(Queen’s Park) – The Social Work Doctors’ Colloquium and the Ontario Association of Social Workers conveyed their appreciation to Kitchener-Waterloo MPP Elizabeth Witmer for her longstanding advocacy and support for the social work profession in Ontario.

The Political Award of Merit was presented to Mrs. Witmer in a ceremony at Queen’s Park on April 14, 2010.

“We believe it is important to publicly recognize elected officials who make significant personal and professional sacrifices to enhance opportunities for Ontarians to lead more productive lives,” said Dr. Dan Andreae of SWDC.

Dr. Andreae continued, “This esteemed award brings awareness to these important contributions.”

Mrs. Witmer has been a longstanding advocate on behalf of Ontario’s Social Workers for many years. Highlights of Mrs. Witmer’s efforts include:

• Supporting the successful quest for statutory regulation providing social workers with the deserved recognition as psychotherapy practitioners.
• Successfully pushing for the use of the title “Doctor” by social workers who have attained a doctoral degree in the field and provide mental health counselling to clients.