We call upon the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Services, the provincial government, and all Alberta municipalities to cease encampment closures and to divert focus to the prevention of poverty, increased funding for social services, and to ensure there are adequate shelters in place that will meet the immediate needs of unhoused Edmontonians.

There is no other time of year when we can so readily see our social work values and principles reflected in our communities. All around us we see signs of love, generosity, and compassion.

“Everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care.”

Universal Health Coverage advocates “raise their voices to share the stories of the millions of people still waiting for health coverage, champion what we have achieved so far, and call on leaders to make bigger and smarter investments in health”.

All social work practitioners, regardless of role or field of practice, seek to ensure that human rights are protected and advanced. As social workers we most often assist those experiencing multiple barriers and face daily acts of violence and discrimination for simply being who they are. Social workers have an ethical imperative to challenge these oppressions and to take action to address them.

The Social Work Association of Alberta (SWAA) recognizes the urgent need for government funding to prevent violence against women and to support survivors of GBV. Domestic violence shelters must be adequately funded, yet these measures alone, are not enough. As social workers we understand that safety for women can only be assured when essential services are well resourced and progressive policies are developed.

The Alberta government recently announced that it is disaggregating Alberta Health Services into four separate government run organizations:

1. Primary Care organization

2. Acute Care organization

3. Continuing Care organization

4. Mental Health and Addiction organization

Find answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to SWAA and its inception. What is SWAA? What will be the benefits of membership? How do I join? Will there be an AGM? How does SWAA membership impact registration with ACSW?

Twenty social workers (all SWAA members) ran for the 13 board positions and we would like to thank all candidates. It was a very strong group of social workers - each and every one of you are an inspiration - and we thank you for putting your names forward. We hope to work with all of you for years to come.

Annual General Meeting. September 21, 2023.

Kiara is excited to join SWAA as the part-time Member Engagement Coordinator, supporting the SWAA team and SWAA members.

SWAA’s first Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on September 21, 2023. At this AGM, SWAA members will vote for the inaugural board that will take over the work of the current interim board. The inaugural board members will have the exciting opportunity to work with our Executive Director to shape the strategic direction and provide oversight for developing and implementing programs and benefits, and engaging members.

Find answers to frequently asked questions pertaining to SWAA and its inception. What is SWAA? What will be the benefits of membership? How do I join? Why are we building SWAA? Why is there an interim board? What are they doing? Will there be an AGM? Why did SWAA hire an Executive Director? How does SWAA membership impact registration with ACSW?

“Every day, social workers support people in navigating complex systems. We are uniquely positioned to identify and address systemic gaps, provide key services and programs, and strengthen communities to what they need, all while applying our skills to build a more just world.” ~CASW