In practical terms, it is felt through the current problems with recruitment. Depending on the region, the province or the territory, institutions and organizations are having trouble recruiting social workers. They are also having trouble meeting overall demand in the communities.
Yet the shortage is only starting to make its effects felt. At the present time, we are seeing that the demand for social workers is growing all across the country. The shortage is going to occur at a time when, in addition to increased demand associated with a larger population, people's socio-economic problems will begin to be felt. In Quebec, it's starting in 2013 in particular that the shortage will be felt.