This two-volume textbook set not only delves into a broad array of critical theories in contemporary social work education, but it also offers practical social work practice steps of applying these theories to practice with diverse populations in Canada.

Vol. 1, with a focus on theoretical foundations, presents chapters discussing theories on immigration, diversity, white supremacy, cultural competency, identity, antiracism, decolonization, Indigenous knowledge, linguistic minority and queer populations. The chapters encourage students and practitioners to critically think beyond conventional understanding of multiculturalism, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity and bring new perspectives in analyzing and unpacking the dominant narratives on them. Undergraduate and graduate social work programs as well as other post-secondary programs that have components of working with multicultural populations will benefit by the understanding of these theoretical foundations for practice.

Vol. 2 focuses on the practice of critical social work practice with diverse populations in and outside of Canada. The chapters in this volume explore how critical theoretical frameworks can be used in areas of intervention such as mental health, harm reduction, recreation, education, employment, cultural adaptation, settlement, colonization, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and entrepreneurship. The chapters share practice experience or research findings on applying critical approaches in social work with diverse populations in Canada including youth, women, Indigenous communities, the Black populations, international students, sexual minorities, refugees, and seniors. They provide models of applying critical frameworks in frontline practice with diverse communities and share the lessons from the lived experiences.

The Critical Multicultural Social Work in Canada textbook set is intended for undergraduate and graduate social work programs and intercultural studies programs in Canada. It also serves students in social sciences and humanities programs such as nursing, correctional services, management, public health, and child and youth work. Furthermore, the volumes would be of interest to social work practitioners and other helping professionals in Canada.

Baiju P. Vareed, PhD, MSW, RSW (he/his), is an Associate Professor and Director of the School of Social Work at MacEwan University, Edmonton, Canada. Before joining MacEwan, he taught social work at Red Deer College, Alberta and at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, India. Baiju holds a doctorate in social work and a master’s in social work, sociology, and economics. He has over twenty-five years of experience in social work practice and teaching in Canada and India. Baiju published a book titled NGOs and Participatory Development in India. He has published several peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters and presented at various national and international conferences. Baiju’s scholarly works focus on critical social work, immigration, community engagement and post-colonialism. 

Paul Banahene Adjei, PhD, MSW, RSW, is a Professor and the Interim Associate Vice-President (Indigenous Research) at Memorial University of Newfoundland in Canada. He was previously the Dean of the School of Social Work, Memorial University. Paul received his undergraduate degree in Social Work from the University of Ghana, and his Master's and PhD degrees from the University of Toronto, specializing in Social Justice Education. Dr. Adjei has secured several funding and published over 37 refereed essays in scholarly journals and book chapters, and co-edited book publications. He has presented over 90 papers at national and international conferences; featured in several newspapers, radio and television programs in Canada. He has demonstrated the ability to teach across the social work curricula, having taught a total of 11 different social work courses 44 times at BSW, MSW, and PhD levels. He has supervised and mentored to completion of five PhD dissertations and nine master's theses. In 2021, Dr Adjei was offered the Carnegie Diaspora Fellow/Visiting Scholar award at the University of Ghana. In 2022, he was honoured as one of the Most Inspiring Immigrants in Atlantic Canada, and in 2023 was awarded the Black Excellence Award for Lifetime Achievement by the Coalition of Black Communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and in 2024 was awarded the Carnegie Diaspora Fellow for the University of Ghana.

Hellen Gateri, PhD, MSW, RSW, is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Algoma University in Ontario, Canada. As a community-based researcher, her work focuses on the experiences of immigrants and refugees, demonstrating her commitment to improving their well-being and facilitating their economic integration into Canadian society. By emphasizing healthcare equity and the relevant policy dimensions affecting these populations, she advocates for a more inclusive society. Dr. Gateri aims to engage in interdisciplinary research to enhance access to healthcare and social services for women, children, and families across Canada. Her scholarly contributions are well-documented and have an impact in the field.