Community workers eye legislation with suspicion

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A forum of First Nations community care workers met May 7 in Sudbury to spell out perceived flaws in the Ontario government's strategy to regulate social workers. Forty delegates from Aboriginal wellness and educational organizations were invited by the Circle of Original Peoples Council to provide feedback.

At the end of the day they reached a consensus: no meaningful consultation has taken place with the Native people affected by Bill C-76.

Native-specific programs offered by community colleges and universities across the province may be adversely affected by the legislation, which came into effect 18 months ago. People who work in addictions recovery and mental health fields, as well as other specialties, may need to educate themselves about the legal issues posed by the legislation.

Rae-Anne Hill-Beauchamp, a professor in the Native community care program at Mohawk College, participated in the Cambrian College gathering. Like many of her colleagues, she expressed concern about the high registration fees required by the College of Social Service Workers. She feels the Act discriminates against First Nations students who may already face economic hardship as they enter the job market.

Carla Maracle, also an educator in the Hamilton program, agrees there are many worrisome implications for future graduates in Native human services. She cautions that the College of Social Workers could become an elitist institution because grassroots workers cannot afford membership.

A Nipissing Elder who specializes in shamanism also questions the intent and design of Bill C-76. "The legislation just invokes fear in an already fear-filled people," according to Isabelle Meawasigi, a community healing outreach worker.

"It's just a hardship and a drain on the meagre financial resources we have now."

In her view, the mandatory college registration adds a whole new level of stress and expense to a people who are already overtaxed and restricted. "The Act invokes feelings of oppression," she added. "How do we prepare to write and pass the exams that are coming in November 2003? The inequalities are there in the Act."

For her, as a traditional practitioner with residential school survivors, the College of Social Workers doesn't seem relevant. "They are very sketchy about Aboriginal issues. I am concerned about who would train them (the College Council) to regulate my practice," she said. "In my work you have to have good practical knowledge. Their regulations don't fit in with what is happening in Aboriginal communities."

Her concerns were echoed by Mark E. King, a project manager with the Northeast Mental Health Centre.

He pointed out that many informal community helpers in First Nations provide their invaluable services with no diploma or title attached.

"We take a more holistic approach to service delivery and practice in our communities," he said. "And our communities are in the process of rebuilding, so I am concerned that some of our workers won't qualify for membership in the college. Also, who will pay for the upgrading? It may not be convenient for some people to go away and get the courses to meet the standards set out by the government."

He noted that the definition of "social worker" remains a contentious issue. "There have been no Native people involved in defining this term. No Native people have been asked to help develop the standards for Native people. The government should have learned by now that they just can't impose regulations on us."

Roundtable discussions resulted in recommendations aimed at influencing the implementation of Bill C-76. The college needs to appoint a Native-specific sub-committee to advise the college, the group felt.

This would ensure that Aboriginal standards and values are recognized. In addition, participants demanded input into the continuing education programs to be offered in the future.

Glenda McDonald, registrar of the College of Social Service Workers, reminded critics hat the college is in a developmental stage. She promised that consultation with stakeholders will follow soon. "We will incorporate the needs and concerns of Aboriginal people; we don't want conflicting standards," she stated.

"We have been under incredible time pressures to do a lot of things in a hurry. Is that ideal? Probably not, but it was the only option available to us." In the end she pledged, "The college doesn't intend to displace community workers; provisional certificates are meant to recognize people who have been practising for years."

Workers who wish to join the Circle of Original Peoples Council and provide input to the college may get in touch with the Circle by e-mail at circleoforiginalpeoplescouncil@hotmail.com