1926 was a big year for Canada and for its social workers.
Not only did the Balfour Report declare Britain and its “dominions” constitutionally equal, paving the way for greater independence, but our country's social work profession underwent a profound change: The CASW was founded, aiming to monitor employment conditions and to establish standards of practice within the profession across the land known to settlers as Canada.
Now, nearly 100 years later, Social Workers in Ontario and across 10 provinces and territories are represented at a national level by the Canadian Association of Social Workers.
Ahead of CASW’s 100-year anniversary in 2026, we sat down with CASW’s executive director, Fred Phelps, to chat about the organization's history and plans for the commemoration.
What comes to mind when you reflect on the organization's 100-year history?
When CASW reflects on its 100-year history, the organization is reminded of a profession that has remained deeply committed to advancing social justice and equity in Canada. Over the past century, social work has helped shape important national conversations and policies, supporting individuals and communities through periods of profound change.
However, this milestone also calls for honest reflection on the complexities within that history. There have been moments when the profession did not fully live up to its stated values, including participation in and silence around systems that caused harm, such as the residential school system, the Sixties Scoop, anti-Black racism and ongoing child welfare practices that have disproportionately affected Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities.
What can social workers do with this history?
Acknowledging these harms is essential to understanding the full history of the profession. CASW recognizes that this reflection must be accompanied by a continued commitment to learning, reconciliation, and the reimagining of social work in ways that are inclusive and grounded in social justice. The 100th anniversary serves as both a moment to celebrate progress and a time to envision a future defined by ethical practice, accountability, systemic change, and solidarity with the communities that social workers serve.
CASW is hoping to tell its story, in part, through interviews with social workers from coast to coast. Why are social work stories a part of the 100-year campaign in 2026? What do you hope people take from these stories?
Social work stories are an essential part of CASW’s 100-year campaign because they bring to life the impact, diversity, and depth of the profession. In 2025, CASW’s National Social Work Month theme celebrated “Social Work is Everywhere,” and the 2026 campaign represents a more in-depth extension of the 2025 campaign.
Through these social work stories, CASW is able to highlight the many settings in which social workers practice and the many ways they contribute to individual and collective well-being. These stories reflect both the challenges and the triumphs of the profession. CASW hopes that audiences will gain a deeper appreciation of how social work is present throughout society, how the profession has evolved through the voices of those who practice it, and how these stories continue to shape its future.
What types of experiences or reflections are you looking for as you conduct these interviews?
CASW is seeking a range of reflections that illustrate the depth and breadth of social work in Canada. This includes stories that speak to moments of change, impact, or transformation, as well as reflections that highlight the realities of practice, whether rewarding or challenging. CASW hopes to gather experiences that capture the heart of social work in all its forms. Ultimately, these reflections should help convey the complexity, compassion, and commitment that have defined social work for the past century and will continue to guide it moving forward.
What would you say to a social worker who may have a powerful story to share, but feels uncertain about sharing difficult or troubling stories in a public way?
Every contribution, no matter how large or small it may seem, is valuable and adds to the collective understanding of the profession. The campaign is designed to provide a supportive and respectful process, ensuring that each social worker maintains control over what they share and how it is presented.
CASW also recognizes that some of the most powerful insights come from difficult reflections, as they help paint a more complete picture of the profession’s evolution. At the same time, CASW prioritizes care, consent, and comfort in every step of the storytelling process, ensuring that each contribution is handled with care.
To learn more about CASW’s storytelling campaign,
click here.