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.

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Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice

Reparations

EN FR

The College firmly recognizes that reparations are both a moral and material obligation to atone the deep-rooted history of anti-Black racism within Nova Scotia and the broader Canadian context, which has led to human rights violations and crimes committed too people of African Descent. We are unequivocally committed to engaging with our members in proactive efforts toward reparations for the historical enslavement of peoples of African descent and addressing the systemic disenfranchisement faced by African Nova Scotian communities.

Reparations transcend mere monetary redress. They embody a comprehensive approach to healing and justice, addressing crucial areas of injury through five forms of reparation: ¹

Restitution: We advocate for measures that aim to restore lost rights and statuses, reversing the injuries endured by African Nova Scotians and their ancestors.
Compensation: We support economic recompense to address damages experienced due to employment discrimination, healthcare disparities, and other quantifiable losses.
Rehabilitation: Beyond financial compensation, we champion the restoration of land and the acknowledgment of stolen intellectual properties, and providing services that foster healing and recovery.
Satisfaction: Our commitment includes the cessation of harms through public apologies, commemorations, and tributes to the victims and survivors of historical injustices, recognizing their enduring impact on families and communities.
Guarantees of Non-repetition: We pledge to work towards preventing future human rights violations by adherence to ethical codes of conduct and promoting awareness and education on these issues.

The history of people of African descent in Nova Scotia is marked by resilience, contribution, and profound influence on the province’s social fabric. From the Black Loyalists and the Maroons to the Southern American Black Refugees, the legacies of these communities have indelibly shaped Nova Scotia’s cultural landscape. Their stories, marked by perseverance in the face of adversity, are central to our shared history and necessitate both recognition and restitution.

In committing to these principles of reparations, the College aims to honor the significant contributions of African Nova Scotians and ensure a future where equity, justice, and respect for human rights are not just ideals but realities for all. We stand dedicated to transforming this commitment into tangible actions that contribute to the healing, empowerment, and upliftment of African Nova Scotian communities, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and inclusive society.

¹ Adapted from United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, “Reparations,” https://www.ohchr.org/en/transitional-justice/reparations

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