Budget 2024: Big Plans and a Big Win for Social Work
Ottawa, ON – April 16, 2024 – The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) applauds the robust initiatives to address some of Canada’s most pressing social issues in Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation, including investments in housing, youth mental health, and a school food programme. But one commitment particularly stands out: the inclusion of social workers in the Canada Student Loan forgiveness programme for rural and remote workers.
“While falling short of true parity between physical and mental health, we are delighted to see the $500 million youth mental health fund in the Budget, as well as a bold plan for housing,” said CASW President Joan Davis-Whelan. “And with a nationwide cost-of-living crisis – this government is wise to empower social workers to step up to the plate when it comes to rural and remote areas.”
With this new announcement, social workers in key areas will be eligible to have the federal portion of their student loan forgiven. As Canada’s largest group of mental health professionals who can offer a variety of mental health and social services – often at a much more competitive cost than other professions – social workers are ideally positioned to step into critical roles, especially in underserved communities.
“Doctors and nurses have long been part of this programme – and finally social workers are being recognized as essential, too,” said Davis-Whelan. “This is a great step to help address recruitment and retention problems in the health and social care workforce across Canada, while paying attention to the needs of students and youth.”
The next step to fully support the profession of social work would be dedicated funding for a social work sector study. This study would provide the data to ensure that the social work workforce has the capacity to meet the current and projected needs of Canadians across the entire spectrum of health and social care.
“We look forward to helping this government make their commitments a reality,” added Davis-Whelan, “both in the rapid implementation of the student loan forgiveness programme changes – and in supporting the roll out of these big investments in housing, youth mental health, and school nutrition. Social workers are ready to help.”
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