The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers exists to serve and protect Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work.

As a member you have the ability to support the NSCSW in building a professional community that embodies the best of social work practice.

Ensuring Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive social work services.

We establish, maintain, and regulate Standards of Professional Practice to ensure Nova Scotians receive the services of skilled and competent social workers who are knowledgeable, ethical, qualified, and accountable to the people who receive their services.

Stay up to date on the latest news and events happening with NSCSW.

NSCSW Awards: A spotlight on our community

Our annual awards program recognizes excellence and dedication in the field of social work, as well as the efforts of allied partners in the health and social sectors. As National Social Work Month comes to an end, this offers us an opportunity to reflect on the many ways our members have brought the values and unique perspective of our profession to life in their day-to-day practice, and the exciting possibilities for the future of social work in our province.

We’re delighted to announce our newest cohort of award recipients, and we hope you will join us in celebrating the remarkable contributions of our social work community.

Canadian Association of Social Workers
Distinguished Service Award 2026

Winnie Grant, BSW, MSW, M.Ed, RSW-Clinical Specialist

Winnie Grant  is a proud mother (of two social workers), grandmother, partner, and long-standing community advocate whose work is grounded in an Africentric worldview and a deep commitment to social justice. A retired senior leader with the provincial government, Winnie guided transformative anti-Black racism initiatives that advanced policy reform, strengthened intergovernmental and community partnerships, and increased the representation and leadership of African Nova Scotian professionals across the organization. Her leadership also contributed to the creation of an Africentric Bachelor of Social Work program at Dalhousie University.

Winnie brings more than 32 years of experience as a licensed social worker and is an active member of both the  Nova Scotia College of Social Workers and the Association of Black Social Workers. She continues to mentor social workers pursuing licensure and has proudly served as a Big Sister through  Big Brothers Big Sisters for over five years.

As a Sessional Instructor at the  Dalhousie School of Social Work, Winnie integrates her lived experiences, scholarship, and Africentric and Critical Race Analysis perspectives into the classroom, fostering critical consciousness and culturally grounded practice among emerging practitioners.

Winnie holds a  Bachelor and  Master of Social Work  from Dalhousie University. Her Master’s thesis, The Evolution of Afrikan Consciousness: The Effects of R.A.C.I.S.M. on Afrikans in the Diaspora, reflects her lifelong commitment to examining and challenging systemic racism. She later completed a  Master of Education in Lifelong Learning  at Mount Saint Vincent University, specializing in Africentric approaches to policy development and research.

Winnie has been widely recognized for her leadership and community impact. She is the recipient of several honours, including the  Freda Vickery Award, the  Ronald Stratford Award, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.  Across her career—as a leader, educator, mentor, and community voice—Winnie has worked tirelessly to disrupt systemic barriers and create pathways for meaningful, sustainable change for African Nova Scotians and people of African descent.

David William Connors Memorial Award

Megan Power, RSW, BSW, MSW

Megan Power works as a child in care social worker within the Department of Opportunities and Social Development. She focuses on creating and maintaining a child-centred care plan addressing health, education, emotional needs, and permanency goals.

In practice, Megan’s work includes helping to facilitate smooth transitions when a child moves placements, including pre-placement meetings and ensuring belongings and essential items are provided; working collaboratively with foster care, youth care workers, educational programs, health care, and other community partners to connect children with the supports they need; and providing support to families in crisis to help improve stability and, where appropriate, to work toward reunification. Most importantly, she strives to ensure the child’s voice is heard and keeps their best interests at the centre of her work.

When Megan describes why she loves this work, what she enjoys most is the privilege of building trusting, consistent relationships with children in care. Being someone a child can rely on, someone who listens, advocates, and shows up. Seeing a child become more confident and secure, even small milestones such as improved school attendance, forming a positive attachment, opening up in conversation, or finally feeling settled. Celebrating these moments with a child or young person is incredibly rewarding. 

Megan is passionate about contributing to initiatives that improve outcomes for children, whether through practice development, working groups, or projects that enhance stability, participation, and children’s wellbeing.

Ronald Stratford Memorial Award

Seana Jewer

Seana Jewer’s work with Roots of Hope is shifting the narrative on suicide education and prevention across Nova Scotia, particularly in rural and underserved communities. Her deeply relational approach has served to build trust, strengthen local capacity, and develop community-driven approaches rooted in the lived realities and strengths of the communities she serves.

Deeply committed to research-informed practice, Seana strives to ensure that the education and prevention initiatives at Roots of Hope are responsive, culturally relevant, and aligned with emerging best practices. She skillfully bridges research and practice, creating accessible tools and conversations that communities can meaningfully use. 

With over 25 years of experience in grassroots community work to draw from, Seana has also fostered strong networks, learning circles, and community tables that bring together people with lived experience, service providers, and community members to reduce stigma, build collective resilience, and support one another. 

A dedicated advocate, and keenly aware of the social and economic factors that that need to be addressed, she amplifies rural voices, highlights service gaps, and promotes compassionate, upstream suicide prevention approaches.

Seana Jewer exemplifies the spirit of the Ron Stratford Memorial Award. Her leadership has strengthened Nova Scotian communities, advanced a culture of prevention, and helped ensure that suicide education efforts are community-led, evidence-informed, and grounded in care.

Diane Kays Memorial Award

Charnell Brooks, BSW, MSW, RSW-Clinical Specialist

Charnell Brooks was born and raised in the community of East Preston. As the eldest of two children, she takes great pride in positively representing her community.

Charnell holds a Master of Social Work from Dalhousie University and has over ten years of experience as a practicing social worker. Prior to her current role as the African Nova Scotian Social Worker with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, she was employed with the Department of Opportunities and Social Development as a child protection social worker. In this role, she gained valuable firsthand insight into the importance of educating families about the long-term consequences that abuse, neglect and intimate partner violence can have on children.

In recognition of her efforts to promote culturally responsive supports and services for African Nova Scotian Child Protection Social Workers, Charnell was awarded the Department of Opportunities and Social Development People and Culture Award in 2019.

In her current position with Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Charnell is committed to advocating for individuals who may not be able to advocate for themselves—particularly those from historically disadvantaged African Nova Scotian communities, who experience systemic barriers within the justice system.

In 2026, Charnell established her own private practice, where she provides therapeutic support to individuals on their healing journey, she does this by helping clients navigate life’s challenges with care, compassion and understanding.

Freda Vickery Award

Kate Wright, BSW, RSW

Kate Wright has been working with children and families for over twenty years, both as a social worker and in the non-profit sector. She started her career in community literacy as a co-founder of the award-winning Storytent program. Since then, she has continued to work with young people around issues of social change, wellness, and mental health. Currently she works as a team lead for the Adolescent Outreach Service with Nova Scotia Health Authority and provides mental health support to middle and high school students.

Kate is a dedicated volunteer as well as being a visual artist working primarily in metal, puppetry, and textiles. She brings her creativity and an artistic lens to her social work practice, and uses the arts as a way to generate social change. 

Cultivating our wellness

Submit your nomination for NSCSW Council

Help shape the profession’s future in our province as part of the NSCSW Council

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is seeking nominations for positions on our Council. This is your opportunity to contribute to the leadership and governance of the College, ensuring the profession continues to thrive and meet the needs of Nova Scotians.

Positions open for nomination

President
- Term: 2026–2028
Secretary
- Term: 2026–2028
Central Regional Representative
- Term: 2026–2028
- Halifax County and West Hants
Northern Regional Representative
- Term: 2026–2028
- East Hants and Colchester, Cumberland and Pictou counties
Eastern Regional Representative
- Term: 2026–2028
- Guysborough, Antigonish, Richmond, Inverness, Victoria and Cape Breton counties

Nomination process

The Nomination Committee is responsible for soliciting and reviewing nominations for these positions. To submit a nomination, send the following documentation to [email protected] before the nomination deadline of April 30, 2026:

Nominee Agreement: A written statement from the nominee confirming their agreement to the nomination and their willingness to act if elected.
Member Support: Signed approval from at least three members in good standing of the College supporting the nomination.
Nominee Information: A brief biography or statement of interest from the nominee, outlining their qualifications, experience, and vision for the role.

If more than one nomination is received for a position, an election will be held in accordance with the College’s by-laws.

Why join the NSCSW Council?

Serving on Council is a meaningful way to shape the future of social work in Nova Scotia. Council members play a vital role in upholding the College’s mission, values, and commitment to the profession, and provide leadership to enhance pubic safety in the delivery of social work.

Volunteer service on Council is also considered an informal professional development activity for NSCSW members; up to 12 hours/year are eligible.

Queering social work: 2SLGBTQIA+ community of practice (closed space)

Join our team: Administrative support — Application services

Position Summary

The Administrative Support – Application Services serves as a front-line contact for the NSCSW office, supporting general administrative operations to achieve the organization’s goals, vision, and mission. This role provides primary administrative and logistical support to staff, the NSCSW Council, and committees.

Employment Equity

NSCSW values equity and strives to reflect the diverse identities of Nova Scotians. Applicants from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare registration materials for review and approval by the Associate Registrar.
Ensure accurate and timely meeting minutes for the Board of Examiners.
Process registration verifications for members applying in other jurisdictions.
Manage general office operations, including file maintenance, IT coordination, and supply inventory.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director/Registrar.

Compensation

Salary Range: $46,578.54 – $54,798.28 (based on a 35-hour work week).
This is a temporary FTE position until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension.
NSCSW offers a defined pension plan through NSHEPP and competitive extended health benefits.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position, with 40% of the work eligible to be completed from home.

Knowledge/Experience

High school diploma and recognized secretarial/office administration diploma.
Minimum 3 years of related administrative experience.
Advanced knowledge of MS operating systems, Zoom, and Office 365.
Experience in a confidential, fast-paced environment.

Competencies

Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
Professional judgment and flexibility in problem-solving.
Proficient in minute-taking and maintaining confidentiality.
Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks effectively.

Qualities

Professional, collaborative, and team-focused.
Positive, detail-oriented, and adaptable under pressure.
Strong initiative and problem-solving skills.

Application

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Alec Stratford, Executive Director/ Registrar [email protected] by March 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.

Lunch & learn: Black joy in healing & helping practices

Pjila’si: Community of practice for Mi’kmaw & Indigenous social workers

Media release — NSCSW dismayed by government’s decision to repeal the Social Workers Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
25 Feb 2026

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – The Executive Council of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is deeply disappointed by the government’s decision to repeal the Social Workers Act without prior notice or consultation. Proactive regulation depends, in part, on a collaborative relationship of trust between the College and government.

The College has a longstanding commitment to ensuring the safe and ethical delivery of social work practice in Nova Scotia, which includes a critical advocacy role.

For decades, the NSCSW has worked tirelessly to address risks and challenges in the field of social work. The College has been a strong advocate for bio-psycho-social mental health services, strengthening child and family well-being, and pursuing ethical solutions to systemic issues, such as the staggering reality of 40,000 children living in poverty. Notably, the College’s advocacy efforts led to the creation of the Office of Children and Youth in Nova Scotia.

The Executive expresses concern that the repeal of the Social Workers Act may silence the College’s advocacy voice — a voice that has consistently championed the needs of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

“This decision marks a troubling shift,” said Robert Wright, President of the NSCSW. “It erodes the independence of social work as a self-regulated profession and places it under government watch, rather than maintaining an independent voice that works in the public’s best interest.”

While the College remains committed to collaborating with the government to bring the profession of social work under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA), the NSCSW will continue to use its mandate and expertise to advocate for ethical, effective, and equitable social work practices in Nova Scotia. The College is determined to ensure that the interests of the most vulnerable members of society — the very people social workers serve — are not overlooked.

The College calls on the government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the NSCSW to ensure that the profession of social work can continue to operate independently and in the best interest of the public.

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About us:

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers serves and protects Nova Scotians by effectively regulating the profession of social work. We work in solidarity with Nova Scotians to advocate for policies that improve social conditions, challenge injustice and value diversity.

For more information or to arrange interviews with NSCSW spokespersons, contact: Rebecca Faria, communication coordinator for NSCSW (902-429-7799 ext. 227, [email protected]).

Childhood on the brink: A response to the 2026-27 provincial budget

The recently tabled provincial budget by Tim Houston’s government is a stark reminder of the policy choices that continue to fail Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable, our children. Instead of addressing the systemic issues driving child poverty, the budget doubles down on austerity measures that deepen inequality and jeopardize the province’s long-term economic and social health.

Children & youth have been kept waiting

The announcement of funding for a new provincial child and youth advocate is a welcome and long-overdue step to protect the rights and well-being of vulnerable children and families. However, this initiative is undermined by the very budget that introduced it. Urgent action is needed to ensure the office is swiftly established and adequately resourced to meet the growing needs of children and families—needs that have been exacerbated by the government’s broader policy decisions.

While the provincial budget includes an allocated $300,000 in funding, this is a mere fraction of the $6.5 million recommended for annual operating expenses. Without sufficient resources, this office cannot fulfill its potential as a lifeline for vulnerable children and families.

The creation of this office is a critical step forward, but it cannot succeed in isolation. The broader context of the budget reveals a troubling pattern of rising inequality and systemic neglect. Cuts to social programs, inadequate investments in housing and food security, and a lack of meaningful support for families leave children and families more vulnerable than ever.

This budget is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a deliberate choice to prioritize austerity over equity, leaving Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable to bear the brunt of its consequences.

A broken promise, a devastating reality

In 1989, Canada vowed to eliminate child poverty by 2000. Fast forward to 2026, and Nova Scotia remains one of the worst-performing provinces in the country, with over 40,000 children—nearly one in four—living below the low-income threshold.

This budget does little to change that trajectory. Instead of bold, transformative action, it offers austerity which inevitably will be leaving families to struggle in a system that prioritizes profits over people.

The economic cost of neglect

Child poverty is not just a moral failing; it’s an economic disaster. The cost of poverty in Nova Scotia is estimated at $2.4 billion annually, draining resources through lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and the strain on social services. Yet, this budget continues to underfund critical social programs, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that will cost the province far more in the long run. The government’s refusal to meaningfully invest in upstream solutions, like affordable housing, universal childcare, and income supports, ensures that these costs will only grow.

Families on the brink

The budget’s failure to address systemic inequities disproportionately harms lone-parent households, racialized communities, and newcomers. Nearly 60% of children in lone-parent families live in poverty, while racialized children face poverty rates twice as high as their non-immigrant peers. These are not just abstract statistics, they reflect the harsh realities of families forced to make impossible choices, such as deciding between paying rent or buying groceries, heating their homes or feeding their children. Despite this, the budget offers no meaningful relief for these vulnerable groups, instead advancing policies that widen the gap between the wealthy and everyone else.

The situation is further compounded by the government’s plan to cut the public service by 5%, slash $130 million in program grants, and reduce $1 billion in government expenditures over the next four years. These cuts will disproportionately impact the same vulnerable groups, particularly as no clear political directive has been provided on where or how these reductions will be made. This lack of planning means there has been no assessment of how these cuts will affect core services, leaving critical programs at risk.

The predominantly female workforce in public service roles will bear the brunt of these reductions, further entrenching inequality. No amount of resource extraction can “fix” this issue. In fact, jurisdictions that rely heavily on resource extraction often see greater inequality, as the benefits are concentrated among the wealthy while vulnerable communities are left behind. This budget doubles down on a strategy that history has repeatedly shown only exacerbates inequity.

Poverty is a political choice

This budget is a glaring example of how poverty is perpetuated by deliberate political choices. By prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy and doubling down on resource extraction over meaningful investments in social infrastructure, the government is actively choosing to deepen inequality.

The budget’s failure to address systemic inequities is evident in its refusal to raise income assistance to livable levels. Lone-parent families, who are already four times more likely to live in poverty, will continue to face impossible choices as they remain thousands of dollars below the low-income threshold.

Meanwhile, the government’s tax policies disproportionately benefit higher-income earners, exacerbating the growing income divide. For example, recent tax cuts have created a $500 million revenue shortfall, yet the budget offers no meaningful measures to close this gap or redistribute wealth to those who need it most.

The neglect of affordable housing is another stark example of misplaced priorities. While the budget includes funding for just 1,000 affordable housing units and rental subsidies for 10,000 Nova Scotians, this barely scratches the surface of the province’s housing crisis, where thousands remain in core housing need. Without bold investments in housing as a human right, families will continue to face housing instability, a key driver of poverty and poor health outcomes.

The decision to maintain inadequate income assistance levels, underfund public education, and neglect affordable housing is not a fiscal necessity—it’s a policy choice. And it’s a choice that leaves over 40,000 children and their families struggling to survive in a province that has the second-worst child poverty reduction rate in Canada since 1989.

The high cost of cheap social policy

Nova Scotia spends just $1,300 per capita on social protection—less than half the national average and the lowest of any province in Canada. This chronic underfunding of social programs is a policy choice that has cascading consequences across the entire system. By starving social supports, the government is not saving money; it is simply shifting the costs to emergency rooms, homeless shelters, and food banks.

The government’s record spending on healthcare, while seemingly impressive, fails to address the root causes of poor health. Decades of research show that health outcomes are far more influenced by the social determinants of health, such as income, housing, education, and food security, than by healthcare spending alone. A landmark 2018 study by Dutton and colleagues found that increasing social spending relative to healthcare spending leads to better health outcomes, including lower rates of avoidable mortality and longer life expectancy. Conversely, stagnant social spending results in higher healthcare costs without improving health outcomes.

This budget continues to ignore these findings, pouring billions into downstream healthcare costs while neglecting upstream investments in social programs that could prevent illness and reduce the strain on the healthcare system. For example, 38% of children in Nova Scotia live in food-insecure households, yet the budget offers no significant measures to address this crisis. Similarly, the failure to expand affordable childcare or adequately fund public education leaves families without the support they need to thrive, perpetuating cycles of poverty and poor health.

The evidence is clear: investing in social programs is not just a moral imperative, it’s an economic necessity. By choosing to underfund social protection, the government is not only failing Nova Scotians today but also undermining the province’s long-term economic and social health. It’s time to shift the focus from austerity to equity, from short-term cost-cutting to long-term investment in people.

A roadmap for change

The path forward is clear, and it starts with bold, courageous policy action. The Nova Scotia Alternative Budget 2026 offers a blueprint for a more equitable and sustainable future. By improving tax fairness, investing in the caring economy, and prioritizing green growth, the province can address its fiscal challenges while building a stronger, more inclusive economy.

Key actions for immediate impact:

Increase family incomes: Raise the minimum wage, expand income assistance, and enhance the Nova Scotia Affordable Living Tax Credit to ensure families can meet their basic needs.
Transform social systems: Shift to a rights-based, trauma-informed model for child welfare and social assistance, ensuring no family lives below the poverty line.
Guarantee housing & food security: Treat housing and food as fundamental rights, with investments in affordable housing and programs to eliminate food insecurity.
Expand universal services: Enhance access to universal healthcare, childcare, education, and public transit, while making critical infrastructure like energy and internet more affordable.
Invest in people, not profits: Redirect resources from for-profit ventures, like private long-term care homes, to public and non-profit services that benefit all Nova Scotians.

The time to act is now

This budget was an opportunity to address the urgent needs of Nova Scotia’s children and families. Instead, it doubles down on policies that deepen inequality and undermine the province’s future. The government has the fiscal capacity to make targeted investments that would yield significant returns, both economically and socially. What’s lacking is the political will.

Nova Scotia’s children cannot wait. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes people over profits, equity over austerity, and long-term prosperity over short-term gains. The choices we make today will define the future of our province. Let’s choose a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Media release — NSCSW responds to provincial budget: Urgent need to scale up Office for Children & Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 Feb, 2026

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is pleased to see the funding announcement for a new provincial child and youth advocate, but is calling for urgent action to ensure the new office is swiftly established and adequately resourced to address the growing needs of vulnerable children and families across the province created by this budget.

While the provincial budget includes the long-awaited protection of this critical office, the lack of broader investments in social supports leaves children and families at greater risk.

A critical step, but not enough

The proposed budget for the Office for Children & Youth allocates $300,000 in funding, a fraction of the $6.5 million NSCSW has recommended for annual operating expenses of an independent child and youth advocate in this province.

Alec Stratford, executive director and registrar of the NSCSW, emphasized the importance of scaling up the Office for Children & Youth without delay. “This office has the potential to be a lifeline for vulnerable children and families,” said Stratford, “but it must be set up quickly and scaled effectively to meet the pressing needs our communities will face due to decisions in this budget.”

The establishment of the Office for Children & Youth is a long-overdue measure to protect the rights and well-being of Nova Scotia’s most vulnerable. While this is a positive step, the broader context of the provincial budget paints a troubling picture.

Broader budget concerns

The new budget fails to adequately address critical issues such as housing, food security, and energy costs. Cuts to community programs and social development services further exacerbate the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Rising inequality undermines the safety and stability of children and families.

“The Office for Children & Youth is a vital piece of the puzzle, but it cannot operate in isolation,” Stratford explained. “We need a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of inequality and provides the supports families need to thrive.”

Call to action

The NSCSW is calling on the provincial government to act swiftly to establish and scale up the Office for Children & Youth, and to invest in policies that prioritize the well-being of children and families.