CSPSC Supports MSW Student at European Conference for Social Work Research
The Centre for Studies on Poverty and Social Citizenship (CSPSC) is pleased to support Emily Paquette-Leahy, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student at Carleton University, through its Student Research Grant Support Program.
With support from the CSPSC, Emily attended and presented at the European Conference for Social Work Research 2026 in Aberdeen, Scotland. Her presentation, “Beyond Economics: Ethics of Adopting a Universal Basic Income Program Under a Neoliberal Regime in Canada from a Social Work Values Perspective,” examined universal basic income (UBI) proposals in Canada through the lens of social work ethics and values.
Emily’s research critically explores the growing popularity of UBI in Canadian policy discussions while challenging assumptions that the policy is inherently progressive. Her work highlights the importance of social workers engaging in debates about poverty reduction, social welfare, and the future of the welfare state.
“Universal basic income has become an increasingly popular policy proposal in Canada,” said Emily. “As social workers, we should be at the forefront of discussions about poverty reduction and social welfare. This research encourages us to think critically about the kind of welfare state we want to build and to imagine more transformative possibilities for our communities.”
The CSPSC Student Research Grant Support Program helps students overcome financial barriers to participating in academic conferences by providing opportunities to share their research, build professional networks, and engage with scholars and practitioners from around the world.
“As a graduate student and OSAP recipient, I am particularly grateful for this support,” Emily said. “The funding enabled me to attend the European Conference for Social Work Research, present my work internationally, and receive invaluable feedback in a setting that would not otherwise have been easily accessible to me.”
Reflecting on the experience, Emily noted that the conference provided opportunities to engage in thought-provoking discussions with social work scholars from across Europe and to gain new perspectives on social policy and practice. These experiences have strengthened her academic interests and are particularly meaningful as she prepares for the next stage of her career and explores doctoral studies in Canada and abroad.
The CSPSC is proud to support students like Emily, whose research contributes to critical conversations about poverty and social citizenship. Through initiatives such as the Student Research Support Program, the Centre continues to foster student scholarship and promote the dissemination of research that advances equitable and inclusive social policy.
For more information about the CSPSC Student Research Support Program, please visit the CSPSC website.