On the occasion of Social Work Week here in British Columbia, I commend frontline social workers in this province for their dedication and commitment to the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable young citizens and their families.
In these challenging economic times, those who are struggling need advocates more than ever. So often, social workers are the strong, compassionate individuals providing the support to those in need. As the Representative for Children and Youth, I have been consistently impressed by the dedication of B.C’s’s social workers, and have seen with my own eyes the positive impact that their work can have on the lives of our children, youth and families.
The significant contribution made to society by social workers is all the more inspiring given how difficult their work is. Ensuring that social workers are supported with the tools and training they need to succeed in this challenging field is clearly in the best interests of society. It’s also important to acknowledge the solid foundation being provided by the post-secondary institutions throughout the province which are training the social workers of tomorrow. The foresight and commitment to professional excellence of these programs means hope for the children, youth and families who will
be helped by the graduates in the future.
I thank our province’s social workers for everything they have done and will do to make the lives of British Columbian’s better. And to quote the Hon. Ted Hughes, we salute you for your “toughness, warmth, intelligence, compassion, decisiveness and determination.” Our province is a better place for it.
Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond
Representative for Children and Youth, British Columbia