Across Unama’ki – Cape Breton, our residents, entrepreneurs, and leaders know the value of community. We know the importance of showing up, lending a hand, and using our voices to shape a better future. Right now, there is a powerful opportunity for people across our Island to do just that.

The Province of Nova Scotia is currently seeking applications for its Agencies, Boards, and Commissions (ABCs). These are the organizations and groups that help inform, guide, and make decisions on a wide range of issues that directly impact our daily lives – from healthcare and education to economic development, environment, policing, and public service. These groups thrive on the voices of engaged citizens with diverse experiences, ideas, and perspectives. That’s where you come in.

At the Cape Breton Partnership, we work every day to advance economic growth, support local businesses and entrepreneurs, and build a stronger future for all who live, work, and invest in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. A key focus of our work, reflected in the island-wide Forward. Together. – Economic Development & Population Growth Plan that inspired our own strategic plan and that of other organizations, is ensuring our region’s voice is not only heard but valued at decision-making tables across the province. Participating in these provincial ABCs is one way we can ensure that happens.

Too often, rural perspectives are underrepresented when important decisions are made. Yet rural Nova Scotians – like those across Unama’ki – Cape Breton – bring a wealth of lived experience and insight that is integral to guiding many organizations throughout Nova Scotia into the future. Cape Bretoners understand and recognize our province’s unique opportunities, challenges, and solutions that will help to lift our communities up.

By applying to serve on a provincial agency, board, or commission, community members across Unama’ki – Cape Breton can help bring rural and regional perspectives to the forefront – ensuring they are not only heard but acted upon. Also, you already have the experience needed to apply – ABC’s only require  a commitment to your community and a willingness to contribute, no prior board experience is needed

There are more than 150 agencies, boards, and commissions in Nova Scotia, covering areas as broad and vital as the Nova Scotia Health Authority Board, Cape Breton University Board of Governors, Farm Loan Board, Library Boards, Canada – Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator, Aquaculture Review Board, Invest Nova Scotia Advisory Board, Workers’ Compensation Board, Apprenticeship Agency Board, Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Council, Build Nova Scotia Board, Real Estate Commission, and so many more.

Some of these groups advise government and others regulate important sectors or provide direct oversight and guidance. All of them, however, play a critical role in shaping the direction of our province and benefit from having the voices of our region – our entrepreneurs, young professionals, Indigenous leaders, newcomers, retirees, students, and community builders – at the table.

Representation matters. Inclusion matters. When the makeup of these boards reflects the rich diversity of Nova Scotia, the decisions they make are stronger, more relevant, and more impactful.

This is a chance to take action and help drive real progress on the issues we care about. Whether it’s strengthening healthcare access, supporting sustainable development, empowering women in leadership, or helping newcomers succeed – your voice can help move these efforts forward, aligning directly with the goals of our island’s Forward. Together. plan.

If you’ve ever thought, “Someone like me doesn’t get to make those decisions,” the Cape Breton Partnership encourages you to take a look at the opportunities available to join an agency, board, or commission, find the topic you are passionate about, and apply to become a part of the positive solutions and changes these organizations can make.

Applications to join an agency, board, or commission are open now and are accepted year-round. The process is transparent and accessible, and you can learn more and apply at https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/abc/.

Unama’ki – Cape Breton has so much to offer Nova Scotia. Let’s make sure our ideas, perspectives, and leadership are part of the province’s path forward. When we show up, speak up, and step forward, together, our whole province grows stronger.

Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO

Cape Breton Partnership

For more information on the Cape Breton Partnership and Forward. Together. – Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s Economic Development & Population Growth Plan, visit http://capebretonpartnership.com/ForwardTogether.

(Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS) – The Safety First in Cape Breton Network is pleased to announce that early bird registration is now available for the 2025 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium. The annual event focused on enhancing and celebrating Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s workplace safety culture will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

“We are thrilled to collaborate on another terrific Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium with our partners, sponsors, and volunteers to champion safety leadership and foster a culture of continuous improvement in our workplaces,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “Our Safety First Network’s mission is clear: to ensure that everyone returns home safely each day, and it’s a mission that we fully support.”

This year’s symposium is made possible through the generous support of key partners and sponsors, including the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB Nova Scotia), the Cape Breton Partnership, and the Safety First in Cape Breton Planning Committee.

Kelly Johnston-Noseworthy, Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network and Relationship Manager with WCB Nova Scotia, highlighted the event’s engaging offerings: “We’re excited to offer a day packed with valuable insights, engaging discussions, and interactive elements. Attendees will benefit from two excellent panel sessions, along with unique activities to enhance their experience.”

A new addition to the 2025 event is an engaging “Safety Style Jeopardy” session and a mock investigation exercise, both led by health and safety professional Calum MacPhee. These activities are designed to challenge participants while reinforcing best practices in workplace safety.

“Our goal through the panel discussions and networking opportunities along with available tools and resources is to stimulate conversation about psychological health and safety and help prepare employers and workers for upcoming legislation and rules while reinforcing the most important reasons for championing a safe and healthy workplace,” says Blaise MacNeil Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network and member of the Safety Branch Awareness & Outreach team at LSI.

Don’t miss the opportunity to register early and save. The Early Bird rate of $129.99 + tax is available until April 8, 2025, after which the price will increase to $159.99 + tax. For additional details about the 2025 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, to register for early bird pricing, or to inquire about sponsorship or trade show opportunities, please visit: https://2025SafetyFirst.eventbrite.ca.

Register now!

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Media Contact:

Carly Appleton, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
Carly@capebretonpartnership.com
902-227-7976

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.

Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – Nominations are now open for the 2025 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, which celebrate individuals and businesses who are committed to the advancement of workplace health and safety across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

The awards are a recognition program that was created and administered by the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, in collaboration with the Cape Breton Partnership,  WCB Nova Scotia and the Department of Labour, Skills & Immigration (LSI), and generously sponsored by Protocase.

The awards will be presented on May 14, 2025 at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre as part of the 2025 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium. The symposium will feature, panel discussions, interactive activities, and an industry trade show. Details regarding the event will be shared shortly.

This year’s categories include:

To learn more about the categories, please visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/initiatives-services/safety-first-in-cape-breton/, or fill out a nomination directly here. The deadline to submit a nomination is May 1, 2025 at 4 p.m.

Submit a nomination now!

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Media Contact:

Carly Appleton, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
Carly@capebretonpartnership.com
902-227-7976

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with Nova Scotia Works offices from the YMCA of Cape Breton Employment Services Centre, Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDENE), and Northside Employment & Resource Centre are hosting the Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series from April 1 to 14, 2025. 

The Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series will give local employers a chance to meet local job seekers in person and fill available positions quickly, offering job seekers a chance to explore different career options, meet local employers, and move forward in their careers.   

“The Cape Breton Partnership is dedicated to fostering connections and supporting individuals in finding fulfilling careers. We recognize the importance of creating opportunities for meaningful employment within our communities,” said Kelly MacKinnon, Labour Market and Immigration Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership. “Through our Job Fair Series, we aim to facilitate valuable face-to-face interactions between employers and prospective candidates, contributing to the growth of our local economy one job match at a time.” 

The 2025 Job Fair Series marks the third of this annual event series, which has attracted over 1,000 job seekers exploring careers with over 130 local employers since 2023 at venues across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. 

“Bringing employers and job seekers together in a direct and accessible way provides valuable opportunities for efficient networking,” said Sabrina Vatcher, CEO of the YMCA of Cape Breton. “This collaboration reflects our collective commitment to tackling regional unemployment challenges. By working closely with our partners and combining our resources and expertise, we aim to create a more impactful and far-reaching event—connecting more job seekers with meaningful opportunities and helping employers find the right talent.” 

The 2025 Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series locations will include:  

To learn more, or to register and attend a Job Fair as a jobseeker or employer, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/jobfairs.  

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Media Contact:  

Michaela Epifano, Communications and Investor Relations Specialist 

Cape Breton Partnership  

Michaela@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. 

About YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre:  

Since 2016, employment service centres are known under the umbrella of Nova Scotia Works, funded through the Employment Nova Scotia division of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI). We offer a common menu of services including case management, job development, employment maintenance/support and career counselling supported by a staff of dedicated career practitioners. For more information, visit https://capebreton.ymca.ca/employment-services/.  

About Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works:  

The Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works supports and empower Nova Scotians; to foster resiliency in individuals, businesses and communities to build a stronger province. It is our mission to ensure that all persons are supported in achieving their full potential through personal growth, skills development, and employment. For more information, visit https://www.northsideemployment.com/.  

About Le Conseil de developpement economique de la Nouvelle-Ecosse (CDÉNÉ):  

The Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the economic advancement of the Acadian and Francophone community in Nova Scotia. For more information, visit https://cdene.ns.ca/.  

Register Now!

Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is excited to host an upcoming Business & Breakfast: Labour Solutions for the Hospitality Industry on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the Frolic & Folk Pub & Grill at the Iona Heights Inn from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership, and moderated by Parker Horton, Economic Development Officer for Victoria County, attendees will get a chance to network, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and a panel discussion of engaging experts who work as service providers and employers in the hospitality industry.

Joining the panel is Terry Smith, CEO of Destination Cape Breton, Natasha Chestnut, Executive Director of the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia, Martin Kevjal, CEO of Cape Smokey Holdings, and Kelly MacKinnon, Labour Market & Immigration Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership.

“Our team has worked hard to engage with our Island’s business community, identifying the challenges and gaps they are experiencing in every sector,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “The focus of our Business & Breakfast series is to gather the local business community at local venues across our Island and share supports and solutions to address these challenges, while creating the space needed for discussions with local businesses and service providers to learn more and explore future innovative solutions.”

Business & Breakfast events are free to attend; however, registration is required. To learn more about the panelists, or to register visit: https://bb-labour-solutions.eventbrite.ca.

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Media Contact: 
Carly Appleton, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership 
Carly@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.