Ministerial Statement – Social Work Month Celebrates Diverse Profession

  • Children, Seniors and Social Development

March 5, 2018

The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister of Seniors and Social Development:


Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to our province’s social workers during National Social Work Month.

Every year in March, Canada celebrates the important contributions of social workers to society. This year’s theme, Bringing Change to Life, highlights their work and the real difference social workers make in the lives of people, families and communities throughout the country.

Mr. Speaker, in Newfoundland and Labrador social work is a regulated profession focused on ensuring quality service to the public through the work of more than 1,500 registered social workers. They practise within hospitals, seniors’ homes, adult and youth corrections, child welfare, addictions, mental health, community centres, government departments, universities, private practice and consulting businesses.

The social work profession is incredibly diverse and the important and valuable contributions of social workers help enhance the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities in our society every day.

Social workers perform their work with a high level of professionalism in what are often challenging situations. Many social workers are employed with my department and I have had the opportunity to visit a number of our offices throughout the province. These visits have given me a greater appreciation for the valuable work that they do and I extend my personal gratitude to all social workers.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage social workers to participate in the many activities taking place throughout the month to highlight the profession and ask all Honourable members to join me in recognizing social workers for their ongoing dedication and support.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

2018 03 05 1:45 pm