Social Work in Canada: An Introduction

by Steven Hick

This is a uniquely Canadian text that reflects Canadian values and experiences. It introduces the fundamentals of sound social work practice in the context of such challenges as poverty, discrimination, violence, and economic globalization. Widely used in introductory social work and social service worker programs across Canada, Social Work in Canada provides an introduction to the key concepts and contemporary issues. This book is intended for students currently studying social work, for those who may be thinking of entering the social services as a career, and for allied professionals seeking a basic understanding of the field. The full range of social work practice settings is examined, including: background information on the social work profession itself, the welfare state and income security in Canada, children and youth, aboriginal communities, anti-racism perspectives, practice issues with persons with disabilities, the gay and lesbian communities, the elderly, and international social work practice.

Genres: Textbooks, Social Work, Nonfiction, Read For School

497 pages, Paperback

First published January 2, 2002

About the author

Steven Hick is a mindfulness and meditation teacher with a lifelong commitment to inner transformation and compassionate action. A former professor of social work and a trainer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teachers, he brings over 40 years of contemplative practice and more than two decades of teaching experience to his work. His approach is grounded, accessible, and infused with both wisdom and warmth.

Steven’s path into meditation began in his twenties, during a period of struggle with anxiety, autism, and dyslexia. These early challenges shaped his understanding of suffering and the healing power of awareness. Since then, he has taught mindfulness to a wide range of communities—including combat veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and First Nations communities—while honoring cultural and spiritual diversity.

He is the founder of the Ottawa Insight Meditation Community and MBSR Ottawa, and the author of several books on social work and mindfulness in professional practice. He also shares teachings through his YouTube channel and Substack newsletter.

Steven currently divides his time between Ottawa, Sackville (NB), and Calgary, where he enjoys being a father and grandfather. His teachings invite us to meet life as it is—with clarity, compassion, and presence.

Reviews

[Leanne (Beauty & The Book Dragon) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Textbook for school

[hughatkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Informative, but I'm finding there can be a weird relationship that undergraduate social work courses have between Eurocentric and Indigenous perspectives that's really evident in books like this. It keeps Indigenous perspectives present but marginal, as if to use their presence toward gaining credibility needed to maintain the authority of the existing system, but not to actually challenge it. It blatantly advocates for liberalism throughout the book, seeming to be contradictory.

[Jason Comely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously informative book that expanded my worldview.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

not bad as far as textbooks go, but I found typos and some of the information was outdated/inaccurate

[Amanda W-G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to my other books, I have found this one helpful and knowledgeable.

[Layla, the Witch next door · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this for school. Very informative, full of information and well written. It’s a text book, not a novel. As far as text books go, it is a good one.

[Alexis Wade]

I read this cover to cover against my will

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

read the newer edition. needs some updating but overall good.

[catto doggoland · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again with as with text books: A endless manifesto of rambling walls of text, poorly written self indulgent, pretentious, wit numbing, intellectual masturbating, gibberish . doesn't explain social work but babbles on and on about soap box issues. Take a remedial English composition, Hicks.