Must Pay Attention to Young Workers (6/13/2023) 
Employers must do more to help their youngest workers, who are savvier when it comes to mental health, more demanding of coverage for this care and more likely to report a mental health condition.
OASW Celebrates Pride Month (6/1/2023) 
This month we celebrate the strength and vibrancy of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. As social workers, we all have a significant role in creating inclusive spaces and actively challenging hate and dismantling unjust systems.
OASW Honours Three Outstanding Social Workers at our 2023 Annual General Meeting (5/5/2023) 
OASW is honoured to have recognized Dr. Samantha Anthony, Charity Fleming and Marty Lampkin at our Annual General Meeting.
OASW Celebrates Asian Heritage Month (5/1/2023) 
During Asian Heritage Month, we honor the historical and cultural contributions of all Asian Canadians who can trace their roots back to East Asia, Southern Asia, Western, Central and Southeast Asia.
OASW in the Media: See the Latest Coverage (3/31/2023) 
This National Social Work Month and Social Work Week, OASW received unprecedented media coverage after distributing our press release highlighting key findings from our recent poll.
Ontario's 2023 Budget provides a much-needed boost for mental health (3/24/2023) 
OASW was pleased to see the Government of Ontario table a 2023 Provincial Budget that creates opportunities to strengthen and expand critical supports that Ontarians rely on for their mental health and well-being.
OASW Press Release: 'Alarming' Mental Health Trend in Young Adult Women (3/8/2023) 
Two thirds, or 66 per cent, of Ontario women between the ages of 18 and 35 are living with a mental health conditions, according to a new poll released today by the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
OASW Celebrates Black History (2/1/2023) 
On this first day of Black History Month, OASW is signaling the importance of celebrating the diverse accomplishments of Black individuals, communities, and social workers across Ontario.
OASW Honors the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack (1/29/2023) 
OASW honours the memory of the victims and expresses solidarity with the survivors, their families, and the Muslim community, including our Muslim members.
OASW Statement for International Holocaust Remembrance Day (1/27/2023) 
January 27 marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and is International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day, we remember.
OASW Releases 2023 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission (1/26/2023) 
OASW has submitted our recommendations to prioritize access to mental health care to alleviate health system pressures in the 2023 Ontario Budget.
RSWs can Act Now to Improve Resident Quality of Life in Long-Term Care (1/17/2023) 
The Government of Ontario has launched a new Resident Health and Well-Being Program in long-term care, representing an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate the value of social work in the delivery of supports to LTC residents.
OASW Receives National Recognition for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion as Top 5 Finalist (11/30/2022) 
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) is thrilled to have been named among the top five finalists for Best Nonprofit Employer – Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (20+ Staff) by CharityVillage.
OASW Recognizes Claire Perusse with the 2022 School Social Work Achievement Award (11/15/2022) 
OASW and its School Social Work Advisory Group are pleased to recognize Claire Perusse, MSW, RSW with the 2022 School Social Work Achievement Award.
OASW Named as 2022 Finalist for Best Non-profit Employer – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (11/10/2022) 
OASW is honoured to share that we have been named a finalist in the 2022 CharityVillage Awards for Best Non-profit Employer – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (20+ Staff).
Moving Ahead Together: Introducing OASW’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan (10/12/2022) 
OASW’s new five-year Strategic Plan builds on the successes of our organization and our members over the past 18 months by responding to the challenges and changes we’ve faced and setting a bold path for the future of the profession.
OASW Honours the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day (9/30/2022) 
September 30, 2022 marks Orange Shirt Day as well as Canada’s second annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day calls on all Canadians to reflect on the traumatic and ongoing impacts of the residential school system.
OASW in the Media: Spotlighting Student Mental Health (9/14/2022) 
On September 7, OASW issued a press release highlighting the importance of student mental health as children return to the classroom. Have a look at the resulting the media coverage.
Call for Volunteers: Expand Your Leadership Skills and Advance the Profession! (9/12/2022) 
OASW is excited to launch an Open Call for Volunteer Leadership Positions for the 2023 year. Learn more and apply today!
OASW Press Release: More Mental Health Resources Needed in Schools (9/7/2022) 
Ontario social workers are offering some tips for parents who may be concerned about their children’s return to school this week.
Announcing our 2022 Local Award Winners! (6/29/2022) 
OASW is pleased to announce the recipients of our 2022 Local Awards, recognizing leadership, commitment and local contributions in communities across Ontario.
OASW Celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day and Honours National Indigenous History Month (6/21/2022) 
On National Indigenous Peoples Day and throughout the month of June, OASW celebrates and honours the history and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
OASW Celebrates Pride! (6/1/2022) 
June is Pride Month! OASW celebrates the vibrancy, resilience, and accomplishments of the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
OASW Honours Four Outstanding Social Workers at our 2022 Annual General Meeting (5/13/2022) 
OASW is honoured to have recognized Glenn French, Patricia Berendsen, Tina Gandhi and the late Marion Bogo at our Annual General Meeting.
OASW in the Media: See the Latest Coverage (May 2022) (5/9/2022) 
On May 1, ahead of Mental Health Week, OASW issued a press release calling on employers to increase their focus on mental health as employees return to work, and to start authentic conversations to promote a culture of workplace wellness.
Ontario Social Workers to Boost Mental Health Services for Marginalized People (5/3/2022) 
Ontario social workers will be offered expanded training to support the mental health of people hardest-hit by COVID-19, after OASW received funding from the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Honoring Mental Health Week and the Value of Empathy (5/2/2022) 
The theme of this year’s Mental Health Week, from May 2 to 6, is empathy, which is both timely and incredibly relevant for our profession. The value of empathy in our work, communities and society matters now more than ever.
OASW Celebrates Asian Heritage Month (5/1/2022) 
This month offers the opportunity to celebrate and learn about the rich cultural history of Canadians who trace their heritage back to over 30 countries making up East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
OASW in the Media: See the Latest Coverage (April 2022) (4/22/2022) 
OASW issued a press release calling for increased workplace benefits as part of a proactive media push designed to coincide with a return to the office of thousands of workers this spring and summer.
OASW and CASW Honour Social Workers Across Ontario with the Distinguished Service Award (3/22/2022) 
We are pleased to share that OASW has chosen to honour all Social Workers who have supported the mental health and well-being of Ontarians during the COVID-19 pandemic with the Distinguished Service Award.
OASW Press Release: Poll Uncovers Surprising New Data on COVID's Far-Reaching Mental Health Impacts (3/7/2022) 
Today, OASW distributed a press release highlighting timely new data on mental health, including surprising new insights from Ontarians on the pandemic’s far-reaching impacts for adults, caregivers, families and workers.
OASW Releases 2022 Provincial Pre-Budget Submission (2/17/2022) 
OASW's 2022 Pre-Budget recommendations to the Province focused on improving the mental wellness of Ontarians through equitable and increased investments in mental health supports and the social determinants of health.
OASW Celebrates Black History Month (2/1/2022) 
Each February, OASW joins our members from across the province in celebrating Black History Month. OASW honours the many Black Canadians who have shaped and continue to impact our communities for the better. Read our full statement.
OASW Commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day (1/27/2022) 
OASW commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day and honours the memories of the 6 million victims of the Holocaust, and the resilience of survivors and all generations affected by this genocide.
OASW Recognizes Jacqueline Davis with the 2021 School Social Work Achievement Award (11/16/2021) 
OASW and its School Social Work Advisory Group are pleased to recognize Jacqueline Davis, MSW, RSW with the 2021 School Social Work Achievement Award.
OASW in the Media: Business leaders must ensure Canadian workers have access to vital mental health (10/10/2021) 
On World Mental Health Day and during Healthy Workplace Month, Dr. Deepy Sur, OASW CEO, shared with Toronto Star readers why the time has never been more critical to attend to employee mental health.
OASW Affirms World Mental Health Day and Commits to Advancing Mental Health for All (10/8/2021) 
On World Mental Health Day, OASW calls for increased access and investments in mental health care. Social work is integral to the delivery of a shared vision for mental health care now and in the years to come.
OASW Observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Honours Orange Shirt Day (9/30/2021) 
On Orange Shirt Day and Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, OASW wishes to recognize, raise awareness and support action to address the effects and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
OASW Acknowledges Canada’s History of Slavery and Celebrates Emancipation Day (7/30/2021) 
On Emancipation Day, OASW joins in the celebration of the incredible strength of Black Canadians. We also reflect upon our collective history of enslavement and our responsibility to eliminate anti-Black racism.
Updated: OASW Mourns Children Lost to Residential Schools (6/25/2021) 
We are incredibly saddened to learn of the confirmation of remains that have been found on the grounds of several former residential schools. OASW honours survivors, and commits to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples.
OASW Celebrates Pride Month and Acknowledges an Ongoing Commitment to the 2SLGBTQ+ Community (6/24/2021) 
OASW is proud to stand in solidarity with and recognize how essential our 2SLGBTQ+ social workers are to the well-being of our communities and our profession across the province.
OASW Acknowledges National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month (6/21/2021) 
OASW honours National Indigenous Peoples Day and National Indigenous History Month. Today and throughout June, we celebrate the rich heritage and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis People.
OASW Statement on Mass Killings in London, Ontario (6/8/2021) 
The targeted attack on members of the Muslim community in London Ontario has left tragedy, devastation, and disbelief. The act of terror is condemned and OASW stands against Islamophobia and all other forms of racism and hate violence.
OASW Mourns Children Lost to Residential Schools (5/31/2021) 
We are incredibly saddened to learn of the 215 children whose remains were found on the grounds of the former residential school in Kamloops. OASW honours survivors, and commits to addressing the ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous Peoples.
OASW Honours Four Outstanding Social Workers with 2020 and 2021 Awards (5/14/2021) 
OASW is honoured to have recognized four outstanding social workers with 2020 and 2021 awards at our recent Annual General Meeting. Learn more.
COVID-19 Resources (5/5/2021) 
As the current situation continues to unfold related to COVID-19, OASW is committed to providing you with timely and relevant information on this topic, particularly when this information is connected to social work practice and those we serve.
OASW Report Calls for Key Actions to Increase Access to Employee Mental Health Benefits (5/5/2021) 
OASW’s new report highlights the important role of RSWs in increasing access to employee mental health supports and provides two key recommendations on how best to meet the growing mental health needs of employees.
OASW Response to the 2021 Ontario Budget (3/25/2021) 
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) recognizes and appreciates the Government of Ontario’s focus and investments made in the 2021 Budget to protect the health of Ontarians and our province’s economy in the wake of COVID-19.
OASW Statement on Anti-Asian Racism (3/23/2021) 
On March 16, 2021, an extreme act of violence occurred in Atlanta that took the lives of eight victims, including six Asian women. OASW recognizes this has been an extremely traumatic and devastating occurrence and expresses unequivocal support for t
OASW Honours National Day of Observance for COVID-19 (3/11/2021) 
Today (March 11), marks Canada’s National Day of Observance, a time to honour those whose lives were lost to COVID-19 and share our deep gratitude for all healthcare & essential workers, including social workers, who have cared for us this past year.
OASW In the Media: Leslie Roberts Interviews Dr. Deepy Sur on Mental Health Realities (3/9/2021) 
Dr. Deepy Sur, OASW CEO, was pleased to speak with Leslie Roberts of 580 CFRA Ottawa at Work on March 9th, 2021, to discuss the recent Leger poll conducted by OASW, which uncovers mental health realities, virtual counselling attitudes and barriers to
OASW In the Media: Global News Interviews Dr. Deepy Sur on Essential Role of Social Workers (3/3/2021) 
Dr. Deepy Sur, OASW CEO, was pleased to sit down with Liem Vu of Global News Toronto on March 3rd, 2021, to discuss the essential contribution of Ontario’s social workers before, during and after COVID-19. It is important that we remind Ontarians tha
OASW Press Release Poll Uncovers Mental Health Realities, Virtual Counselling Attitudes and Barrier (3/1/2021) 
OASW distributed a press release with the goal of providing the media with some timely information on mental health, including insights on barriers to access. The results are based on an online poll of 1,000 Ontarians between February 12-14, 2021, us
OASW Spring 2021 Pre-Budget Submission (2/24/2021) 
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.
OASW Acknowledges and Celebrates Black History Month (2/5/2021) 
OASW joins Ontarians across the province to honour the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians.
OASW Rejoins the Canadian Association of Social Workers (1/19/2021) 
We are very pleased to announce that our work to elevate our voice includes rejoining the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) as a federation partner effective April 1, 2021.
Submission to Ontario’s Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission (12/23/2020) 
As a part of our ongoing work to advocate for high-quality mental health care for residents of long-term care in Ontario, OASW made a submission to Ontario's Long-Term Care COVID-19 Commission.
OASW 2020 Fall Pre-Budget Submission (10/23/2020) 
OASW believes that a specific focus must be placed on ensuring equitable opportunities for all Ontarians impacted by the pandemic.
OASW Submission on Staffing in Long-Term Care (7/10/2020) 
OASW was pleased to recently submit recommendations to the Ministry of Long-Term Care’s Staffing Study Advisory Group on a model for staffing to best ensure high-quality care for residents of long-term care homes.
Final Decision Made by Government on Pandemic Pay (6/2/2020) 
The Ministry of Health sent out correspondence on this issue on May 27, 2020, stating that the government will not be expanding pandemic pay beyond those now deemed eligible.
New & Innovative Structure to Support Local Member Engagement (5/22/2020) 
We are so pleased to announce an exciting and innovative new structure to better support local member engagement across Ontario. This transformation was officially shared today as part of our Annual General Meeting
Take Action! Advocate for Social Work Inclusion in Pandemic Pay Increase (4/30/2020) 
OASW was disappointed to see that social workers on the frontline were excluded in eligible workplaces except for adult correctional facilities and youth justice facilities.
OASW Engaging Government on Pandemic Pay for Front-Line Social Workers (4/29/2020) 
On April 25, 2020, the Government of Ontario announced that it would be providing additional support for frontline workers fighting COVID-19...
OASW Applauds Release of New Mental Health and Addictions Plan (3/3/2020) 
- The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW), the voice of social workers in Ontario, welcomes the release of the government’s new mental health and addictions plan Roadmap to Wellness: A Plan to Build Ontario’s Mental Health and Addictions
Celebrating YOU! Happy Social Work Week (3/2/2020) 
Happy Social Work Week 2020! This year’s theme “Social Workers: Leading Positive Change Across Systems and Settings” signals the importance of the work you do every day across the province.
OASW Pre-Budget Submission to Ontario Government (2/13/2020) 
In preparation for the 2020 Budget, the Government of Ontario invites submissions from individuals and organizations to provide input on spending for the year.
Social Workers Applaud Province's Investments in School Mental Health (10/10/2019) 
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) applauds the province for its investment of nearly $40 million towards providing front line services to advance student mental health.
Letter to the Editor: Globe and Mail (9/17/2019) 
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) read today’s news of UHN’s new affordable housing initiative with interest and applauds all of the groups involved.
OASW Welcomes Government’s Commitment to Needs-Based Autism Program (7/29/2019) 
OASW is applauding the government for moving forward on a needs-based approach for the Ontario Autism Program to ensure children, youth and their families get the supports they need.
OASW Applauds Government’s Investment in Shelter Expansion to Protect Vulnerable Women and Children (7/15/2019) 
Ontario Association of Social Workers Applauds Government’s Investment in Shelter Expansion to Protect Vulnerable Women and Children...
OASW's New Chief Executive Officer (6/4/2019) 
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Deepy Sur as the organization's next Chief Executive Officer.
Article published in Human Resources Director (HRD) Magazine (5/15/2019) 
"By including access to registered social workers in employer group benefit plans, HR can provide the kind of comprehensive, professional mental health care all employees deserve"
OASW's Response to 2019 Ontario Budget (4/12/2019) 
“We know that investments in mental health and addiction are imperative to improving the health and well-being of over 2 million Ontarians who visit their doctor annually for these concerns.”
Inspirational Leaders Award 2019 (4/3/2019) 
Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) is excited to announce the recipients of the Inspirational Leader Award 2019 in celebration of Social Work Week (March 4 - 10)
OASW Conference Poster Award Winners! (4/3/2019) 
At the November 2018 conference, over 25 posters were featured, highlighting innovative clinical interventions, community programs, research and approaches in education, program and policy development, relevant to social work practice
Response to the 2019 Pre-Budget Consultations (2/7/2019) 
This year, OASW made both an oral and written submission in response to the Honourable Minister Victor Fedeli’s invitation to participate in 2019 Pre-Budget Consultation. When planning for the 2019 Budget, we recommended that government:
First Report from the Premier's Council on Improving Healthcare and Ending Hallway Medicine (2/1/2019) 
"We applaud the Premier's Council for its first report, which identifies the barriers within Ontario's health care system that lead to hallway health care and stand in the way of people getting the care they need," JMD, CEO
OASW Mental Health Recommendations (1/9/2019) 
The Government of Ontario has committed $1.9 billion to support the mental health of Ontarians over the next 10 years. This is in addition to $1.9 billion in federal funding to do the same. In January, 2019, OASW submitted recommendations to the gove
Social Workers Applaud Tireless Champions of First Nations Children’s Human Rights (11/22/2018) 
The Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW) announces the inaugural recipients of OASW’s Champion of Social Change and Human Rights Award - Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Executive Director of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society of Canada, an
OASW Responds to Newly Announced Social Assistance Plan (11/22/2018) 
While further increases in social assistance rates remain an essential part of helping break the cycle of poverty, OASW supports several new initiatives announced today by Minister MacLeod.
OASW Signs on to #SaveSexEd (8/9/2018) 
OASW has signed a petition by medical professionals & agencies to stop the repeal of the Ontario Human Development and Sexual Health curriculum.
OASW Statement & Action on Ending Immigration Detention Practices (6/28/2018) 
OASW has issued a formal statement as well as signed an open letter from healthcare providers in Canada urging the Canadian government to end immigration detention practices and suspend the Third Country Agreement.
OASW’s Response to the 2018 Ontario Budget (3/28/2018) 
OASW applauds the Government of Ontario for prioritizing mental health and addictions services in the Budget for 2018, including the expansion of access to publicly funded structured psychotherapy, a key recommendation of OASW.
OASW Comments on the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (2/22/2018) 
Ontario has passed the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017 (CYFSA).
OASW’s Response to the 2018 Pre-Budget Consultations (2/9/2018) 
This year, OASW made both an oral and written submission in response to the Honourable Minister Charles Sousa’s invitation to participate in a discussion on the 2018 Ontario Budget...
A Moment to Celebrate - Proclamation of the controlled act of psychotherapy (1/11/2018) 
This win comes with gravitas that will benefit the profession for years to come, formalizing our services and activities in a way that builds opportunities for the profession and benefits the public.
A Moment to Celebrate! (1/1/2018) 
A New Year's Message from OASW President, Dr. Keith Adamson.
Parenting Coordination Webinar Recording (11/15/2017) 
Parenting Coordination co-hosted by Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO) free webinar recording now available.
OASW Responds to Toronto Sun Article (8/1/2017) 
We applaud your desire to shine a light on public interest stories including your recent article: "Social Workers failing Toronto's homeless", followed by the subsequent editorial on Toronto's response and offers to assist.
OASW Responds to Toronto Sun Article 2017 (8/1/2017) 
Letter sent to the Toronto Sun in response to an article titled "Social Workers failing Toronto's homeless " – since edited to read "Welfare Workers failing Toronto's Homeless".
Proclamation of Psychotherapy Act, 2007 (4/9/2015) 
Earlier this afternoon, most of you will have received an "E-Bulletin" from the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) informing you that the Psychotherapy Act, 2007 was proclaimed in law on April 1, 2015.