Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work

Diana Coholic is an assistant professor in the School of Social Work,
Laurentian University.

The idea of compiling an encyclopedia of social work in Canada was
ambitious, and the editor, Francis Turner (professor emeritus, Wilfrid
Laurier University), is likely one of the few social work academics in
Canada who could have successfully brought this project to fruition. His
goal was to produce an “accessible resource that surveys the total
spectrum of the field [of Canadian social welfare].” With more than
440 entries written by academics and practitioners from across the
country, Encyclopedia of Canadian Social Work achieves that goal.

Ranging from Aboriginal Issues to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the
entries are comprehensive and provide a starting point for further
research. Information is provided on the history of some Canadian
schools of social work, important figures in the development of the
profession, key governmental policies, and theoretical perspectives,
among other topics.

The encyclopedia will be particular interest to social work students as
a resource and starting point for their research and knowledge
development. A less expensive paperback edition of the book would be
welcome, but for those who can afford the hardcover edition, it is worth
the investment.