Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) has announced a 20% reduction in the number of seats in its School of Social Work, decreasing from 100 to 80. This decision comes at a time when the demand for social workers in Newfoundland and Labrador is on the rise, with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employers (NAPE) expressing concern that fewer seats will hinder efforts to address the ongoing shortage of professionals in this field. Jerry Earle, president of NAPE, highlighted the critical need for social workers, stating that the province is experiencing a 'crisis situation' due to high turnover rates among existing staff. In response to the cuts, MUN spokesperson Chad Pelley explained that the reduction was necessary to maintain sustainable program delivery and compliance with academic standards. However, Earle criticized the lack of communication regarding this decision and emphasized the implications for student placements and future recruitment. The province's health authority has reported a 6.9% turnover rate for social workers, which increases to 16.5% in Labrador. Additionally, there has been a 30% decrease in social work graduates from 2021 to 2025, raising concerns about the future workforce. Government officials, including Health Minister Lela Evans and Minister of Education Paul Dinn, are being urged to take action to address these issues and ensure an adequate supply of social workers in the province.