Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP), administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the third annual Welcoming Spirit Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations in Unama’ki – Cape Breton who help create welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers.

The Welcoming Spirit Awards celebrate the people and groups who foster intercultural understanding and demonstrate genuine hospitality and openness to those new to the Island.

“Each year, the Welcoming Spirit Awards honour the individuals and organizations who make a meaningful difference in helping newcomers feel welcome and connected in Unama’ki – Cape Breton,” says Kailea Pedley, Program Manager of the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership. “Whether through small acts of kindness or ongoing support, they help create connections, foster belonging, and make our communities stronger for everyone.”

If you were born outside of Canada and now call Unama’ki – Cape Breton home, we encourage you to nominate someone who helped make your transition to life here easier, whether by offering support, helping you navigate local systems, inviting you to community events, or simply showing kindness when it mattered most.

Nominations are open now until 5 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
To submit a nomination, visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/welcoming-spirit-awards/

Media Contact:
Alyson Oliver, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
Alyson@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 562-0122

About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live, work, and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/.