College Updates

Call for Expressions of Interest – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Group

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers has struck a  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Group to assist us in moving forward on our commitment to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion – a key priority in the College’s Strategic Plan 2020-2023. DEI Task Group - Terms of Reference The Task Group will be co-chaired by Sanjay Govindaraj, RSW, and a non-Council member of the College. In accordance with its Terms of…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO as Ontario Government Enacts Third COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Order

Yesterday, the Ontario government announced that it had declared a third provincial emergency in response to the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases, the threat on the province’s hospital system capacity and the alarming risk posed to the public by the COVID-19 variants. The stay-at-home order takes effect April 8, 2021. As Registrar and CEO, I recognize that the most recent stay-at-home order adds to our collective anxiety around the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the personal…

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Reminder of Practice Considerations Amidst Government’s Latest COVID-19 Announcement

The Ontario government recently announced a province-wide emergency brake which took effect on Saturday, April 3, 2021 in response to the surge in COVID-19 case numbers and hospitalizations across the province. The province-wide emergency brake impacts all 34 public health units and puts in place public health and workplace safety measures for a period of four weeks. As the pandemic moves into another year, I want to acknowledge what an extremely challenging time it is…

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Save the Date! 2021 Annual Meeting and Education Day

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers is pleased to announce that it will be holding its Annual Meeting & Education Day (AMED) on Thursday, June 17 & Friday, June 18, 2021. AMED is part of the Glenda McDonald Educational Series. In light of the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure the safety of attendees and participants, this year’s AMED will be hosted entirely online via livestream. AMED will…

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Message from the Registrar and CEO: Recognizing Anti-Asian Racism and the College’s Role as Regulator

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 respond to recent tragic events as well as the shameful rise in anti-Asian racism and violence in Canada and the United States. Last week, the mass shooting in Atlanta, Georgia took the lives of eight individuals – six of whom were women from the Asian community. Sadly, anti-Asian racism is…

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OCSWSSW New Council President

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to announce that Mukesh Kowlessar, RSSW, has become the Council President in accordance with College bylaws following the recent resignation of Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW, as President on March 10, 2021. The College Council looks forward to continuing to implement its strategic priorities outlined in the College’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan under Mukesh’s leadership. The College would like to thank Toula for her…

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OCSWSSW Members Encouraged to Contact Public Health Unit for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Information

In the last few weeks, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) has received requests from a small number of public health units asking to share information with members on their behalf about the COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The Ontario government’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan is a three-phase plan that prioritizes vaccines for those at greatest risk of illness and those who care for them. Each public health unit is developing…

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Council Meeting Highlights for March 3, 2021

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. March 3, 2021 Toula Kourgiantakis, RSW, President, provided her report to Council.Lise Betteridge, RSW, Registrar and CEO, presented her report to Council. The report provided updates under each strategic priority in the College’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan and included information about the following: the Professional Practice…

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Message from Registrar and CEO: COVID-19 Update

As Registrar and CEO for the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College), I wanted to take this opportunity to remind members of the various factors to consider as the Ontario government implements its revised COVID-19 Response Framework. As the pandemic continues, I want to acknowledge the general fatigue so many of you are experiencing, as you continue to manage the serious impact and continued challenges of this time. As noted…

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Reminder: Complete the 2021 CCP

The Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) would like to remind all members that now is the time to begin to work on their 2021 Continuing Competence Program (CCP). Participation in the CCP is a condition of registration and one of the ways that College members demonstrate their commitment to professional and ethical practice. All members (with the exception of those in the retired class of certificate of registration) are…

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College’s Complaints & Discipline Department Sees Uptick in Sexual Abuse-Related Complaints

The mandate of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (the College) is to protect the public interest. Everything the College does comes down to protecting the public from unqualified, incompetent and unfit practitioners. Over the last year, the College’s Complaints and Discipline Team has seen an increase in complaints related to sexual abuse allegations. This trend is of great concern to the College and warrants serious consideration on the part of…

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