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THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION ACT

The Manitoba Association of Social Workers – Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers (MASW-MIRSW) wishes to announce that Bill 9 – The Social Work Profession Act has been granted Royal Assent in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba on Thursday, 08 October 2009.

The legislation has been in development for many years and will result in the formation of the Manitoba College of Social Workers, which will assume responsibilities for regulation of the profession of Social Work in accordance with the terms specified in the Act. Although granted Royal Assent, a coming into force date has not yet been specified and will be determined in the days ahead as consultations with the Manitoba Government occur.

According to Leona Schroeder, President of the MASW-MIRSW, “The primary purpose of the legislation and the regulatory College will be to regulate use of the title of Social Worker and ensure that the best interests of the public and the profession are served through the application and promotion of high standards for education, training, competency in practice, and ethics.”

Under this legislation all individuals who represent themselves as Social Workers will be required to meet specific qualifications as set out by the Act and the College regulations. In accordance with the terms of the Act, qualifications for registration will be:
  • A Social Work degree from an accredited post-secondary faculty or school, or

  • Completion of another educational program of study approved by the College, or

  • A combination of education or training, and work or volunteer experience considered to be substantially equivalent and approved by the College

Accountability for practice and conduct will be assured through a public complaints and review process. As well, the College will maintain a Register of all regulated Social Work practitioners that will be accessible for members of the public to verify registration and any conditions on the certificate of registration.

The new College of Social Workers will be continuing consultations and working closely with the many diverse sectors of practice in the Social Work community to develop regulations, bylaws and procedures for meeting the requirements of the legislation as well as promoting collaboration and unity within the profession.

Until The Manitoba College of Social Workers is operational and The Social Work Profession Act comes fully into effect, the MASW-MIRSW will continue to administer Social Work affairs. The MASW-MIRSW looks forward to working with members of the profession and the public as the College develops.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Social Work Profession Act