Child, Youth and Family Services
March 17, 2015

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services:

Social Work Profession Celebrated During National Social Work Month

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize National Social Work Month – a time we honour those who have chosen to dedicate their lives to improving the quality of life in our cities, towns and communities. Each year, the month of March celebrates social workers across the country and the positive impact they have on those they serve.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, more than 1,500 registered social workers practise in all regions of the province in settings such as healthcare, senior care, foster care, adult and youth corrections, child protection, adoptions, child care, mental health and addictions, community-based centres, government departments and universities, along with private practices and consulting businesses.

The theme for this year’s National Social Work Month is Social Work: Profession of Choice and was chosen to convey the personal commitment by social workers throughout the country to their profession, as well as highlight the many changes they help bring about for individuals and society as a whole.

Each day, in our province, social workers endeavor to improve the safety and well-being of our residents, and their commitment and dedication deserves the focus that National Social Work Month places on their profession. I continue to witness first-hand the significance of their work throughout all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. Often times, their services are delivered in extremely challenging situations or under circumstances that require an extremely high level of professionalism and individual strength. That is why I want to personally extend my heartfelt gratitude to the many men and women who work tirelessly each and every day to provide guidance, protection and support to our most vulnerable populations.

During the month of March, social workers will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities taking place throughout the province such as professional development sessions and networking and career events to promote the social work profession.

Mr. Speaker, I ask all Honourable Members to join me in recognizing the many men and women in our province who have chosen to dedicate their lives to this noble profession, and work every day to strengthen our families and communities.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2015 03 17                                                 2:00 p.m.