The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) has committed to implementing the recommendations of the report, Reparations for Social Workers of African Descent, including strengthening Africentric social work education, advancing professional development on anti-Black racism, and recognizing excellence through awards and scholarships.

To fulfil these commitments, they have partnered with the National Africentric Social Work Circle (NASWC).

Honourable Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard Legacy in Africentric Social Work Award

This biennial award is named in honour of Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard, a tireless advocate and leader in originating Africentric Social Work in Canada. It will be presented during Black History Month every two years, beginning in February 2027.

• The nominee must be a current member in good standing of the National Africentric Social Work Circle or a CASW Partner Organization
• Must have not received the award previously.
• Nominees must consent to publication of their nomination.
• Nominees must be of African, Caribbean, or Black descent

Nominations are now open, and submissions must be received on or before December 1, 2026. Visit the CASW website to review the full criteria for this award and submit a nomination.

National Africentric Social Work Circle Student Leadership Scholarships

CASW and NASWC will coordinate on the selection of two annual $1000 scholarships to be presented each year during Black History Month, beginning in February 2027.

• Nominee must be attending or enrolled in an accredited School of Social Work program in Canada, completing a Bachelor or Master of Social Work
• Nominee must have demonstrated advocacy efforts such as student activism, community organizing, and informal mentorship that has contributed to improved outcomes for African, Caribbean, and Black populations in Canada.

Applications are now open, and submissions must be received on or before January 1, 2027. Visit the CASW website to review the full criteria for this award and submit an application.

Are you studying social work at university?

You could be eligible for a $1000 student bursary!

College bursaries will be awarded to several NSCSW members who are attending accredited social work programs in the fall of 2026.

Bursaries are awarded based on your commitment to professional social work practice.

We value diversity and strive to create opportunities for Nova Scotians with intersectional identities who have historically faced barriers. It is not mandatory for applicants to disclose whether or not they belong to any equity-seeking groups. However, preference for bursary awards may be given to applicants who identify as holding an identity that has historically faced barriers to accessing educational opportunities.

To apply, please complete the application form linked below, and attach confirmation of enrolment from your university.

The deadline for applications is October 31, 2026. Bursary decisions will be announced in late fall.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to be a student member of NSCSW to apply?

You need to be an NSCSW member, and a student in an accredited social work program. The bursaries are therefore open to social work undergrads with student membership, and also open to RSW, SWC, and associate members of NSCSW who are pursuing postgraduate social work degrees. We love to support lifelong learning.

Are you a social work student in a BSW program, but not a NSCSW member yet? Check out the benefits of student membership, and sign up today!

But do I have to be a Nova Scotian? Or going to school in Nova Scotia?

Not necessarily; you can be from here, living here, working here, or going to school here.

Most of our student members are enrolled in a social work degree program at Dalhousie, Université Sainte-Anne, or Cape Breton University. But some went to high school in Nova Scotia and have moved to attend a university outside the province. And we definitely have members who are registered and practicing in Nova Scotia while completing an MSW or doctorate program via remote learning.

You do still need to be a member though. Did we mention how useful and affordable our student membership is for undergrads?

How do I know if my social work program is accredited?

Accreditation means that a separate organization has confirmed that the university’s program meets or exceeds accepted educational standards. The National Indigenous Accreditation Board and the Canadian Association for Social Work Education accredit bachelors and masters level social work degrees at Canadian universities. The Council for Social Work Education is the equivalent organization in the United States. Student members studying farther abroad should confirm that their school meets the accreditation standards in that region. Social service diplomas offered by community colleges or private career colleges are not considered equivalent to an accredited social work degree. If you’re still not sure, ask!

Can I use my acceptance letter as proof of enrolment?

Not quite. You need to show that you’re actually enrolled in the Fall 2025 semester.

A proof of enrolment letter from your school’s registrar office is ideal; these documents have exactly the information we need, without any additional disclosures of private info. However, we know wait times at the registrar can get long in September, so we understand if some applicants find it faster and easier to sign into the university’s online portal and send us a class schedule and tuition receipt.

How will I find out if my application was successful?

Bursary recipients are selected by NSCSW Council in late November. We’ll reach out directly to the successful recipients with the good news by the end of that month, so make sure your contact information in the application form is complete and correct.

Names of the award recipients will then be included in our member newsletter in December, and we’ll publish a student spotlight about them in Connection magazine. You can read about the bursary winners from 2024!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2026

KJIPUKTUK (HALIFAX, NS) – In June 2022, the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) received letters of complaint regarding the conduct of registrant Philip Patey, of Halifax Nova Scotia, registration #2335.

During the investigative process for these complaints, the College imposed interim restrictions on Mr. Patey’s registration. When the investigation was complete, The College held a discipline hearing on February 9, 2026 and accepted a settlement agreement proposed by Mr. Patey. As a result of this settlement agreement, Mr. Patey’s social work registration has been suspended.

A decision summary has been published on the NSCSW website and is available to the public:
https://nscsw.org/discipline-decisions-outcomes

NSCSW is responsible for ensuring that Nova Scotians receive the services of proficient and competent social workers of high ethical standards. The College’s complaints and discipline processes are intended to protect the public from persons who are not qualified to practice social work, or whose competence or professional conduct as a social worker is in question.

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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. The regulator’s role is to ensure that the public is supported by professional, ethical, qualified and accountable social work practitioners.

For more information or to request interviews, contact: Rebecca Faria, Communication Coordinator for the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (902-429-7799 ext. 227, [email protected]).

The College shares discipline decision information not only to meet the legislative requirements of the Social Workers Act, but to serve and protect the public interest. Information about reprimands, restrictions and license revocations is attached to the member profiles of individuals in the searchable registry, and the College has created a dedicated web page that shares all decision findings.

We encourage our members to review decision information, to gain insight into the reasons for decisions and the College’s discipline process. It is important for all social workers in Nova Scotia to understand the College’s role in ensuring that Nova Scotians can rely on professional, ethical social work practice.

PROVINCE OF NOVA SCOTIA

CITY OF HALIFAX

IN THE MATTER OF:             The Social Workers Act, SNS 1993, c 12

-and-

IN THE MATTER OF:             Philip Patey, RSW #2335

ACCEPTANCE OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

A Settlement Agreement reached between Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (“NSCSW”) and Philip Patey was recommended for acceptance by the Complaints Committee and referred to the Discipline Committee for consideration pursuant to section 29A of the Social Workers Act (the “Act”).

Pursuant to section 29A(5) of the Act, if the Discipline Committee accepts a proposed settlement agreement it shall confirm acceptance by written decision that incorporates the settlement agreement.

On February 9, 2026, the Discipline Committee accepted a Settlement Agreement between NSCSW and Philip Patey with reasons to follow. The reasons for acceptance of the Settlement Agreement are set out in this written decision. The Settlement Agreement is attached as Tab A to this decision.

COMPLAINT BACKGROUND

NSCSW received letters of complaint against Philip Patey alleging Mr. Patey violated professional boundaries with a Former Client, who was a vulnerable child in care. At the time of the complaint and allegations, the Former Client was no longer a child in care. While the Former Client was no longer a client at the material time, professional boundaries still applied to Mr. Patey’s conduct.

FACTS

At all times relevant to the complaint, Philip Patey was a member of NSCSW. Mr. Patey had no prior complaints or discipline history.

Philip Patey was the Former Client’s social worker for a period of approximately 8 years while she was in foster care, until she was approximately 16 years old. Due to a change in his employment position, Philip Patey stopped being the Former Client’s social worker in 2016.

On April 30, 2022, Philip Patey drove to meet the Former Client and picked her up with the intent of taking her to lunch.

Shortly after Philip Patey picked her up on April 30, the Former Client inquired about seeing Philip Patey’s dogs. Philip Patey then agreed to bring the Former Client to his home. Philip Patey proceeded to drive the Former Client to his residence.

Philip Patey and the Former Client were the only individuals present at his home during this encounter. The Former Client had not been inside Philip Patey’s home previously.

The Former Client played with Philip Patey’s dogs. She then asked to use the washroom.

While using the washroom, Philip Patey prepared a meal for the Former Client, which the Former Client requested and then proceeded to eat.

While at his residence, Philip Patey gave the Former Client a tour of his home and offered a bag of clothing that he intended to donate. The Former Client took a small bag of clothing.

During this encounter, Philip Patey told the Former Client he had once considered the possibility of adopting her.

The Former Client asked Philip Patey if he thought she could ever come live with him at his house, to which he responded that he did not think it would be possible, but that if it was something the Client was serious about that he would have to discuss it with his wife and that this could be a short term living arrangement to get her back on her feet. This did not come up again in any discussion between the Former Client and Philip Patey, but if it had, Philip Patey intended to be firmer with his answer that it was not something he could entertain.

When driving the Former Client back, Philip Patey and the Former Client, at her request, stopped at a pharmacy. As requested by the Former Client, Philip Patey purchased shampoo and conditioner for the Former Client.

Philip Patey suggested that he and the Former Client could meet again for lunch, but this did not happen, and the Client did not communicate with him again after May 25 or May 26, 2022.

Philip Patey denies having any inappropriate feelings towards the Former Client.

ADMISSIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Mr. Patey admitted the facts in the above section along with the following allegations:

1. Philip Patey engaged in professional misconduct, conduct unbecoming, and/or a breach of the Standards of Practice or Code of Ethics with respect to the following:
   1. Philip Patey failed to maintain appropriate boundaries by entering into and engaging in a personal relationship with a vulnerable child in care, the Former Client, contrary to NSCSW Code of Ethics Value 4 and NSCSW Standards of Practice 2.2.1, 2.2.5, 3.1.1, 3.2.1, 3.5.1, 3.5.2, 3.5.4, and 3.8.4, the particulars of which include:
      1. in or around April 30, 2022, inviting the Former Client to attend his personal residence for non-therapeutic reasons;
      2. in or around April 30, 2022, picking up the Former Client and driving her to his personal residence in his personal vehicle;
      3. in or around April 30, 2022, hosting the Former Client at his personal residence when no one else was present;
      4. in or around April 30, 2022, preparing food for the Former Client at his personal residence;
      5. in or around April 30, 2022, gifting used clothing to the Former Client; and
      6. in or around April 30, 2022, purchasing shampoo and conditioner for the Client.
   2. In or around April 30, 2022, Philip Patey failed to refer the Former Client to another professional when professional boundaries were initially crossed, contrary to NSCSW Standards of Practice 2.2.3, 2.5.1, 2.5.3 and 2.6.2.

Mr. Patey also acknowledged that the allegations constituted professional misconduct as defined in the Social Worker Regulations.

DISPOSITION

The Settlement Agreement provided for the following disposition:

1. Philip Patey is reprimanded for engaging in professional misconduct;
2. prior to returning to the practice of social work:
   1. Philip Patey’s registration shall be suspended for a period of two months;
   2. Philip Patey shall, at his own expense, successfully complete either:
      • the ProBE: Ethics and Boundaries program, with an unconditional pass; or
      • the Boundary Setting in Clinical Practice: The Best Ethical Practices course offered through PESI.

      Philip Patey shall arrange for the administrator of the program to provide proof of successful completion to NSCSW;

   3. Philip Patey shall submit a reflective essay to NSCSW of no less than 1,000 words, acceptable to the NSCSW Professional Conduct Manager, in which he will report and self-reflect upon:
      1. his learnings from these incidents and the above education;
      2. how he will incorporate his learnings into his practice; and
      3. specific actions he will take to prevent future boundary violations, including details on how he will identify and address ethical risks in professional relationships;
   4. Philip Patey shall be restricted from practising as a self-employed social worker for a period of one year;
3. for a period of one year upon his return to practice, Philip Patey will immediately advise NSCSW in writing when he accepts any offers of employment as a social worker. NSCSW will then provide a summary of this Settlement Agreement to Philip Patey’s intended manager; and
4. for a period of six months following his return to practice, Philip Patey shall undergo indirect supervision by a NSCSW appointed supervisor. Supervision shall be at Philip Patey’s expense. Supervision shall consist of:
   1. monthly supervision meetings between Philip Patey and his supervisor; and
   2. quarterly written progress reports submitted to NSCSW by his supervisor addressing remedial topics, including, but not limited to professional boundaries and ethical decision making, ethical use of power in client relationships, and risk management and professional accountability.

COSTS

Mr. Patey shall pay costs in the amount of $5,000.00 as a contribution toward the College’s costs incurred in this matter, which are payable to the College in equal monthly instalments over three years, within 30 days of the date the Discipline Committee accepts the Settlement Agreement.

REASONS

The Discipline Committee provided the following reasons, in part, in accepting the Settlement Agreement:

The Discipline Committee recognizes the careful consideration given to the Settlement Agreement by NSCSW and Mr. Patey in accepting the Settlement Agreement. We accept the submission of NSCSW, as expressed in paragraph 37(a) of the Settlement Agreement, that Mr. Patey provided an opportunity to consult independent legal counsel prior to executing the Settlement Agreement. This was confirmed by Mr. Patey’s legal counsel at the hearing.

ln considering the disposition overall, the Discipline Committee is satisfied that it is in the public interest to accept the position set out in the Settlement Agreement. The Discipline Committee is also satisfied that the common law factors to be considered when accepting a settlement agreement have been met in this case. The disposition provides for both specific and general deterrence and denunciation of Mr. Patey’s conduct. The Panel also believes the disposition is sufficient to maintain public confidence in the profession’s ability to self-regulate.

Drummers from the Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance in the 2022 Halifax Pride Parade. Photo by Jan Budomo on Unsplash.

Advocating for Pride matters

June is International Pride Month and NSCSW recognizes the importance of supporting and advocating for 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and freedoms. What does this mean at a time of rising anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate and violence? Since 2016 reported hate motivated crimes against 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada has risen by 388% (Egale, 2024). “In recent years, Canada witnessed an increase in anti-trans policies and policy proposals from municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.” (Egale, 2024). We are watching in real time the erosion of protections for queer people and growing social polarization, especially related to transgender identity & expression. The world is becoming less safe for queer and trans people. You only need to look at comments under International Pride month posts on social media to see how real and present the hate is. Social workers have a role to play in creating safer, affirming, and joyful spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and communities

Social work ethics & 2SLGBTQIA+ rights

In our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, Nova Scotian social workers are called to respect the dignity and worth of all people and promote and advocate for social justice, including:

• advocating for the rights and freedoms of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities to express their gender identity
• recognizing the diversity that exists in Nova Scotian communities, including 2SLGBTQIA+ Nova Scotians, both service users and social workers

Social workers advocate for the rights of all individuals, families, groups, and communities to be free from oppression, exclusion, and discrimination. Social workers cannot be passive in addressing the rise of anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate. They have a duty to call out injustice wherever they see it, especially in their places of work and in community.

Challenging neutrality & heteronormativity

Many of the anti-2SLGBTQIA+ policies and practices being implemented across the country are rooted in white supremacist and colonial assumptions and beliefs related to neutrality. There is a dominant belief that heteronormative beliefs are the norm. It is common to hear people talk about the need for protecting children and young people from 2SLGBTQIA+ ideologies, without accounting for the dominance of heteronormative values and beliefs throughout society. Social workers in Nova Scotia in health, private practice, government, education, and community development must resist this way of thinking and challenge their peers and community to do better.

Centring queer joy in practice

NSCSW takes an active role in supporting safe(r), affirming, and joyful spaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ social workers and service users. In April we kicked off our closed communities of practice space for 2SLGBTQIA+ social workers, and asked social workers, “How are you fostering/experiencing queer joy in your social work practice?” Social workers responded by saying:

• “I love that I can create space for young people to see so many different representations of queerness and then they can find who they are and feel good and strong. Helping them to understand that it’s not one size fits all and just because you don’t “look queer” doesn’t mean you aren’t part of this community,”
• “While my work isn’t queer in and off itself, I do get to BE queer in these spaces, which helps me.”
• “I enjoy celebrating queer experiences. Not simply focusing on the traumatizing experiences, but also the strength of the community. I find that I feel most proud and hopeful when I listen to queer youth and get to encourage their art work!” 

Imagining the future of Queer Joy

When the participants were asked, “What is your future vision for Queer Joy in social work practice,” participants responded by saying:

• “My future vision for Queer joy involves acting as active collaborators rather than having a position of a gatekeeper involving resources. I want to be a bridge or a teammate rather than an expert in someone else’s experience.”
• “Continuing to have queer-focused events and spaces in social work that focus on both us as queer social workers and on positive aspects of queerness for our clients. I’ve seen studies on queer community and how queer spaces can help connect people to care in ways that aren’t the most feasible in bigger systems (e.g. ballroom culture in Montreal).”
• “Policies and systems that are focused on liberation and joy. more active stances against queerphobia and transphobia.”

Upcoming events: An invitation

NSCSW has two upcoming sessions taking place in July which centre 2SLGBTQIA+ voices:

1. Check me out – Sexual Health in NS on Monday July 13 at 12:00 p.m. offers an overview of the Check Me Out tool and resources for 2SLGBTQIA+ sexual health.
2. Connections: Queering social work takes place on Thursday July 16 at 12:00 p.m. This is our second closed communities of practice session for 2SLGBTQIA+ social workers this year; this series seeks to hold space for 2SLGBTQIA+ social workers to discuss ethics, practice issues, and build connections for safe(r) social work practice.

Nearly every week of the summer has a Pride celebration happening somewhere in Nova Scotia. If you’re planning an event that gives social workers an opportunity to learn, connect, and become better advocates, please leave a comment on this page or submit a listing for our member newsletter.

A call to advocate for justice and joy

Despite the rise of growing anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, queerness is an invitation to see beyond the dominance present within our systems, policies, and practices. Queerness pushes against heteronormative ideas and assumptions, recognizing and acknowledging diversities of gender identities and sexual orientation.

This International Pride Month, NSCSW calls on social workers to advocate for and promote social justice and joy for 2SLGBTQIA+ people and social workers. It is not only ethically and morally right, it is essential for working against dominant forces that oppress not just 2SLGBTQIA+ people, but all of us.