Jamie Pfau, a 2021 Emerging Leader Award recipient

Winnipeg Free Press: Three Manitoba CFS agencies issue strike mandates

January 13, 2025 —

The possibility of three CFS providers going on strike at the same time is unusual but not a surprise, said one child welfare researcher and advocate.

“This is an indication of not prioritizing and recognizing the dedicated work of front-line child welfare professionals,” said Jamie Pfau, a social worker and instructor at the University of Manitoba. Pfau, the president of the Manitoba Foster Parent Association, said foster parents have also been requesting a funding increase.

“Societies can be judged by how they treat their animals, children, and elders. Unfortunately, forcing front-line workers to strike in order to receive fair wages to care for the most vulnerable children does not fare well for Manitobans,” Pfau said.

To read the entire article, please follow the link to the Winnipeg Free Press.

Child and family services, child welfare, Manitoba foster Parent Association

Social work students explore role in healthcare through interprofessional learning

This fall, a cohort of social work students participated in an interprofessional learning experience with the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences. This event emphasized the importance of social work practice in addressing the intersection of individuals and their environments in healthcare settings. During the event, a screening of Falling Through the Cracks: Greg’s Story, depicted the tragic death of Greg Price and highlighted systemic issues in healthcare, including the need for improved communication. “‘Greg’s Wings’ provided a meaningful learning experience for students, particularly in the context of healthcare collaboration and the challenges faced within this system,” said Vicki Verge, Instructor and Faculty-Field Liaison, Faculty of Social Work.

CBC Manitoba: Pinaymootang Health Centre helps fill health-care gaps for First Nation, surrounding communities

A Manitoba First Nation is helping to bridge the gap in health-care services not only for its members, but for multiple surrounding Interlake communities. The Pinaymootang Health Centre helps care for thousands of Manitobans every year, but nearly half of its clientele comes from outside Pinaymootang First Nation. "We see 47 per cent of clients that come in from various areas," health director Gwen Traverse said. "Whether the surrounding First Nations or the non-Indigenous communities that utilize our services." Gwen Traverse is currently a student in the Distance Delivery Southern Cohort BSW program.