As we welcome the fall season, the turning leaves remind us to pause and reflect. It is a time that invites renewal and grounds us in what truly matters. I am pleased to share important updates that reflect the College’s ongoing commitment to protecting the public and strengthening trust in the professions of social work and social service work.
This fall, we launched a new Public Awareness Campaign designed to help Ontarians better understand the role of registered social workers and registered social service workers. The campaign emphasizes the importance of turning to practitioners who are professional, accountable and provide safe, ethical and high-quality care. Through clear and accessible messaging, we highlight how registrants uphold ethical standards, and how the College serves as a trusted resource to ensure public protection. Our approach is focused on increasing confidence in the professions and raising awareness about the College as a vital hub for all communities to rely on across Ontario.
Fall is also a season of reflection, and it reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to reconciliation and equity. This year, we are continuing to deepen our commitment to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples by reflecting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and taking meaningful steps to embed reconciliation into our work. These efforts are not one-time initiatives. They are part of our ongoing journey to listen, learn and act in ways that strengthen trust and relationships with Indigenous communities.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion also remains central to our mandate. We recognize that systemic barriers and inequities affect both the public we serve and the registrants we regulate. Through the development of policies and resources as well as meaningful engagement, we are working to ensure that our regulatory practices are fair, transparent and inclusive. This includes creating opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and ensuring that our actions reflect the values of being ethical, accountable, effective and community-centred. As the College continues to evolve, I am grateful for the dedication of social workers and social service workers across Ontario who provide essential services every day. I want to thank the professions for upholding high standards, embracing accountability and advancing our shared commitment to equity and reconciliation. Together, we are strengthening the foundations of trust and safeguarding the public in meaningful ways.
Sincerely,
Denitha Breau,
RN, MSN, MBA
Registrar and CEO
Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers