Preamble

Social work is a crucial profession in Canada, dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers play diverse roles, encompassing administration, advocacy, counseling and therapy, policy development, and support services across sectors like healthcare, education, child and family well-being, mental health, and community development. Social workers are committed to championing social justice, equity, and human rights, often focusing on marginalized groups to address systemic barriers and improve access to resources.

However, contemporary social work has colonial origins aimed at sustaining an industrial state.
Emerging from the Industrial Revolution’s socio-economic changes and the need to manage urban poverty, social work was institutionalized with a focus on state control and economic productivity, often neglecting community-based approaches. Rooted in colonial ideologies, it sought to assimilate marginalized populations into capitalist structures, sidelining Indigenous and communal care practices. Historically, social work prioritized individual rehabilitation over systemic change, aligning with capitalist state goals, reinforcing social hierarchies, and maintaining the status quo.

In Mi’kma’ki, the traditional Mi’kmaq territory in present-day Nova Scotia, community healers practiced traditions that laid foundations that align with and predate many principles of contemporary social work. These healers, revered as Elders or Medicine People, possessed extensive knowledge of medicinal plants, spiritual practices, and holistic healing passed down through generations. Their practices showcased the Mi’kmaq people’s reliance on their healers for comprehensive well-being through natural remedies and spiritual guidance, emphasizing interconnectedness and balance within oneself, the environment, and the community’s past, present, and future.

African Nova Scotians have a rich history dating back to the early 17th century, showcasing resilient networks of support and healing practices rooted in their heritage. Traditional healers played a vital role in utilizing herbal medicine and spiritual practices to address various ailments, fostering community well-being, cultural preservation, and resistance against oppression.

The Acadians, French settlers in Nova Scotia from the early 17th century, significantly
influenced the region with their culture, language, and agricultural innovations, despite facing challenges such as expulsion in the mid-18th century. Their resilience and cultural legacy continue to shape Nova Scotia today.

The arrival of British settlers introduced new medical practices and ideas during the colonial period. British settlers brought with them European medical knowledge and practices, which were often based on emerging scientific discoveries of the time, including the use of pharmaceuticals and surgical techniques. The introduction of these practices led to a complex interplay with the existing Mi’kmaq, African Nova Scotian, and Acadian healing traditions.

Contemporary social work practice acknowledges the harm caused by colonial influences, especially the genocide of Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Peoples and anti-Black racism. Efforts are underway to prioritize ethical values such as social justice, equity, and cultural responsiveness in practice. Navigating a complex landscape involving state values, professional ethics, and community impact, social workers strive to empower marginalized populations while advocating for systemic change and inclusivity.

Central to this landscape is the recognition that women’s labour in social work reflects a persistent and systemic devaluation tied to gendered stereotypes and negative beliefs by the public of the people social workers serve. Despite requiring significant expertise in navigating complex legal, relational, and emotional dynamics, the profession is often misunderstood and dismissed as menial or “natural” caregiving. Feminized perceptions of this labour contribute to poor working conditions, lack of pay equity, and minimal professional respect, leaving social workers undervalued and overburdened.

By embedding ethical considerations into practice and fostering safer approaches, social work continues to evolve as a force for justice, equity, and transformative change. Social workers, and particularly the women who disproportionately shoulder this burden, remain at the forefront of advocating for systemic reforms to create a more equitable and inclusive society.

Acknowledgement

The Nova Scotia College of Social Workers wishes to acknowledge the generosity of the many members that contributed to the development of our Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (2025).