CASW Statement on Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

August 05, 2015

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) affirm the 94 Calls to Action advanced in Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future, the Executive Summary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) final report to be released later this year.

To move Canada forward from recognition of truth to reconciliation, CASW pledges support to Aboriginal communities and organizations in implementing all recommendations. The profession of social work recognizes the very specific role and responsibility it has in supporting the implementation of the TRC recommendations with emphasis on those specific to Child Welfare.

To this end, CASW calls on the current Government of Canada to immediately uphold Jordan’s Principle and end its active resistance against the equitable funding of child welfare services for Aboriginal children. Furthermore, CASW urges the federal government to immediately heed the call for a public inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in Canada.

Finally, CASW calls on all federal political parties to make reconciliation central to the mandate of the next Government of Canada by providing a comprehensive response to the TRC Calls to Action in their respective platforms.

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Morel Caissie, MSW, RSW
CASW President

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