(Vancouver) — The BC Association of Social Workers (BCASW) congratulates Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson and newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly following British Columbia’s October 24 provincial election. As the province prepares for a new government, the BCASW welcomes the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with elected representatives across the political spectrum and advance the well-being of British Columbians.
“On behalf of BCASW, I extend our congratulations to Premier-designate Doerkson and to all those elected to serve the people of British Columbia,” said Chelsea Minhas, Executive Director of the BCASW. “A change in government offers an important opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. We look forward to engaging with the incoming Premier, Cabinet, and Members of the Legislative Assembly on the shared responsibility of building healthy, inclusive, and thriving communities.”
Social workers are essential to the social fabric of British Columbia. Working in communities and across health, mental health, child and family services, education, and other public systems, they bring frontline experience, professional expertise, and a deep understanding of the challenges and strengths of the people they serve. Their perspectives are vital to developing responsive, effective, and equitable public policy.
BCASW remains steadfast in its commitment to champion the social work profession, advocate for policies that strengthen individuals, families, and communities, and advance a British Columbia where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Grounded in social justice, equity, and reconciliation, the Association is dedicated to bringing social workers’ voices and expertise into public policy discussions and working collaboratively to build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.
“Our role as an independent, non-partisan professional association is to advocate consistently for our profession and the well-being of British Columbians, regardless of who forms government,” added Minhas. “Social workers see both the pressures facing communities and the possibilities for meaningful change. We hope to meet with the incoming government, share the expertise of our profession, and identify practical opportunities to work together in the public interest.”
The BCASW recognizes that the challenges facing the province require thoughtful leadership, respectful dialogue, and collaboration. The Association looks forward to establishing a meaningful working relationship with the incoming government while continuing its independent advocacy for social justice, sound public policy, and a strong and sustainable social work profession.
Contact:
Chelsea Minhas, MSW, RSW | Executive Director
BC Association of Social Workers
T: 604-730-9111
Hanna Tontsch | President
BC Association of Social Workers
BCASW is a voluntary, not-for-profit membership association that supports and promotes the profession of social work and advocates for social justice. BCASW is one of the provincial/territorial social work associations in partnership with the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Through CASW we support the work of the International Federation of Social Workers. BCASW was incorporated in 1956 and has branches and members (including students) throughout BC.
BCASW acknowledges that our office is in the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations and that our members live and work in unceded territories across British Columbia.
