As we are confronted with further horrifying evidence of racism in Canada, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to acknowledge the anti-Muslim hate crime which just took place in London, Ontario. As President of the College Council and on behalf of the College, I condemn this horrific act of racism and violence, which took place in my city.
We continue to consider our role as regulator very carefully as we find ourselves issuing another statement acknowledging a terrible tragedy. Horrific acts of racism affect not only the clients and communities served by College members, but also our members, including those from Muslim communities.
As the regulator for social workers and social service workers in Ontario, we must continue to support meaningful dialogue to ensure that we are responsive to the changing environment in which members are practising. This is all part of our important work in protecting the public by promoting ethical and professional practice and regulating our members.
The road ahead is long and it will no doubt be rocky. There is still so much work to be done, yet we remain hopeful and committed as we strive to address issues of diversity, equity and inclusion; these efforts, which fall under the College’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, are reflected in the ongoing commitment of the College, as directed by Council.
College Resources
Social workers and social service workers play an integral role in continuing the dialogue around social justice and in advancing necessary and long overdue changes in our society. We encourage members to review the following resources:
- 2020 Educational Forum: Beyond Positive Intentions: Providing Equitable Services to LGBTQ+ Newcomers – Khadijah Kanji, RSW and Serena Nudel, RSW
- Creating a More Equitable Space – an Interview with Donna Hinds, RSW on Anti-Oppressive Practice
- Practice Notes, “Cultural Humility: A Commitment to Lifelong Learning”
- Why Action Matters When It Comes to Reconciliation: An Interview with Indigenous Rights Scholar Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos
- 2019 AMED Educational Session: Anti-Oppressive Practice as a Transformational Tool – Donna Hinds, RSW
- 2017 AMED Keynote Address: Rethinking Social Justice: On the Path to Change – Dr. Peter Menzies, RSW
- The Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice Handbook
Members and other stakeholders are also encouraged to access the College’s resources related to diversity, equity and inclusion on our centralized webpage.
Please send any questions regarding this eBulletin to the College’s Director of Communications, Sarah Choudhury at schoudhury@ocswssw.org.
Sincerely,
Mukesh Kowlessar, RSSW Lise Betteridge, MSW, RSW
Council President Registrar and CEO