www.acsw.ab.ca SPRING 2016

the ADVOCATE VOLUME 41 | ISSUE 1 ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

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2 Spring 2016 FEATURES The Advocate Volume 41, Issue 1, Spring 2016 Published by: 22 FEATURE ARTICLES The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) 550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 22 DR. MARIE WILSON: TOWARDS TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION by Holly Budd Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in AB): 1-800-661-3089 26 MEET YOUR MANAGER OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE SUPPORT: ALEC STRATFORD Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free fax: 1-866-874-8931 [email protected] — acsw.ab.ca by Tara Hogue Harris Executive Director & Registrar: 28 25 YEARS LATER: REFLECTIONS OF A GAY ACTIVIST by Richard Gregory Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW [email protected] Managers, Regulatory Practice: 4 NOTICE OF FEE INCREASE Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB [email protected] 6 AROUND OUR PROVINCE Manager, Professional Practice Support: AROUND OUR PROVINCE by Charity Lui Alec Stratford, MSW, RSW Membership Activities Coordinators: 10 IN THE NEWS Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSW Charity Lui, BSW, RSW 10 2015 BURSARY AWARD WINNERS Finance & Administration Officer: 12 WELCOME TO OUR NEW RSW MEMBERS Gladys Smecko, CPA, CGA Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross 13 THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE Executive Assistant / Administrative Team Lead: Noreen Majek STAY CALM AND BE FLEXIBLE by Teresa Winfield Promotions Coordinator: Ilona Cardinal, MA 14 ETHICS IN ACTION Administrative Support Professionals: THEY’RE HERE!: GUIDELINES ON CONSENT AND CONFIDENTIALITY WHEN WORKING Theresa Duban Neetu Dodd Tracy Houben Jennifer Vasquez Tamara Gross Raveena Parsons WITH MINORS by Sheryl Pearson Registration/Online Service Support Analyst: Laurie Nelson 16 SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS ACSW Council: President: Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW SOCIAL JUSTICE MATTERS by Alec Stratford Vice President: Linda Golding, MSW, RSW Secretary: Terry Wilson, BSW, RSW 18 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES Treasurer: Rick Guthrie, MSW, RSW 18 RESEARCHER WORKS TO RESTORE GOOD RELATIONS IN Members at Large: Margaret Brown, MSW, RSW Linda Fehr, MSW, RSW FIRST NATIONS COMMUNITIES by Natalie Dawes Richard Shelson, MSc, RSW Ajay Pandhi, MSW, RSW Shamanthi Cooray, RSW 19 EXCHANGING EXPERIENCE: THE BENEFITS OF PRACTICUM PLACEMENTS Indigenous Social Work Committee Representative: by Lyla Allan Vacant 21 PRAISE FOR PRACTICUM STUDENTS Public Members: Lyle Berge Murray Hiebert Bukola Salami 31 VITAL VOLUNTEERS Editorial Board: Leslie MacKinnon, MSW, RSW (Chair) MEET MARE MONTELL DONLY by Minister Faust Jo-Anne Beggs, BSW, RSW Cindy Haugen, BSW, RSW Jill Hoselton, BSW, RSW Michelle Humeny, RSW 32 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Eugene Ip, DPhil, RSW Corrine Janzen, BSW, RSW Samuel Mammen, RSW Tasha Novick, BSW, RSW 17 THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY Sherri Tanchak MSW, RSW Andrea Newberry-Koroluk, PhD, RSW 32 FOR YOUR INFORMATION Melanie Sawatzky, BSW, RSW Editorial services provided by Bird Communications.

ADVERTISING SPACE is available. To place an ad contact Ilona Cardinal at the ACSW office ([email protected]). The Editorial Cover photo by Gibby Davis: Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE) Board reserves the right to reject any advertising. Heart Garden event, June 2015 SUMMER 2016 ISSUE AD DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2016 The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta Canadian subscriptions are $26/year College of Social Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or (outside Canada: $26 US/year). Please notify ACSW office warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for immediately of any address changes. any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise. ISSN 0847 - 2890 All material ©2016 by the ACSW or by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed. Reprint or PM NO. 40050109 copying (including digital or online reproduction in any form) of any Advocate material requires written consent RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO of the ACSW. 550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

The Advocate 3 Notice of Fee Increase, July 1, 2016

Over the past few years, the Alberta College of Social In consideration of all of these needs, the Council of Alberta Workers has continued to grow. Many of you have College of Social Workers would like to confirm that effective continued to be engaged in the activities of your professional July 1, 2016, membership fees will increase from $350 to $400. association and have helped the organization to develop The Council of ACSW would like to acknowledge that for and make advancements in supports for membership and some, annual membership fees may potentially present advocacy activities. Through your engagement, contacts and a challenge or a hardship. In recognition of a time of requests, you have: economic downturn, ACSW Council is committed to • helped increase the development of services and supports ensuring a continued process where members who are for members through your active participation in area encountering an exceptional circumstance or financial coordinator and member interest activities, hardship can be in touch to discuss arrangements appropriate for their personal situation. • increased calls to the “Social Worker on Duty” at the College to assist with ethical dilemma and If you are in a situation where there has been loss of practice questions, employment, are experiencing an exceptional circumstance or financial difficulty, please contact the Registration • provided a clear desire to renew Canadian Association of Coordinator or Registrar to discuss potential options: Social Workers (CASW) membership, [email protected]. • provided input for specific goals for the ACSW strategic plan, Fees Scheduled for Increase

• requested development on more online learning Registration Current Effective opportunities and access to resources for ongoing Fees July 1, 2016 professional development. Active 350 400 Your ACSW Council is formed by and through our collective (Full Dues) membership. In consideration of resource needs for New Graduate 230 265 operation of our professional association and College, your Social Worker Council has also taken note that: Inactive Social 175 200 • there is a need to address inflation, Worker

• increased growth in the organization and membership Retired (Over 55 75 85 have also meant an increase in work volumes and staff years of age) complement requirements, Student Member 75 85 • increasing complexity in complaints received are impacting resource and cost requirements.

4 Spring 2016 Frequently Asked Questions about Fees

How do our fees compare with other professions Social work fees in other jurisdictions and jurisdictions? (Combined- indicates the professional association and Other professions under the Health Professions Act (HPA) in regulatory body fees are included together.) Alberta (based on full year of Registration)

Profession Equivalent Fees Fees in other Jurisdictions Total

College of Alberta $750 Alberta Combined $400 $400 Psychologists

College & Association $578.82 British Regulatory $255 $543 of Registered Nurses of Columbia Body Fee Alberta (Registered Nurse) Professional $288 Association College & Association $632.89 Fee of Registered Nurses of Alberta (Nurse Practitioner) Saskatchewan Combined $350 $350

College of Licensed $400 Practical Nurses of Alberta Manitoba Combined $460 $460

College of Medical $720 Laboratory Technologists Ontario Regulatory $375 $674 of Alberta Body Fee Professional $299 Alberta College Of $550 Association Occupational Therapists Fee

College of Physicians and $1960 Nova Scotia Combined $416 $416 Surgeons of Alberta

Physiotherapy Alberta $570 New Combined $355 $355 College + Association Brunswick PEI Regulatory $145 $235 Body Fee Where do my membership fees go? Professional $90 Association Fee

Core Newfoundland Combined $400 $400 Activities Membership (29%) & Advocacy Activities (42%) For more information, see acsw.ab.ca. Regulatory Activities (29%)

The Advocate 5 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

Around our province by Charity Lui, BSW, RSW

Social Workers Receive Awards ACSW Activities Around the Province Congratulations to social workers Michelle Protsch, The Medicine Hat Area Coordinators hosted a Standards RSW, and Kelly Karius, BSW, of Practice Workshop with Bruce Llewellyn, MSW, RSW on RSW! Michelle Protsch is a October 14. Family Resource Facilitator with Legal Aid Alberta. She was recently awarded the Access to Justice Award. This award is given to outstanding individuals who have provided access to justice for Albertans.

Michelle Protsch with her award

Kelly Karius received an Inspiration Award from Bruce Llewellyn and social workers at the Oct 14 workshop in Medicine Hat. the Alberta Government October 22 to 23, 2015 was the ACSW Area Coordinators’ after being nominated by Retreat in Edmonton. This is an annual event that brings her workplace, Samson together area coordinators from across the province. The Community Wellness. retreat included a workshop using expressive art to explore These awards recognize your goals by Sara Clark, MSW, RSW, a planning session Albertans who are dedicated around the ACSW Strategic Plan with the ACSW Council to ending violence and and a tour of the Alberta Legislature. This year’s retreat abuse. Kelly has also was our largest ever with over thirty area coordinators co-created the ‘No Such in attendance! Thing as a Bully’ System. For more information, see Kelly Karius nosuchthingasabully.com.

CHARITY LUI is the Membership Activities Coordinator for the northern part of our province. You can contact her at [email protected] regarding submissions for the Advocate.

6 Spring 2016 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

Area Coordinators Brenda Smith, MSW, RSW and Janene Hickman, BSW, RSW visited Keyano College in Fort McMurray where they did a presentation related to ACSW to social work diploma students on November 16. Charity Lui, BSW, RSW, ACSW Membership Activities Coordinator, had the opportunity to visit social work students at Maskwacis Cultural College on November 18.

ACSW Area Coordinators, Council and staff at retreat Keyano College social work diploma students

(l to r) Brenda Smith and Janene Hickman (Area Coordinators) with Stephanie Brake, social work coordinator at Keyano College

(l to r) Monique Sundlie and Sara Clark (Area Coordinators) Social work students at Maskwacis Cultural College with instructor Ruth Linklater (third from left in the front)

The Advocate 7 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

The Edmonton Retired Social Workers Interest Group had ACSW Holiday Events their annual holiday luncheon on December 3. MLA and now minister of Indigenous Relations, Richard Feehan November 26th was the Edmonton Holiday Social. About 60 shared a rousing speech related to politics and social work. people attended including MLAs Heather Sweet and Nicole He also outlined how social workers can influence decision- Goehring, SW Dip, RSW. Karimah provided wonderful musical making and become involved in our political system. entertainment. Over $100 was raised for the Mustard Seed!

(l to r) Alec Stratford (ACSW Manager, Professional Practice Support), Sheryl Pearson (ACSW Manager, Regulatory Practice/Complaints Director), Mark Nicoll, Cody Murrell (Area Coordinator), Jeff Chalifoux and Marcia Tait (Area Coordinator)

Richard Feehan with his mother, Kay Feehan

On December 4, Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice met with the Minister of Finance, Joe Ceci, MSW, RSW to discuss social justice and social policy issues.

Cody Murrell (Area Coordinator) and prize winners Tara Pattee and Taylor Jacobs

Members of Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice with Joe Ceci, Charity Lui (ACSW Membership Activities Coordinator) and Cody Murrell seated at table, and Alec Stratford (ACSW Manager, Professional (Area Coordinator) Practice Support)

8 Spring 2016 AROUND OUR PROVINCE

Richard Gregory (ACSW President) with MLA Nicole Goehring, MLA Heather Sweet, and Human Services Chief of Staff Bill Moore-Kilgannon at Holiday Social

(l to r) Linda McFarlane, Heather Johnson (ACSW Membership Activities Coordinator), and Richard Gregory (ACSW President)

Other holiday celebrations throughout the province included an evening of networking in Cold Lake on December 10 with over fifteen local social workers in attendance. Grande Prairie also had a social event for registered social workers at a local coffee shop on December 14.

Karimah at the Edmonton Holiday Social

The Calgary Area Coordinators hosted their annual holiday social on December 3. This year they used a new, fun venue, the Wildrose Brewery.

Social workers at the Cold Lake holiday celebration

If you would like to see a holiday event in your area next year, connect with Membership Activities Coordinators Charity Lui ([email protected]) or Heather Johnson ([email protected]).

Lynn Labrecque King (ACSW Executive Director), Terry Wilson (ACSW Council member) and University of Calgary Associate Dean, Ellen Perrault

The Advocate 9 IN THE NEWS

2015 Bursary Award Winners

The Alberta College of Social Workers Bursary Fund was established in 2004 to assist social work students in continuing their education. To be eligible, students must demonstrate their commitment to the profession through involvement with the community, their educational institution, and with the Alberta College of Social Workers. Congratulations to the following deserving students who received $1000 bursaries.

Michelle Bella, ACSW student member, MSW student University of Calgary, Calgary Michelle Bella holds a Bachelor of Arts with a major in psychology from Lindenwood University in St Louis, Missouri. Following her undergraduate degree, she worked as an outreach youth worker and completed an internship focused on working with inner city communities in New York City. Her combined experiences inspired her to pursue a master’s in social work at the University of Calgary, focusing on international and community development. Michelle was raised in an immigrant family, which has largely contributed to her strong interest in local and global inequalities as well as the impacts of systemic oppression. Upon completing her MSW, Michelle hopes to work on multi- level interventions aimed at reducing oppressive barriers and creating more inclusive communities. Michelle is currently a part-time youth worker and research assistant with Michelle Bella the University of Calgary.

Kitty Choi, ACSW student member, BSW student Dalhousie University (distance), Edmonton Kitty Choi is a Team Lead with the ‘Responding to Family Violence in the Chinese Community’ program. She has been working with Cantonese and Mandarin-speaking victims of family violence and providing ongoing and outreach supports since 2010. Kitty is also a Cantonese and Mandarin interpreter in the Multicultural Legal Interpreter Project, a partnership between the Alberta Legal Aid Family Law Office and United Cultures of Canada Association. Kitty obtained a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in 2000 and Postgraduate Certificate in Education in 2001 from the University of Hong Kong. Kitty is currently completing a BSW through distance learning with Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and has been a student member of the ACSW since 2014. Since Kitty began her BSW studies in 2014, she has been awarded bursaries from the Kitty Choi Muttart Foundation and Dalhousie University.

10 Spring 2016 IN THE NEWS

Julia Nicholls, SW Dip, RSW, MSW student University of Calgary, Calgary Julia Nicholls is a budding professional in the field of social work. She began her journey at Mount Royal University where she completed the two-year social work diploma program, and then headed to the University of Calgary to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work. Julia has had experience in fields such as community development, poverty reduction, mental health and substance abuse. She hopes to become a grief counsellor and work alongside individuals and families who’ve experienced trauma and loss. In her spare time, you can find Julia at the gym or with Julia Nicholls her beloved border collie.

Michelle Maser, BSW, RSW, MSW student University of Calgary (distance), Edmonton Michelle Maser is currently completing the Master of Social Work program with a specialization in Leadership in the Human Services. She earned a BCom in 2003 at the University of Alberta and a BSW in 2009 through the University of Calgary in Edmonton. Michelle has since worked with the seniors’ community in the inner city of Edmonton through her role with Operation Friendship Seniors Society and has held a leadership position there for the past five years. Her return to school came from a passion for leadership, a recognition of the need for social workers at leadership tables, and a desire and responsibility to lead well. In her downtime, Michelle likes to hang out in the river valley with her dog, cook, hike and spend Michelle Maser quality time with family and friends.

Jaime Hobbs, BSW, RSW, MSW student Dalhousie University (distance), Edmonton Jaime Hobbs grew up in rural Nova Scotia in a small Acadian community. She graduated from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax with a major in psychology and then from the social work program at University of Western Ontario. After some time in the children’s services field in Ontario and Nova Scotia, her family relocated to Alberta where she worked as a school counsellor. Jaime currently works at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton providing support services to families of sick children. She is completing the MSW program at Dalhousie University to further her education, investigate her profession, and learn from peers. Jaime is passionate about travelling, and takes great pride in calling herself a social worker, considering it a privilege to walk alongside families and individuals during times Jaime Hobbs of struggle.

The Advocate 11 IN THE NEWS

Welcome new RSWs Total Membership as of January 20, 2016: 7,475

Enohuomen Joy Ahiaegbe Jean Gould Pradeep Neduvancheri Sadia Hassan Ali Margaux Elise Gregson Kathy Michelle Nichols Kasey Armstrong Nomvuyelwa P. Gumede Lejo Paily Pullokaran Steven Sean Bailey Michele Jenna Hardcastle Shawna Lee Jessica Paquette Carla Marie Beneke Krista Dawn Harding Ben D. Patmore Laurie Anne Bentley Lorelie Jean Heglin Heather Patterson Binitha Biju Connie Lynn Hesjedal Lorri Mae Penner Amelia Lindsay Blondin Erica Hicks Billie Sue Peterson Taylor Bronson Hermina Thea Hoskins Tracey Pickup Krystle Bush Patricia Ann Howell Nishida Prasad Ashley Diane Butenschon Margaret Rose Ireland Zulfira Djaborovna Pulotova Chrystal Dawn Campbell Alyssa Sirikan Jantz Natasha Ramzan Puneet Chhina Sheila Mae Johansen Stephanie Reardon Heather Patricia Chiasson Rachael John-West Tamara Deanne Reay Julia Clark Jimmy Kamboko Joylyn Celeste Roberts Annette Clarke Sahar Karami Michelle Ann Royer Jennifer Coldwell Emma Louise Kavanagh Ashley Elizabeth Santos Adrianna Marie Cooper Jeffery Scott Kocil Laura Jane Schroeder Rebecca Curran Vesna Kovacic Linda Stephanie Scott Robert John Davies Beth Kuhn Manoj Sebastian Jenna Diachuk Relindis Bei Kum Amanda Shadbolt Crystal Gail Dillon Vernadette Mercedes Lee Hayley Janine Sheppard Hoang Phuong Ngoc Do Yeonjung Lee Molly Siebenga Martha Rachel Donkor Melissa Katherine Legge Mary Caitlin Sinclair Vickpreet Kaur Dosanj Taylor Lee Lehman Meredith Rose Stewart Greig Ryan Tobias Entz Catherine Josephine Loptson Robin Tremblay Brandace Alicia Falardeau Reilly MacDonald Jennifer Quinn Trydal Erin Mae Falk Kristen Sara MacKenzie James Rafael Vasquez-Martinez Megan Rose Falkiner Jodi Marie MacNeil Erin Louise Vinkle Helen Fetur Ivania Guadalupe Maldonado Kristy Alison Webber Mary Jessica Fleming Ethel Genevieve Mallett Brit Kristine Weis Priscilla Amponsah Frimpong Cara Marie Matthews Salama Yeboah Janice Louise Wright Gargas Annie Josee Jeannette Melanson Paul Yoon Dana Gauthier Melanie Janet Memnook Hanna Zavrazhyna Julia Jayne Gibbon Jennifer Merrick Bethany Grace Zeitner Casey Jeanette Gibson Xaverine Mukandoli

Apology for Incorrect Photo

The Winter 2015 issue of the Advocate featured Maleeha Maseehuddin’s story “In the Name of Belonging: Standing in Solidarity with my Brothers”, a reflection on the author’s research paper on anti-Muslim racism among young men in Alberta. It was brought to our attention that the main photograph chosen for the story did not match the story’s content, since it featured men who were not Muslim. We at the Advocate sincerely regret this error. We hope to use this as an opportunity to learn from our mistakes and grow in understanding.

12 Spring 2016 THE VOICES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE

STAY CALM AND BE FLEXIBLE by Teresa Winfield, MSW, RSW

Many private practitioners would say that flexibility was Over the last several months, a new government and what drew them to start up their own business and go off on numerous job losses has pointed toward an environment of their own. The idea of putting in hours when there was work uncertainty and some differences in client issues. While both and taking time off when there wasn’t is very appealing to clients and therapists express a desire to embrace this time some. In addition, the practice of official time off requests is and allow it to move them toward new experiences, careers a thing of the past for those who like to be their own boss. and possibilities, others have pulled back and anxiously However, in light of recent changes in the economy, feedback awaited more certain times. This is not new for those who from social workers in Alberta indicate that flexibility is not are accustomed to Alberta’s “boom and bust” economy. So, just a perk of the job for those in private practice, it is also an let’s take a look at what happens during some of the more important personality trait when it comes to maintaining a trying times. thriving practice. Therapists note a reduction in the amount of referrals received, more missed appointments and clients who are stretching out the time in between therapy visits. Some clients have stopped coming altogether in favor of putting their money and time toward meeting their basic needs.

Some private practitioners are seeing clients who were previously able to function despite mental illness or other struggles, but who now see their coping skills pushed to their limits. Others have not been able to maintain due to job loss and financial stresses and are now homeless, or have had to move in with relatives. Still others have decided to leave Alberta and head back to other provinces in order to reconnect with family and make a fresh start.

The ability to adapt to or recover from change is called resilience, and being flexible is definitely a part of that. While flexibility is a benefit of private practice social work, it’s also a requirement, and a useful skill in uncertain times.

TERESA WINFIELD is a social worker in private practice with seventeen years of experience. She specializes in working with youth who have demonstrated sexually concerning behaviours and the families who care for them.

The Advocate 13 ETHICS IN ACTION

They’re here! Guidelines on Consent and Confidentiality When Working with Minors by Sheryl Pearson, MSW, RSW, LLB

You’ve been asking (for a long time!) and the ACSW and minor does not understand the implications of the decision Clinical Committee have responded. We have received or appreciate its consequences. Thus, minors over 16 are numerous inquiries about the practice and ethics relating to presumptively mature minors but should be individually consent and confidentiality when working with minors. Well, assessed in each case. The Guidelines outline a number of in November 2015, Council passed the Guidelines on the factors to consider when determining whether a minor is a Management of Consent and Confidentiality When Working mature minor, such as the nature of the treatment or services with Minors. and the minor’s intellectual capacity. Notably, a minor of any age may also be a client in the circumstances when These Guidelines are not regulations, nor are they standards. legislation provides for services directly to the minor (for They are, however, tantamount to best practices when instance in the case of the Child and Youth Advocate Act, working with minors and can therefore be referenced when Chapter C-11.5). determining whether a social worker’s conduct is ethical and professional. They are designed to bring some clarity and consistency to this area of practice and to ensure that minors The first question often and their families are well served.

The first question often asked is, “When is a minor a client?” asked is, “When is a The ACSW Standards of Practice define a client as “an adult minor a client?” or minor age 14 or over who has the requisite understanding to appreciate the nature and consequences of the professional services being provided.” Thus, provided a 14 Now for the tricky question: what are the requirements year old is deemed a mature minor (more on this below), he/ for working with a minor when the minor is not a mature she is a client thereby imbuing all the principles of consent minor? Who gives consent? When a person is under 14 years and confidentiality that come with that status. of age, or over 14 years of age and not deemed a mature minor, consent for services must be sought from a guardian. While minors over the age of 14 may be clients, the case The various people who may be a guardians are outlined in of A.C. v. Manitoba (Director of Child and Family Services) the Guidelines. It excludes step-parents (unless guardianship established that minors 16 years and older have defacto has been granted by a court order) and includes parents who medical decision-making authority (in other words they may not have custody under the Divorce Act, but who are can also consent to social work services or not), unless the still guardians.

14 Spring 2016 ETHICS IN ACTION

all guardians, the nature of the services being sought, the age of the child, the status of the family, court orders in place, legal proceedings underway, and active judicial and/or Child and Family Services investigations.

A best practice would be to obtain consent from all guardians where practicable. When this is not practicable, the social worker should determine who the most appropriate guardian is to give consent, and then obtain consent from the guardian. All decisions regarding consent for services on behalf of minors

Member of the ACSW Clinical Committee who worked on these guidelines: (l to r) Richard Shelson, must be made in the best interests of the Daniella Sosdjan, Stephanie Bozzer, Carol Olson, Greg Robinson, Judith Mason child, regardless of who is giving consent, Missing: Peter Baylis and should be documented accordingly.

The next question to answer is from which guardians must Lastly, when a minor is deemed a mature minor, he/she consent be obtained? All? Some? One? Families dealing with has a right to confidentiality. If a minor is not a mature divorces and/or custody may have acrimonious dynamics. minor for the purposes of consenting to services, then the Situations involving allegations of domestic violence or child right to confidentiality must be independently discussed sexual abuse also require professional judgement. Allowing and negotiated with the minor and guardian(s). As per one guardian the authority to exclusively bring a minor for Standards D.3 and D.6 in the ACSW Standards of Practice, services, potentially against the express wishes of another it behooves a social worker to negotiate and discuss matters guardian, could very well put a minor in an untenable and/or of confidentiality at the outset of their involvement as part of harmful position. And at the same time, refusing to provide their informed consent to care when working with minors. services to a minor when consent by one or more guardian is refused may be equally untenable for the minor and There you have it: some guidance around principles of guardian seeking services and may not be in the best interest consent and confidentiality when working with minors! of the child. The Guidelines in their entirety are on the ACSW website at acsw.ab.ca, under Social Workers, Standards of Practice, Given that there is not one rule that will fit all situations, along with a discussion paper on the issues of consent and a social worker will need to assess each situation on its confidentiality when working with minors. own merit, taking into consideration the point of view of

SHERYL PEARSON is a Manager of Regulatory Practice for the Alberta College of Social Workers.

The Advocate 15 SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

Social Justice Matters by Alec Stratford, MSW, RSW

When I graduated from St. Thomas University with my BSW, still faced with the challenge of how to bring change to a Newfoundland had become a have province overnight. As system which consistently faces conflict, and in the recent that province opened up new oil and gas wells and started past was met with simplistic analyses and a one-dimensional to feel the influence of their own oil boom, they also felt a response from governments. commitment to reinvest in the province’s human services. I had the great privilege of being recruited from university As a profession, we have made choices to advocate for at this time into child protection in the eerily isolated yet broader reform before. After the tragic and failed actions of ruggedly beautiful city of Corner Brook. the Sixties Scoop and the horrors of the residential schools, we participated in a greater structural analysis of the child On the day that I completed my core training, I was welfare system. We worked in solidarity with advocates to transferred a substantial caseload and told that one of call on governments to reform policies and acknowledge that my new families needed action to be taken to protect the the roots of family violence are entrenched in the systematic children. I was faced with the challenge of getting to know and intersectional oppressions embedded in our society. all of the folks on my caseload, and made the choice to use much of my time to come together in solidarity with The outcome of this advocacy was a raised critical this particular family. The section supported this action consciousness and a sustained pressure on government and my social work leadership team encouraged me to agencies to work in partnership with families and invest advocate with the family to address the systemic barriers and in social infrastructures. We saw policy reforms rooted in oppressions they faced due to the economic consequences of principles that enhanced family safety with a focus on the closing the fishing industry and the struggles of living in an impacts of trauma and oppression. However, the progressive impoverished province. nature of this approach was met with resistance from the ruling conservative ideologies that governed in Alberta and The outcome of this relationship was strengthened by the Canada over the past 40 years. increased resources and enhanced interest of the government of Newfoundland to invest in quality public human services. The challenge that we face today is that instead of This combination allowed me to truly work with the family consistent investments in a progressive approach, we and through the strength of the parents, they were able have seen a constant erosion of social infrastructures to start the path to healing and recovery and the family as human services were pushed towards privatization was reunified. I have always felt compelled to work for and de-professionalization. This ideological push has systems that allow for that kind of supportive and liberating marginalized the social work voice as the system became relationship to exist. increasingly embedded in managerialism. As a profession, we must now choose whether to advocate for change to Today, Albertans are facing tough times economically and a large network of systems, and whether to call for the our period of great prosperity is, for the time being, behind resources and structures needed for these changes in this us. In December, our province was hit with two reports on time of economic uncertainty. the child protection system. Both articles spoke to some of challenges of the systems, but failed to talk about the limitations of a system created through an ideology that has not valued it. With or without economic prosperity, we are ALEC STRATFORD is the Manager of Professional Practice Support for the Alberta College of Social Workers, and is passionate about social justice.

16 Spring 2016 SOCIAL JUSTICE WORKS

Upcoming ACSW Events

February 28 – March 5, 2016 Social Work Week I would like to see a call for an ideological shift and a good hard look at the grounding principles of the systems. With March 31 – April 2, 2016 a government in power that says they value professional ACSW Annual Conference - and public human services, the time seems right for social “Social Workers Embracing a Diverse workers to collectively call for a progressive, preventative and Changing World”, Edmonton Shaw system that enhances social infrastructures and works in Conference Centre solidarity with families before crisis hits. We must work together to call out the conservative principles that have led to de-professionalization and privatization of systems, June 16 - 17, 2016 and reinforce the principles that will lead to a renewal of Central Alberta Social Work Conference professional and public human services. We must ally with “Be Not Afraid - Social Work in Precarious families that are hit hardest by the economic downturn and Times”, Red Deer, AB work to ensure their safety while calling for and supporting the great ideological shift that is currently taking place in Alberta. If we can do this, then I believe we can create a system that not only protects all children, but pushes for Annual General Meeting Notice equity and social justice. The Annual General Meeting of the ACSW will take place on Friday, April 1, 2016 at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton.

THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY The Advocate is the official publication of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) and is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties. The Advocate Editorial Board encourages submissions from all social work practice areas and perspectives, including: social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; member activities; continuing education and job opportunities; reviews of books, journals, and other media of interest to social workers. Articles of up to 1000 words and letters of up to 500 words will be considered, but publication is not guaranteed. Writing from social workers who are ACSW members will be given preference. Copy may be edited to fit the space available or for legal or other reasons. Please contact the ACSW office for full submission guidelines. PUBLICATION SCHEDULE AND DEADLINES Spring issue: January 1 deadline for general submissions (articles, letters, etc.) January 15 for advertising Summer issue: April 1 for general submissions April 15 for advertising Fall issue: July 1 for general submissions July 15 for advertising Winter issue October 1 for general submissions October 15 for advertising

ALL SUBMISSIONS The Advocate, ACSW, 550 10707 100 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 ATTN: Charity Lui: [email protected] • PHONE: 780-421-1167 • TOLL-FREE: 1-800-661-3089 • FAX: 780-421-1168

The Advocate 17 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES

Researcher Works to Restore Good Relations in First

Nations Communities Rob Olson Photography by Photo Betty Bastien is an associate professor in the University of Calgary’s by Natalie Dawes Faculty of Social Work, Southern Alberta Region, based in Lethbridge.

Research examining how to restore and maintain good Australian Aboriginal processes that involve deep and relations amongst First Nations peoples earned Betty Bastien, respectful listening – Bastien and her research team will associate professor in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of conduct a series of twelve talking circles with Blackfoot and Social Work, a significant Social Sciences and Humanities Cree ceremonial elders in their languages to gain a deeper Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) Insight Grant. understanding of aastsimapi (restoring good relations).

The three-year project will develop a framework that It is nearly impossible to understand Blackfoot and Cree supports the revitalization of Indigenous language, culture cultures in English, because Indigenous languages and and healing that will shape a holistic community social cultures are inextricably linked. services model to begin to address the issues of violence and abuse to and in First Nations communities. “Our languages are marked for extinction, so if this research and learning doesn’t happen now, we run the risk “Our Indigenous worldviews or paradigms are holistic. of losing the knowledge forever,” says Bastien. “The elders There’s a strong principle of interdependence and are the teachers, the ones who have lived our traditions interconnection between everything – the natural world, and ceremonies.” human beings, our bodies, our language and our culture. They’re all connected,” explains Bastien, a member of the “Understanding good relations in First Nations communities Piikani First Nation and a residential school survivor. – the connections, relationships, ethics and protocols – needs to come from our elders.” “And given that [Indigenous] cultures have experienced what the Truth and Reconciliation Commission called cultural Using learnings from the talking circles, the research genocide, we’ve lost that interconnection. Our relationship team will review existing community agency policies, with ourselves, each other and the natural world is what practices and training needs through the lens of the creates health, and that’s what’s missing. It’s resulted in Indigenous methodology. generations of violence and abuse.” The project will culminate in a conference to share the Using an Indigenous approach to community-based research findings. The ultimate goal is to implement an participatory research and the principles of dadirri – integrated system of human and social services that fully Continued on page 20

NATALIE DAWES is the manager of communications and marketing in the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Social Work.

18 Spring 2016 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES

Exchanging Experience: The Benefits of Practicum Placements Portage College Community Social Work students, Cold Lake by Lyla Allan, M.A. (Couns. Psyc.), RSW Campus. Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Shoebox Program.

Have you ever been asked to take on social work practicum Practicum students can also provide an agency with students? Wondered why you should consider this role? As a potential employee opportunities. Student placements are practicum supervisor for many years in a smaller community the opportunity for employers and students to see if they I have found it a challenge to locate practicum opportunities are a suitable match to the agency where they are placed. for our students. Many human service agencies, supervisors A positive match creates a win-win situation and as a and registered social workers (RSWs) are not always keen on supervisor has reported, “I can see her working here when accepting practicum students at their workplace. They often she is finished school.” Many of our students that have been feel that it is too much work and don’t want to be bothered. placed at agencies have been hired on as employees once The reality is, there are many benefits in taking on students. they finished their practicum hours. Our students have had practicum sites create positions for them upon completion Did you know that when a supervisor is a registered social of their program because they have found the students to be worker and takes on practicum students, they qualify ideal workers. They have been seen as assets to their agency for Category A credits? Hours supervising practicum or organization. students are considered Category A credits once these hours are confirmed by the educational institution and All practicum placements provide worthwhile learning can be utilized when completing RSW Continuing opportunities for students. This includes exposure and Competency requirements. This is a great opportunity to connections to other human service agencies, support of accumulate credits. applicable causes, and numerous volunteer events and opportunities. Sometimes the placements and students Another benefit of being a practicum supervisor is the have not been an ideal match, but that in itself provides a opportunity for an experienced social worker to provide lesson. Students at some sites find out that the agency they mentorship to a new eager student entering the human are placed at is not one where they would work well. As one services field. The knowledge and experience that seasoned student said during her practicum, “I know that I don’t want professionals have acquired in the field can provide a wealth to work with this clientele.” of information to upcoming graduates. Passing on this knowledge will assist in providing these students with a good Supervisors at practicum agencies can be very inspiring to foundation. Having a positive mentor helps students start off students and assist in encouraging them to be like them. An their career on the right foot. alumni student who is currently working in a management

The Advocate 19 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES

role at the agency she had completed her practicum at, said this about her practicum supervisors: “They keep us believing in the future of our dreams.”

Practicums are essential elements of a social work student’s education. The hours they shadow and spend at a practicum agency provide the chance for the students to obtain wisdom from an experienced social worker. Many supervisors and students have expressed how important practicum placements are. The exchange of experiences is advantageous and limitless for both parties. Becoming a practicum Portage College Community Social Work Students. Lac La Biche Campus. supervisor can be extremely beneficial to the training of new Road to Hope Fundraiser - for transportation of patients needing social workers, and reenergizing to the supervisor. medical treatment.

As a coordinator of the Community Social Work program at Portage College, I respect and appreciate all the practicum supervisors, past and present, that provide practical learning opportunities for our students. If you would like to be an influential part of a social work student’s start in their career, LYLA ALLAN is the coordinator of the Community contact a social work department in one of the educational Social Work program at Portage College. institutions in your area. Become one of the professionals of today assisting professionals of tomorrow.

Researcher Works to Restore Good Relations in First Nations Communities Continued from page 18

incorporates Indigenous knowledge, practices and skills to Bastien’s passion shines through when she talks about the respond to the legacy of colonization and cultural genocide. reasons behind the project: “We’re doing this for our nation, for Indigenous communities and also for Canada. We value The project team includes University of Calgary Social human rights. We value diversity. Let’s step up to the plate. Work Professor William Pelech; noted Indigenous scholars For too long it’s been seen as an Indigenous issue, but it’s a Cash Ahenakew, assistant professor at the University of Canadian issue. We’re in this together.” British Columbia’s department of Educational Studies, and Cora Weber-Pillwax, associate professor at the University of Alberta’s department of Educational Policy Studies; and Indigenous students from a variety of disciplines.

20 Spring 2016 RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES RESEARCH & LEARNING IN ALBERTA’S COMMUNITIES

Praise for Practicum Students

We asked social workers to share their positive experiences in As a practicum supervisor, we help the students in working with practicum students. Here’s what we heard: fulfilling their practicum requirement. We provide valuable mentorship experience and real-world Practicum student placements are powerful, opportunities for students to practice their skills. We collaborative learning opportunities for both supervisor stay connected with the Community College. We benefit and student and therefore an integral part of the social from students offering support to our projects. We also work profession. Critical self-reflection, ethical practice, benefit greatly from their energy, skills, knowledge, standards of care, and relationship building are all insights and perspective. building blocks of practicum placements, ultimately -Michael enriching the entire experience! My experiences in having supervised practicum students over the years My own experience with a practicum student was very have left me grateful for the very opportunity to do so in rich and rewarding. She brought a different perspective our profession. to the table and offered fresh insights into things that -Tasha were happening. I did realize however, that my practice is intense and with very challenging clients where a I love taking on students. As a practicum supervisor, I new social worker may not be able to cope with what is have found that it has invited me to think more critically brought forward by them. Despite that, the student was about my own practice and allowed me to focus on able to observe a lot of the social work and relationship how the various tasks and actions that I perform daily processes that were occurring during her practicum. contribute to ethical social work practice. -Leslie -Alec

As a Native practicum supervisor, I am very privileged to be able to share Native knowledge with various students in the addictions and social work field who can take SUGGESTED RESOURCES: away a learning experience that can be utilized with a • The Internship, Practicum, and Field Placement diverse population of peoples. Handbook: A Guide for the Helping Professions -Marlene (5th edition) - Brian N. Baird • Guide to the Social Work Practicum: A Team Once trained, students provide a valuable resource Approach - Rogers, Collins, Barlow & Grinnell to clients and the agency by being able to assume increased responsibility and/or taking on • Practical Supervision: How to Become a Supervisor for the Helping Professions - Penny special projects. Henderson and Anthea Millar -Cindy

The Advocate 21 Photo by Gibby Davis. Davis. Gibby by Photo in Solidarity (RISE) HeartReconciliation June 2015. Edmonton event, Garden 22 Spring 2016 KEYNOTECONFERENCE SPEAKERACSW

Dr. Marie Wilson: Towards Truth and Reconciliation by Holly Budd

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established as a result of the 2007 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Its mandate: to tell Canadians about the 150-year­ history of the schools in part through the statements of those affected by them. Dr. Marie Wilson was one of three Commissioners who served on the Commission between 2009 and 2015. As the keynote speaker at this year’s ACSW conference, her presentation will address residential schools, their impact, and steps to move forward and change.

“Those slippers mattered to me, my granny made them for m e .”

“My mother made those mittens and they were taken away f rom m e .”

Marie Wilson offers these as examples of the rupture from family and home, and the loss of cultural ties that witnesses to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission almost universally spoke about experiencing when they were taken from their families and communities as part of the Indian Residential Schools system.

“It’s the attachment from home. That was said over and over again,” said Wilson. The other cultural attachment often mentioned was the loss of language.

“If you’re not allowed to speak the only language you know and if you get physically punished if you try to, you’re rendered silent. You’re rendered silent with a million questions running around your head. Beginning most Dr. Marie Wilson importantly with, why isn’t someone coming to get me out of here? And then concluding, well, I guess no one loves me, Home for Wilson during her childhood and youth was spent t h at’s w hy.” in what she describes as a “very narrow circle of Canada” around her hometown of Petrolia in southwestern Ontario.

The Advocate 23 This circle began to expand when she pursued a degree in “Focus North was the first time that Northerners had had a French language and literature. She then seized upon an window to see themselves from a northern perspective and opportunity to teach high school in Africa in what was then not through someone else’s depiction of what the North was known as Upper Volta. During her two years there, there was like,” remembers Wilson, who was host, writer and reporter a civil war – not a blood bath of a war, but enough of a war on the bare bones show. “It was a pretty humble show but to have tanks in the streets and to put everyone on high alert. we saw to what extent people didn’t care [about that]. It She listened to the news closely and what she heard did not underscored the importance for me of people feeling seen reflect what people were experiencing on the ground. and heard and recognized.”

“This got me thinking not only about the importance of Her husband, Stephen Kakfwi, was on a parallel track with information but the power of it. Its potential to change his own career. First elected president of Dene Nation, he minds ,” Wilson said. This led to a Master’s in Journalism at would become the longest serving minister in the NWT’s the University of Western Ontario. history, eventually serving as the 9th premier of the NWT from 2000 to 2003. The stories she had been living through in Africa – international development, the rights of the local people, environmental concerns– were all issues that were just beginning to play out in a big way in Canada. The James Bay Wilson holds up the NWT’s Project (the construction of hydroelectric power stations in northwestern Quebec), the injunction of the James Bay Cree curriculum development against this development, the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline inquiry, and the Inuit launching comprehensive land claims on residential schools as an were all issues being pushed to the forefront. example of an important “In all of these areas, this interest in resources was forcing step forward. pressure on the Indigenous populations to figure out where their position was. Those were the kind of stories I knew I wanted to tell,” Wilson said. Wilson stepped down when her husband became a minister, returning to CBC in a management role, and eventually Her journalism career eventually took her to Yellowknife becoming the first resident regional director of CBC North. where she worked at CBC Radio. Her fluency in French then gave her the opportunity to serve as a national reporter for When the call came out for commissioners for the Truth CBC Radio in Quebec City, but a long strike of the French and Reconciliation Commission, Wilson carefully weighed journalists union led her and her husband to return to his the decision to apply, discussing it with her husband hometown, Fort Good Hope on the Arctic Circle in the and close advisors, asking them if they believed she had Northwest Territories (NWT). something to offer. She became one of three commissioners for the TRC in 2009. It was back to basics as they lived in a little log house with no running water, a wood stove, a honey bucket. They began “What we’ve learned, which I think we all as a society are their family here, welcoming their first child. rather ignorant of, is the child’s perspective. Because those survivors who spoke to us, almost 7,000 people, were With the launch of TV for northern Canada, Wilson was speaking from the perspective of the child they were when hired to be the first host of Focus North, the first northern these things happened to them. I can’t think of any time in weekly current affairs program.

24 Spring 2016 Photo by Gibby Davis. Gibby by Photo

RISE Round Dance event, November 2015. our history when we’ve had such a deep canvas of the child’s by input and feedback from survivors, it is now required opinion. We do ourselves a great disservice as a country if we learning in the NWT. She hopes this kind of inclusion will don’t pay attention to that,” Wilson said. become normal rather than an exception.

The stories they heard were about abuse (sexual and She says what stays with her from the Commission is an otherwise), loss of culture and language, the abrupt rupture unfolding answer but that what she takes away from it more from family and home, and the devastating and lasting broadly is a tremendous sense of hope. impacts. Wilson said people who are recovering from their experience have done so by reclaiming what they lost. “My belief in the Canada that I grew up in, which was very insular and geographically small, does not mean that it is “The vast majority of people who told us they were on a uncaring or ungiving or unrepentant. It means most people healing journey, gave credit to having either been welcomed didn’t know. We have had a massive national ignorance about back into their culture or communities, having been ourselves and about each other,” Wilson said. “Once people introduced to their cultural ways, beginning to relearn their know and once people are convinced things need to change, language or ceremonies,” she noted. it’s possible to do things that are very dramatic, that are very compelling and highly prioritized. It can happen quickly.” Wilson holds up the NWT’s curriculum development on residential schools as an example of an important step forward. Piloted with a small group of teachers, shaped

HOLLY BUDD is a communications professional who loves living and working in the Edmonton area.

The Advocate 25 Meet your Manager of Professional Practice Support: Alec Stratford by Tara Hogue Harris

Alec Stratford enters the downtown Edmonton coffee shop in a rush and a blast of cold air. He acknowledges his hurry with a smile and the phrase, ‘Edmonton problems’. Originally from Nova Scotia, Stratford explains that he’s been happily overwhelmed by the openness with which the city welcomes newcomers. Coming from a province with a scarcity of employment, Stratford has been thankful to find a variety of opportunities in Edmonton. This means he’s often in a rush these days, part of the so-called ‘Edmonton problems’ that he’s grateful to be experiencing.

One opportunity Stratford recently accepted is the role of “I felt a commitment to the profession”, he says of his run Manager of Professional Practice Support with the Alberta for Council, and he saw a chance to bring to life social College of Social Workers. He was welcomed into this work’s values of fairness, equity and social justice. By joining position in November of 2015, but has been involved with Council, he had the chance to vote and make his mark from ACSW as a member of Council since 2013. within. He feels that his new role comes at an interesting point in the College’s growth.

26 Spring 2016 “The ACSW has had 13 years of discovering its identity, and How did he get from the East Coast to Edmonton? “We’re now it’s increasing in complexity”, he says. He sees his role economically-displaced Maritimers”, Stratford acknowledges as helping the College use its resources, members and staff of himself and his partner. When work proved scarce in to achieve its vision while supporting professional practice their home province, the pair relocated to Calgary in 2009, and advocating for social justice. “We have to draw in our each completing a Master in Social Work. They followed members as activists and partners. That’s the model that will that with an internship with the Aga Khan Foundation in make us stronger.” Tanzania. Stratford calls it a great experience but a lack of opportunities led them back to Canada. Less positive was His responsibilities at ACSW include managing member the time that followed as they sought work in Ontario. They supports including the annual conference; overseeing soon realized that, like many, they needed to go where the the production of the College’s professional magazine, work was – and positions in Alberta soon appeared. the Advocate; and managing social media and member communications. He’ll also provide support to member “Young people here are creating big change, in Alberta and interest groups and committees, and manage advocacy and across Canada”, says Stratford of living in the province. “And promotion activities. Edmonton is different from other cities. It’s open. There are no bad ideas. If you have an idea and a plan to make it happen, people say ‘How can I support it?’” Stratford got involved with what he calls the small but powerful activist community by building ties with groups like the Parkland Institute and Next Up. He developed a course for MacEwan University’s Social Work program, and currently teaches there as a sessional instructor. He serves on two boards for the federal and provincial New Democrats, and is looking for a new volunteer opportunity to add to his limited spare time.

Stratford is an avid environmentalist who loves camping, Stratford’s path to social work wasn’t a straight one. hiking, biking and skiing, and if he can meet up with friends Stratford’s first undergraduate degree was in English and afterwards to talk social justice, all the better. He’s adjusting philosophy. However, his father was a social worker who to the wardrobe changes that his move away from frontline died when Stratford was only two years old, and as Stratford work has brought, and while he’s an avid cyclist, he hasn’t matured and grieved the loss of his dad, he saw social work made the leap to winter cycling just yet. These are more as a way to know and understand him – and fell in love with Edmonton problems that Stratford is happy to contemplate the profession from there. as he bundles up for the walk back to the ACSW offices, and the opportunities the day brings. “I had an idea of what social work was”, he says, but in the course of earning his Bachelor of Social Work (in Alec Stratford can be contacted at [email protected] Fredericton, New Brunswick), he saw that the reality was different. He saw the value in structural social work, which looks at transforming the dominant ideology that leads to many individual problems. Stratford’s work history is a testament to putting this approach into action, and includes child protection work, experience as a school support counsellor, and as a Community Resource Coordinator with TARA HOGUE HARRIS is an editor and writer with Bird Carya in Calgary and as a Community Capacity Builder with Communications, and can be heard on-hold and in radio commercials across North America. She’s an avid reader, the City of Edmonton. and is pleased to be working with the Advocate team.

The Advocate 27 Photo by Gibby Davis. Gibby by Photo

Edmonton Pride Parade, 2014 25 Years Later: Reflections of a Gay Activist

by Richard Gregory, MSc, RSW. President, ACSW Department Chair, Health and Human Services, Medicine Hat College

Back in September, Calgary’s Pride Parade and Festival marked the 25th anniversary of the first pride rally held in Calgary. Twenty five years ago, I would have never dreamed that we would see a time where we have achieved the level of equality that we have, including the legalization of gay marriage, the right for gays and lesbians to adopt children, and protection against discrimination under the law. We have come a long way in a quarter of a century.

As one of the organizers of that first rally, I was invited to Canada’s first openly gay MP, Svend Robinson, came out in participate in “Origins”, a Calgary Pride History panel to 1988; and several jurisdictions (Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, look at the history of pride activities in Calgary. I was joined and Yukon Territory) had already included protection based by two other early organizers from that time, Nancy Miller on sexual orientation. There were also negative contributors and Steven Lock, and Kevin Allen, research lead for the providing impetus for action. Gays, lesbians, bisexuals and Calgary Gay History Project, was the moderator. transgendered people were being fired from their jobs, evicted from and denied housing, and refused services As I reflected back on that first rally, I was reminded of because there was no protection under the law in Alberta. how far we have come. Nancy, Steven and I were part Gays and lesbians were being abused and assaulted on the of the Calgary Lesbian and Gay Political Action Guild streets of Calgary, and most were reluctant to report the (CLAGPAG), organizers of the first Pride rally in Calgary’s incidents for fear of further victimization at the hands of Memorial Park in 1990. That first gathering was not so the police, or repercussions if their story became public. It much a rally as it was a call to action. Many factors made was open season for gay bashing. HIV infection and AIDS the timing right for this. Many cities were already doing gay introduced new levels of fear, intolerance and discrimination pride events, dating back to Canada’s first in 1971 in Toronto; against gay men who were seen by many as risks to public

28 Spring 2016 health. Many of us working and volunteering in the early Our first parade had a very heavy police presence. Many days of AIDS saw the devastation that occurred when threats were made prior to the parade and some individuals families and friends abandoned those who were diagnosed. tried to intimidate and scare participants. One tough- In 1989, the Quilt Project visited Calgary City Hall and was looking guy with three pit bull dogs entertained himself effective at putting faces to HIV and AIDS. I believe all of by threatening to turn his dogs loose on the “homos”. One these events contributed to the readiness for our first rally. young woman thought she had the right to spit at people – she was one of three arrested that day. Svend Robinson was our guest speaker, and the parade finished with a barbeque and refreshments. We recruited our friends to help and had We have come a long groups like the NDP Women’s Caucus assist us. Alberta Status of Women and then Alberta Labour Council helped way in a quarter of with insurance coverage. a century.

In subsequent years, as we added the parade to the rally and became more vocal and demanding, the pushback also intensified. Many politicians and religious leaders became obsessed with their opposition to equal rights for gays and lesbians. Calgary’s former mayor (and later premier) moved from calling himself ‘a friend of the gay community’ to vowing that his government would never Photo by Gibby Davis. Gibby by Photo support equal rights for gays and lesbians. The Minister of Community Development, who was responsible for Edmonton Pride Parade 2015 the Individual Rights Protection Act, implied that there For the next few years our fight for equality was highlighted was no discrimination in Alberta and the legislation was by the case of Delwin Vriend, who challenged the province not necessary, also saying that the problem was not that of Alberta to have sexual orientation included as a protected gays and lesbians did not have rights, but that they had right after he was fired from his position at King’s College in too many rights. Publications like Alberta Report printed Edmonton because he was gay. Gays and lesbians across the hateful and misleading stories, demonizing gays and province watched this case intently. We also had the review of lesbians and promoting hate and discrimination. The most the Individual Rights Protection Act. The committee, headed vocal opponents were those who claimed to be acting on by former chief commissioner Jack O’Neill, travelled across ‘Christian’ or ‘family values’ – totally oblivious to the fact the province holding public hearings about human rights in that gays and lesbians are all part of families. Alberta. His final report included the recommendation that We also had supporters. Many politicians over the years sexual orientation be included as a protected ground against worked with us to advance our cause. We had unions, discrimination. Unfortunately, before the review panel had Alberta Civil Liberties, progressive women’s organizations, even held their first hearing, the government had already put and some churches supporting us. Mayor Al Duerr made a together the changes they planned to put forth. Mr. O’Neill proclamation for our first Pride Parade that resulted in death was very open about his disgust with the government’s total threats against him and his family. disregard for process. He also shared his disappointment in the many, many hateful and derogatory comments that he heard about gays, lesbians and transgendered people in the process of doing the hearings.

The Advocate 29 Our opposition came not only from outside our community, Another challenge in the early years of organizing was but also from inside. Many people did not support the work that the gay community was quite divided. As much as the we were doing. Some felt we were ‘rocking the boat’, and community has always been diverse, there was a period we were sometimes criticized for raising issues and making of time when the various groups were judgmental and it uncomfortable for those hiding their sexual orientation unsupportive of each other. Some didn’t like the drag queens, or embarrassed by who they were. Any time any one of us some didn’t like the leather group, and some didn’t like those spoke to the media, we had to be very clear that we were not who were political. The gays and lesbians of colour did not speaking ‘on behalf of the gay community’, and we were often feel accepted in the community, and we did not do a good reminded that we did not speak on behalf of everyone. There job of advocating for the transgendered population or two- were definitely people who felt that what we were doing was spirited people. threatening the security they felt in the closet. Raising money for a political group was a real challenge. Our primary fundraiser was passing the bucket at our annual rally. Some people would not write a cheque to CLAGPAG because they feared it would be found out. Often, our core group would contribute funds to cover the expenses.

As Project Pride assumed responsibility for the parade, the focus shifted from it being a political event to a pride celebration. Although some of us felt that just having a pride parade was political, we also were disappointed that the celebration overshadowed the issues. I was very pleased last year that the history of the event was acknowledged. While we are fortunate in Canada to have legal protection, this is not the case everywhere. And having legal protection does not mean discrimination does not exist.

Being a gay rights activist is part of who I am. As a social worker, I have been comfortable advocating for others and I’m comfortable advocating for myself. I feel that because I know of the empowerment that comes from advocating on an issue very personal for me, I am committed to helping others experience this same empowerment.

I was proud and humbled to have been asked to participate on the panel presentation. It was very affirming to have our efforts acknowledged in the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the first pride rally in Calgary and nice to Photo by Gibby Davis. Gibby by Photo know that something I was involved with made a difference. Edmonton mayor Don Iveson at 2014 Pride Parade

RICHARD GREGORY is the president of ACSW Council. He is also chair and instructor of the Social Work program at Medicine Hat College. You can contact Richard at [email protected].

30 Spring 2016 VITAL VOLUNTEERS

Meet Mare Montell Donly by Minister Faust

Vital Volunteers showcases the ways Alberta’s social workers Has anything give their time to the ACSW. This issue, we spoke to Mare surprised you Mare Montell Donly Montell Donly, MSW, RSW. Originally from the San Francisco through your volunteer work with ACSW? Bay area, Mare moved fifteen times over the years to follow her husband’s career, including an extended stay in Texas. Just how relevant a relationship with ACSW can be. Before She currently lives in Calgary where she volunteers for I’d gotten involved with ACSW, I only understood it as a several ACSW groups and focuses on poverty reduction, regulatory organization, which I valued to some extent, but LGBTQ+ issues, persons with developmental disabilities, now I see it as having so much more potential for advocacy seniors, and climate change. of social justice issues. After all, the pursuit of social justice is one of the core principles of our Code of Ethics. Why did you decide to volunteer for the ACSW? Why is volunteering important? Partly because of moving all the time, and to find some purpose in my life. It was very difficult sometimes to get I always wanted to work with people who had disabilities employment in my field when we might have been transferred or developmental disabilities. When I got into gerontology, any time because my husband was in construction. something kind of clicked and I knew that was my life work. Then I ended up becoming an advocate — I worked at the What are your favourite parts about the long-term care ombudsman program in the States. Growing volunteer work? up in the San Francisco Bay Area in the ‘60s, I was quite involved in the anti-war movement when I was about 12. We got the Gay-Straight Alliance resolution passed through Council, with the affirmation that parents wouldn’t have to How has volunteering impacted your career? approve them, and that we’d keep close tabs on schools so Volunteering and being an advocate/social justice activist is that they couldn’t get away with [stopping them]. We’re just my career. I am not employed, but if I were, I think that being starting to dig into [advocating for] basic income. The policy involved with GSWAG (Gerontological Social Work Action committee is the heart of Calgary Social Workers for Social Group) and CSWSJ would be important for understanding Justice (CSWSJ). We have a lot of smart people in this group. what other social workers experience in their work. I’m learning so much. What do you do in your spare time? What have you been able to achieve as a result of your participation? I’m a member of the Public Interest Alberta Senior Task Force, and on the Calgary board of Friends of Medicare, A lot of people think [the local area coordinators’ group] are but I also facilitate a support group for people with Early just the people who put on the social events, which we do, Onset Dementia (EOD) and am a part of the Alberta EOD and that’s a nice way to get to know people. But we also put advocacy group, working to spread awareness about the together Category A workshops. One close to my heart was challenges families facing EOD experience. on gerontology, which is my background. I was fortunate enough to get Sandra Azocar, who is the executive director MINISTER FAUST is an award-winning novelist and of Friends of Medicare, and Bill Moore-Kilgannon, another journalist; he was a public school teacher for a decade, and heavy hitter. also worked in television and video games. His podcast MF Galaxy is on iTunes, Stitcher, and mfgalaxy.org. Find his books at ministerfaust.com.

The Advocate 31 For your information

The 16th Annual Missing and Exploited Children Training Conference (MECC) May 17 – 19, 2016 ACSW’s Winnipeg, MB Partners in Advocacy The Canadian Centre for Child Protection’s 16th annual MECC, a leading conference on missing and exploited children in Canada. Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness Go to www.protectchildren.ca/mecc for more information and to register. and Mental Health aamimh.ca Edmonton Social Planning Council Congress 2016 of the Humanities and Social Sciences edmontonsocialplanning.ca May 28 – June 3, 2016 Calgary, AB Friends of Medicare friendsofmedicare.org Congress brings together academics, researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners to share findings, refine ideas, and build partnerships that will help shape the Canada Public Interest Alberta of tomorrow. pialberta.org For more information, www.congress2016.ca. Parkland Institute ualberta.ca/parkland

2016 Grey Matters Conference September 20 – 21, 2016 Grande Prairie, AB The Grey Matters Conference is a two-day event that offers provincial service providers an opportunity to network, gain knowledge and increase awareness of issues, supports and services for seniors. For more information and to register, please visit www.greymatters2016.com.

Introduction to Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy April 22, 2016 Calgary, AB

and

We Are the Tools of Our Trade: How the Therapist’s Own Attachment Patterns Shape Therapy May 13, 2016 Calgary, AB

and

It’s the Law: What Every Social Worker Needs to Know June 2, 2016 - Edmonton, AB June 3, 2016 - Calgary, AB For more information go to www.talk-therapy.ca or call 403-467-7252.

32 Spring 2016 The Canadian Child Abuse Association: Facilitator Training Series Online Child Witness Court Preparation Program March – June 2016 A series of online workshops for Community Professionals, with four training modules. Go to CCAA.org and click on Training for more information. ACSW is on

The 5th Health & Wellbeing in Children, Youth, and Adults with Facebook, Twitter Developmental Disabilities Conference & YouTube! Moving from Diagnosis to Practical Strategies November 16 – 18, 2016 Like the Alberta College of Social Workers: Vancouver, BC facebook.com/ AlbertaCollegeofSocialWorkers This interactive 2016 conference will focus on practical strategies to optimize the potential of individuals with Developmental Disabilities (DD). Like The Calgary Social Workers For details, visit interprofessional.ubc.ca/HealthandWellbeing2016/. for Social Justice: facebook.com/

Train-the-Trainer Certification for Conflict Resolution Skills CalgarySocialWorkersForSocialJustice May 2 - 4, 2016 Follow Alberta College of Social Workers: Edmonton, AB twitter.com/ACSWSocialWork ACHIEVE Training Centre offers a train-the-trainer program for our Conflict Resolution Watch ACSW videos: Skills workshop. bit.ly/1vtEkyS Details at: http://ca.achievecentre.com/workshops/ train-the-trainer-certification-for-conflict-resolution-skills-edmonton/.

Continuing Care & Community Living Expo 2016 April 21, 2016 – Calgary, AB May 6, 2016 – Edmonton, AB EXPO 2016 exhibitors will showcase services, opportunities, and technologies to support those with special needs, care requirements, or chronic conditions, and their DEADLINES families and caregivers. SUBMISSION DEADLINE for the SUMMER 2016 issue Visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/cc/Page13750.aspx for more information. of the Advocate is APRIL 1, 2016 High Risk Youth Conference All editorial inquiries to Charity Lui [email protected] May 16 & 17, 2016 Edmonton, AB AD DEADLINE The second High Risk Youth Conference will focus on the growing population of for the SUMMER 2016 issue young people (12+) with increasingly complex needs. of the Advocate is APRIL 15, 2016 Details at http://www.hryc.ca/. All ad inquiries to Ilona Cardinal [email protected]

The Advocate 33 The 7th National Biennial Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Research on Adolescents and Adults: If Not Now, When? OFFICE FOR RENT April 6 – 9, 2016 Vancouver, BC Kensington Rd NW office for This interactive 2016 conference will stimulate the discussion of research, evidence rent in Calgary. Fully furnished for practice, models, and ideas to expand our knowledge of how we can sustain and third office with 2 other enhance the lives of those with FASD. therapists is available full-time, For more information, visit interprofessional.ubc.ca/AdultsWithFASD2016/. half-time, or for rent by the day. Included is on-site free parking, internet, fax, waiting room, etc. The 21st International Congress for the Prevention of Child Abuse 5 full days is $800 monthly, 2.5 and Neglect days is $450 monthly, $220 for Protecting our Children, Protecting our Future one full day, (“every Monday”, August 28 – 31, 2016 or “every Friday” in the month, Calgary, AB $165 for one evening (i.e. every Professionals from all corners of the world come together to consider how best to Wednesday evening in protect children from being maltreated and maximize their well-being. a month). Register at ispcan2016.com/register. Please call Carol at: 403-813-5603, or Susan at: 403-921-2557

HEATHER BAIN, PAMELA BARRETT, CATHY MAYHEW AND ASSOCIATES The Narrative Project

One, two or three days office space available in newly renovated Parkington Plaza on 124th Street Narrative Therapy: and Stony Plain Road, Edmonton Working with Families Jill Freedman MSW, ACSW If you are thinking about practicing part time in a from Evanston Family supportive collegial environment, please contact Therapy Centre us. We are seven psychologists and social workers April 25 & 26, 2016 who have been in private practice for many years. Room 7 at Stanley Milner Library Four furnished offices are joined together by a Edmonton, AB. warm, welcoming waiting area, with adjoining kitchenette and storage room. Underground **** parking and internet are available. As a group, we meet regularly for collegial support and informal Introduction to Narrative Therapy training sessions. Ninetta Tavano MSW, RSW For more information please contact: March 26, 2016 1:00 to 5:00 Pam Barrett at [email protected] 9412 – 91 Street 780-448-9791 or Heather Bain at [email protected] 780-413-3269 or Information and brochures at Cathy Mayhew at [email protected], www.thenarrativeproject.ca 780-434-4837

34 Spring 2016 Design. The Daring Way™ Intensive for Social Workers

Social work practice regularly challenges us to Show Up, Be Seen Print. and Live Brave™. It requires the ability to be vulnerable with our clients, ourselves, and in the communities within which we work.

The Daring Way™ for Social Workers is right for you if you are: Deliver. • feeling stuck in your life, relationships, career, or overall personal growth • tired of the self-doubts, fears, and insecurities that hold you back and make you feel not enough • nd it hard to speak your truth, ask for what you need, or set healthy boundaries with others 1-866-460-8080 • exhausted from trying to be all things to all people • wanting to embrace a wholehearted life, lled with gratitude, joy, and love CAPITALCOLOUR.COM • familiar with Dr. Brené Brown's books or TED talks, and interested to learn more about how to apply her concepts to your own life

For more information and to register for the next Daring Way™ Intensive for Social Workers please visit www.discoverbrave.com

discoverBRAVE with Dr. Carolyn Anderson with Dr. Meaghen Johnston www.discoverbrave.com

YOU WOULDN’T TRUST JUST ANYONE TO STAND UP FOR YOUR WORKPLACE RIGHTS.

The world is full of people we rely on, especially Another day, another crisis averted. when it come to your job. That’s why we stand up for all our members, including Social Workers, The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is proud to represent approximately 85,000 Albertans who provide quality public services to have fair wages and respectable working to the people of our province. conditions. Together, we’re 25,000 highly skilled Among these hard-working Albertans are more than 2,500 social health-care experts ensuring we all get exactly services workers, including Child and Youth Care Counsellors, Human Service Workers, Psychology Assistants, Psychologists and what we need. Social Workers who work every day to make sure their clients are safe and on track to successful lives. AUPE is committed to a society in which all Albertans can expect fair public services provided by committed, well-trained public employees. www.aupe.org

Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. Your working people.

The Advocate 35 36 Spring 2016 BRAIN INJURY: Stroke, Alzheimer’s, & Head Trauma Instructor: R.S. Hullon, M.D., J.D. 6 HOURS CREDIT (Social Workers) PROGRAM / LECTURE Conference registration is from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM. The conference will begin at 8:30 AM. A lunch break (on your own) will take place from approximately 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM. The course will adjourn at 3:30 PM, at which time course completion certificates are distributed.

Registration: 7:45 AM – 8:30 AM  Keeping the Brain “Fit”: Ways to Maintain and Increase Memory, Learning, and Morning Lecture: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Thinking Skills with Nutritional and Lifestyle Changes. Does Mental Exercise  The “Fragile” Brain: “Jello-Like” Tissue Structure, Meninges, and Cerebrospinal Fluid. Lower Alzheimer’s Disease Risk? How Important is Physical Exercise.  The “Three-Part” Brain: The Reptilian Brain Stem, Mammalian Limbic System, Lunch (on your own): 11:30 AM – 12:20 PM and Oh-So-Human Cerebral Hemispheres. The Effects of Brain Injury on Key Afternoon Lecture (Part One): 12:20 PM – 2:00 PM Parts of the Brain.  Salmon and the Mediterranean Diet for Your Brain: Can Omega-3’s and eat-  Memory and Brain Injury. The Structure of Human Memory. Short-Term Vs. ing Mediterranean Reduce Dementia Risk? Long-Term Memory. Memory Deficits for Facts and Procedures: Is There a  Stroke: A True Emergency. Types of Strokes: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic. Difference in Alzheimer’s Disease? The Significance of TIA’s.   Speech and Language: The Most Asymmetrical of All Gifts: Left-Hemisphere Critical Factors in Stroke: Location, Timing and Size of Strokes. Transient Speech and Language Dominance, Aphasias, and Communicating with Ischemic Attacks and Right vs. Left Hemisphere Strokes. Anterior, Middle, and Aphasic Medical and Dental Patients. Spatial Functions. Posterior Cerebral Artery Strokes: Which Is Most Likely?   The Microscopic Brain: Glial Cells, Neurons, Electrical and Biochemical Risk Factors for Stroke: How the Risk of a Stroke Can Be Minimized or Avoided. Signaling. Neurotransmitters and Brain Functioning. Drugs That Affect Brain  Gum Disease, Inflammation, and Stroke: Is There a Connection? Chemistry. Neuron Cell Death and Brain Damage.  Acute Treatments for Stroke. Tissue Plasminogen Activator. MERCI Retriever.  Cortical and Subcortical Dementias: Early Diagnosis Can Be Brain-Saving. Afternoon Lecture (Part Two): 2:00 PM – 3:20 PM Treatable Dementias. Irreversible Dementias: Alzheimer’s, Vascular, Lewy  Head Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The Greatest Cause of Death Body, Pick’s, Parkinson’s, and Other Dementia and Disability in the Young. Incidence, Symptoms, Common Causes, and Outcomes. How Severe TBI Differs from Multiple Concussions. Morning Lecture (Part Two): 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM   Oral Care for Parkinson’s Patients: Involuntary Hand Movements. Dental Football, Boxing, and Brain Injury. Dementia Pugilistica and Chronic Trau- Hygiene and Tooth-Brushing. matic Encephalopathy. Do Multiple Minor Head Traumas and Concussions  Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): Incidence, Pathogenesis, Genetic and Life-Style Lead to Brain Damage? Head Traumas and Concussions. Sports, Head Risk Factors, and Clinical Features. The Acetylcholine Connection. Effective- Trauma, and 3-Stage Cognitive Decline. ness of Current FDA-Approved Treatments. Care giving and Caregivers.  Guidelines for Sports Concussions. Levels of Concussions and Recommen-  Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression. Differential Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s dations for Diagnosis and Treatment. New NFL Guidelines. Is Playing High and Depression. Antidepressant Interactions with Drugs Used in Dentistry. School Football Dangerous? Multiple Head Traumas in Practice and Games.   Who Doesn’t Get Alzheimer’s Disease? Characteristics “Super Agers,” Who Recovery from Traumatic Brain Injury. How Much and How Long? How Live Long Lives and Avoid Dementia. Many Recover After Severe Brain Injury?   Medical Treatment for Alzheimer’s. New Diagnosis and Treatment and Guide- Do Neurons Grow Back After Traumatic Brain Damage? Methods of Promoting lines. Is Prevention Possible? Recovery and Synaptogenesis.  Oral Care and Dental Management of Brain Injured Patients. Issues with Memory, Eye-Hand Coordination, and Communication. Evaluation, Questions, and Answers: 3:20 PM – 3:30 PM Biomed’s Website: www.biomedglobal.com MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONS EDMONTON, AB RED DEER, AB CALGARY, AB EDMONTON, AB RED DEER, AB CALGARY, AB Wed., April 13, 2016 Thu., April 14, 2016 Fri., April 15, 2016 Wed., April 27, 2016 Thu., April 28, 2016 Fri., April 29, 2016 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM Four Points by Sheraton Radisson Hotel The Glenmore Inn Four Points by Sheraton Radisson Hotel Clarion Hotel 7230 Argyll Road 6500 67th Street 2720 Glenmore Trail SE 7230 Argyll Road 6500 67th Street 2120 - 16th Avenue NE Edmonton, AB Red Deer, AB Calgary, AB Edmonton, AB Red Deer, AB Calgary, AB INSTRUCTOR Dr. R.S. Hullon (M.D., J.D.) is a full-time physician-lecturer for INR. Dr. Hullon is a physician and surgeon specializing in trauma and orthopedics. His medical experience includes diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, neurological disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s diseases) and psychiatric disorders (personality and mood disorders). His medical experience also includes diagnostic laboratory work, particularly in hematology. Biomed reserves the right to change instructors without prior notice. Every instructor is either a compensated employee or independent contractor of Biomed. FEE: CHEQUES: $109.00 (CANADIAN) per person with pre-registration or $134.00 (CANADIAN) at the door if space remains. CREDIT CARDS: Most credit-card charges will be processed in Canadian dollars. Some charges will be in U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate. The tuition includes all applicable Canadian taxes. At the seminar, participants will receive a complete course syllabus. Tuition payment receipt will also be available at the seminar. TO REGISTER: Please complete and return the registration form below. Or online at: www.biomedglobal.com. Or register toll-free with Visa, MasterCard, Ameri- can Express®, or Discover® by calling 1-888-724-6633. Or fax a copy of your completed registration form–including Visa, MasterCard, American Express®, or Discover® Number–to (925) 687-0860. ACCREDITATION INFORMATION This activity is co-provided with INR. Social Workers completing this program will receive course completion certificates. This program is approved by the National As- sociation of Social Workers (Provider #886502971-8404) for 6 social work continuing education contact hours. Contact your provincial social work regulatory college to inquire about continuing competence credits. For all inquiries, please contact customer service at 1-877-246-6336 or (925) 602-6140.

  Please return form to: Please check course date: REGISTRATION FORM Biomed (This registration form may be copied.) Ste. 877 101-1001 W. Broadway Vancouver, B.C., V6H 4E4 Wed., April 13, 2016 (Edmonton, AB) Wed., April 27, 2016 (Edmonton, AB) TOLL-FREE: 1-877-246-6336 Thu., April 14, 2016 (Red Deer, AB) Thu., April 28, 2016 (Red Deer, AB) TEL: (925) 602-6140  FAX: (925) 687-0860 Fri., April 15, 2016 (Calgary, AB) Fri., April 29, 2016 (Calgary, AB) REGISTRATION INFORMATION Please print: Please register early and arrive before the scheduled start time. Space Name: Profession: is limited. Attendees requiring special accommodation must advise Biomed in writing at least 50 days in advance and provide proof of Home Address: Professional License #: disability. Registrations are subject to cancellation after the sched- City: State: Zip: Lic. Exp. Date: uled start time. A transfer at no cost can be made from one seminar location to another if space is available. Registrants cancelling up to Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( ) 72 hours before a seminar will receive a tuition refund less a $35.00 Employer: E-Mail: (CANADIAN) administrative fee or, if requested, a full-value voucher, (needed for confirmation & receipt) good for one year, for a future seminar. Other cancellation requests Please enclose full payment with registration form. Check method of payment. will only be honored with a voucher. Cancellation or voucher requests Cheque for $109.00 (CANADIAN) (Make payable to Biomed General) must be made in writing. If a seminar cannot be held for reasons ® ® beyond the control of the sponsor (e.g., acts of God), the registrant Charge the equivalent of $109.00 (CANADIAN) to my Visa MasterCard American Express Discover will receive free admission to a rescheduled seminar or a full-value Most credit-card charges will be processed in Canadian dollars. Some charges will be in U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate. voucher, good for one year, for a future seminar. A $35.00 (CANA- DIAN) service charge applies to each returned cheque. A $15.00 fee Card Number: Exp. Date: CVV: (enter all raised numbers) will be charged for the issuance of a duplicate certificate. Fees are (Card Security Code) subject change without notice. The rate of exchange used will be Signature: the one prevailing at the time of the transaction. Please provide an e-mail address above to receive a confirmation and directions to the meeting site. Biomed, 2016, CODE: BI-Z1010-SW ©

The Advocate 37 FACULTY OF SOCIAL WORK Join us and make a world of difference

Take your career to the next level at Canada’s largest social work faculty. Develop the skills you need to address complex social issues and create social justice and well-being for families and communities around the world.

We are incredibly proud of graduates like Juanita, Sarah Jane and Natashia Marshall who make a world of difference in communities locally, nationally and internationally.

We are honoured to partner with social workers, agencies and communities across Alberta through undergraduate and graduate education, research and professional development programs. Our three regional centres in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge are here to serve you close to home.

fsw.ucalgary.ca

38 Spring 2016 The Advocate 39 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050109 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS 550 10707 100 AVE NW EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

a Div ing erse rac a b nd m C E h s r a e n k g r i n o g

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ACSW Social Work Week February 28 - March 5, 2016