A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & REGISTRAR

IN 2021, SOCIAL WORKERS are celebrating the 60th year of social work associations in Alberta. Social work in Alberta has a rich history and deep connection to a professional community grounded in core social work values and principles: respect for the inherent dignity and worth of persons, social justice, service to humanity, integrity, confidentiality, and competence in professional practice (CASW Code of Ethics, 2005). Throughout its history, the association’s purpose has been to uphold the protection of the public through ethical and competent professional practice.

A New Chapter in Our History

In December 2020, the Alberta Government passed Bill 46, which implemented a series of amendments to the Health Professions Act (HPA), which will impact the current role of ACSW as both the regulatory college and professional association for social work. These amendments included the requirement for regulatory colleges to cease and divest professional association functions and activities. This means a separation of the professional association from the regulatory college.

Over the next year, ACSW will take steps to divest itself of the professional association and discontinue activities and functions such as non-regulated association memberships for retired members and students, publication of the Advocate magazine, member interest groups and committees, regional Area Coordinators, annual events like the conference, social work celebrations, and ACSW awards such the student bursary program and the Honouring Our Own award program.

As we undertake these changes, this will be a journey we take together.

Building a New Professional Social Work Association

In February 2021, the ACSW Council approved a plan for ACSW to support the establishment of a new and separate professional social work association. This includes financial support for a new association to become established as a legal entity and assistance in transitioning important social policy partnerships like the CASW and the TD Insurance Affinity Program.

The next steps in building a new professional social work association are to establish a governance structure and form a board of directors. A steering committee, separate from the ACSW Council, will oversee this work. This will allow ACSW to remain at arm’s length from the formation of a new association while focusing on the regulatory mandate.

Once the inaugural board is in place, work will begin to establish the new association as a legal entity and organization. The inaugural board of directors will have the job of connecting with members, becoming operational and building partnerships to strengthen and promote the profession.

As members of the social work profession, we each have a part to play in the next chapter of our profession’s history. All current and future ACSW members are encouraged to champion the new association by participating in the building of a sustainable and strong professional social work association in Alberta for years to come.