The Social Work Profession Act was passed by the Manitoba government in October 2009 and proclaimed into law on November 5, 2014.

The Manitoba College of Social Workers succeeds the Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers, a voluntary regulatory organization for Social Workers in Manitoba that began in 1966.

The College began operations on April 1, 2015 – the “coming into force” date of The Social Work Profession Act.

In addition to The Social Work Profession Act, the Manitoba College of Social Workers is governed by the following Regulation and Bylaw and subject to the following Acts and Agreements:

The Social Work Profession Regulation

The General Operating By-Law of the Manitoba College of Social Workers

Canadian Free Trade Agreement

New West Partnership Trade Agreement

The Fair Registration Practices in Regulated Professions Act (2009)