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]).