Category: Blog

New database, new features: Here’s what you need to know

We’ve spent the last year developing a new database to serve our members and the public effectively and efficiently. Like any new system, the new database takes some getting used to and there are some bugs to work out! The database’s new features will improve the member portal, processes for applications, the public registry search for… Read more »


Let’s give Nova Scotia’s children and youth the voice they deserve

Social workers see firsthand how Nova Scotia’s vulnerable children and youth continue to fall through the cracks. Child poverty remains stubbornly high and continues to be on the rise. The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives-Nova Scotia reported that child poverty increased from 18.1% in 1989 to 21.5% in 2016. The child protection system is over-represented… Read more »


Burnside prisoners call to be treated with the dignity & worth that we all deserve

(photo by Andrew Vaughn/The Canadian Press) Prisoners in the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility or “Burnside jail“ are currently involved in international prison strike. Their list of demands, posted to the Halifax Examiner website, call for justice and ask that we recognize the roots of this struggle in a common history of struggle and liberation…. Read more »


CASW Report Highlights Social Worker Challenges Within Canada’s Troubled Child Welfare System

On August 16th, 2018 the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW), a federal partner of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), published a report which paints a troubling picture of Canada’s child welfare system. The report, Understanding Social Work and Child Welfare: Canadian Survey and Interviews with Child Welfare Experts, is a critical… Read more »


OPINION: Wagging finger far easier than rectifying social ills

Re: “Health sermon thinly veiled poor-bashing.” I read with anticipation Gail Lethbridge’s column in your July 28 edition. This was in response to the Chester-St. Margaret’s MLA’s recent controversial comments linking chronic disease to lifestyle choices. I was hopeful I’d find words of wisdom about our collective responsibility to address systematic inequalities in our province…. Read more »


Nova Scotia’s Income Assistance Changes Lack Empathy

The Department of Community Services (DCS) recently rolled out changes to the Income Assistance programs which aim to help low-income Nova Scotians. Kelly Regan, Minister of Community Services, stated that these changes were brought in because: “We want all Nova Scotians to have the dignity, self-esteem, and self-confidence they need to move their lives forward…. Read more »


Guidelines for Social Workers on Medical Assistance in Dying

College Committee crafts guidelines to support NS social workers In June 2016, the federal government passed the legislation for medical assistance in dying (MAID). Canadian doctors and nurse practitioners can now provide medical assistance in dying (MAID) and social workers specifically in the healthcare field play a key role as they help clients grapple the… Read more »


Our Federal Government Needs to Develop A Poverty Reduction Strategy

by Sharon Murphy, MSW  In this report, “Behind the Numbers: The Federal Role in Poverty Reduction”, the authors note that days after the 2015 election a Globe and Mail opinion piece pointed out something many antipoverty activists already knew. Every territory and province with the exception of British Columbia has a Poverty Reduction strategy in place… Read more »


Discovering my passion during my NSCSW placement

By Alyssa Delenardo, MSW (former NSCSW placement student) Outside of my comfort zone Finding a placement as a Master’s of Social Work student is not an easy feat but I was intrigued when I received a call about a placement with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers. After meeting with Alec, the Executive Director/Registrar,… Read more »


Join us at ‘Innovation in Social Work Practice: A Foundation for Our Future’

We’re excited to invite all members to the 2018 Spring Conference & AGM this May 11-12 at the Best Western Chocolate Lake Hotel (250 St Margarets Bay Rd. Halifax, NS). This year’s theme is Innovation in Social Work Practice: A Foundation for Our Future. We have a rich line up of presenters as we spend… Read more »


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