Council Meeting Highlights for September 9-10, 2020

The Council is the 21-member governing body and board of directors that manages and administers College affairs. The policies developed by Council provide direction to the College and to staff. September 9, 2020 The following Council members were elected by Council to the Executive Committee:Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW – PresidentMukesh Kowlessar, RSSW – Vice-PresidentDéirdre Smith, Public Member – Vice-PresidentSanjay Govindaraj, RSW – Executive MemberShelley Hale, RSSW – Executive MemberPamela Murphy, Public Member – Executive MemberCouncil reviewed…

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OCSWSSW Council Election Results

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) is pleased to announce the election of Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW as Council President, and the election of the Council Executive Committee for 2020/21. “It’s a great honour to be elected by my colleagues to serve as President of the College Council,” said Toula, who was elected on September 9, 2020. “We’re entering a pivotal time in the College’s history as we look to implement…

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Reminder – Attend the College’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Keynote Address

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers would like to remind College members of its upcoming 2020 Annual Meeting and keynote address. This year’s event will take place entirely via livestream on Thursday, September 3, 2020 as follows: Annual Meeting: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.Keynote Address: 11 a.m. to noon During the livestream, members will be able to participate by asking questions and/or making comments. Participants will be able to submit their…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Changes to Ontario’s Child Welfare System

The Ontario government recently released a plan to modernize the province’s child welfare system. Focused on prevention, early intervention and more permanent homes for children and youth in care, the strategy is built around five pillars: supporting child, youth, family and community well-being;improving quality of care;strengthening youth supports;improving stability and permanency; andincreasing system accountability and sustainability. The system redesign was developed with input from a diverse array of stakeholders. The strategy was released alongside two…

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2020 Election Results for Electoral District No. 3

On Thursday, July 23, 2020 the College held its Council elections in Electoral District No. 3. The Elections Committee has now declared the following candidates elected in Electoral District No. 3 to serve on the College Council for a three-year term, beginning September 9, 2020. Electoral District No. 3 is composed of the geographic area within the territorial boundaries of the Counties of Haliburton, Victoria, Peterborough, Northumberland and Simcoe, the Regional Municipalities of Durham, York…

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Attend the College’s 2020 Annual Meeting and Keynote Address via Livestream

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers invites College members to the 2020 Annual Meeting and keynote address. When: Thursday, September 3, 2020Where: via livestreamWho should attend: College members In light of the ongoing impacts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the College has replaced this year’s Annual Meeting and Education Day with a scaled-down version of the event. We are pleased to provide members with the opportunity to attend the Annual Meeting…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Systemic Racism, Mental Health Checks and the College’s Regulatory Role

As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update with respect to recent College communications on issues related to anti-Black, anti-Indigenous and other forms of systemic racism while clarifying our regulatory role and public protection mandate. In light of recent events, we must first recognize and communicate our shared concern about incidents involving police use of…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Important Updates for College Registrants and Other Stakeholders

As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I would like to take this opportunity to connect and provide you with a couple of updates. Marking the College’s 20th Anniversary This year, the College has reached an important milestone – its 20th anniversary. I must say that in the midst of a global pandemic, worldwide mobilization against anti-Black racism, and the incredibly important and ongoing dialogue…

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Strategic Plan 2020-2023: An Overview of the Process and the College’s New Guiding Priorities

At the end of 2019, the Council of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) embarked on a strategic planning process to identify the future direction and priorities for the College for the next four years. The result of this process was the newly approved Strategic Plan 2020-2023. In this communication, we are pleased to share: the Strategic Plan, including key priorities and objectives;a Strategy Map, showing the Strategic Plan…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Recognizing and Reflecting Upon Anti-Black Racism

Also in this message: Ongoing Impact of COVID-19Security Considerations for Electronic Practice As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize the worldwide mobilization against anti-Black racism following the recent and horrifying events in the United States and Canada. A dialogue around these social justice issues is not only essential but long overdue. The College recognizes that profound societal,…

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