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The Advocate

Susan Walsh has over 30 years’ experience in various capacities working with the social system in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. She began her career as a social worker in community development, proceeded to work front line in the areas of mental health, geriatrics, disabilities, child welfare and income support, with many varying populations.

Ms. Walsh completed a Master of Social Work Degree at University of Toronto specializing in social policy, completing a thesis on the housing needs of seniors and people with disabilities, and working at the Toronto Metropolitan Housing Company with diverse groups including many seniors of varying cultures.

Susan partnered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and University of Toronto to complete research on social work practice in restructuring hospitals, which was subsequently published in the journal of Health and Social Work.

Susan took this direct service experience, management oversight and advanced education to the policy level within the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. She held progressive leadership roles within the former Department of Social Services, Eastern Regional Health Authority, Department of Health and Community Services, former Department of Child, Youth and Family Services, Cabinet Secretariat, Core Mandate Office of Executive Council, the Labour Relations Agency and Municipal Affairs Fire and Emergency Services.

Ms. Walsh has been recognized for her outstanding public service through being nominated on two separate occasions by her peers for the Public Service Award of Excellence.

Susan’s most recent role, prior to her appointment as the Seniors’ Advocate, was Deputy Minister of the Department of Children, Seniors and Social Development, a position she held since January 2019. In this position she was responsible for the provincial Income Support System, Child Welfare System, and numerous policy Divisions including: Seniors and Aging and Adult Protection; Disability Policy Office; Economic and Social Well-Being Division; and the Community Sector. As the provincial lead Deputy Minister for the Federal/Provincial/Territorial National Committee on Social Services, Ms. Walsh engaged at the national level with the Deputy Ministers responsible for seniors, income support, and child welfare in the country, focused on systemic change to meet the needs of our population.

Over the years Ms. Walsh has volunteered with many groups including the previous Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers, CAPS and Don Johnson Minor Hockey Associations, and church groups including Development and Peace, Operation Christmas Child and youth groups. She is a registered social worker with the NL College of Social Workers.

Susan and her husband live in Kilbride with their two young adult children who are completing post-secondary studies, Border Collie and three cats.

Dr. Suzanne Brake