Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is The Safety First in Cape Breton Network, in collaboration with theNova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, theWorkers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB Nova Scotia), and the Cape Breton Partnership, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Safety in the Strait Learn at Breakfast: The Evolution of Safety, a breakfast event taking place on Friday, November 28, 2025, at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.
The morning will include a hot breakfast, networking opportunities, updates from the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and WCB Nova Scotia, followed by an interactive keynote from Calum MacPhee, Safety Specialist with LearnCorp International, and a roundtable discussion. This year’s event marks the third annual Safety in the Strait event hosted by the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, which aims to bring together employers, employees, and community partners to share best practices, strengthen safety culture, and support continuous improvement across the Strait Area and beyond.
“The Cape Breton Partnership is proud to collaborate with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and Labour, Skills and Immigration to bring important conversations like this to our business community,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “A Strong safety culture benefits everyone, it protects our people, strengthens our organizations, and supports a resilient regional economy.”
The morning’s presentation will include two complementary modules of safety thinking and culture delivered by Calum MacPhee of LearnCorp International. The presentation will trace the journey from the early days of industry to today’s high-reliability organizations, highlighting how modern safety culture is built on resilience, learning, psychological safety, and a just culture that empowers everyone to be part of the solution.
“Safety is evolving beyond compliance—it’s about understanding how work really happens and empowering people to make it safer every day,” says Calum MacPhee, Safety Specialist at LearnCorp International. “This session will explore how organizations can shift from reacting to incidents to learning from success and everyday operations.”
The event is $30+ HST per person and registration is required in advance. To register, please visit: https://Safety-in-the-strait-breakfast.eventbrite.ca.
Registration is open now below:
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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. Learn more at https://capebretonpartnership.com/.
About the Safety First in Cape Breton Network
The Safety First in Cape Breton Network was formed by a passionate group of health and safety leaders in 2012 to help address business needs and improve workplace health and safety culture, the Safety First in Cape Breton Network is an Island-wide initiative that promotes the importance of a strong health and safety culture in workplaces, provides opportunities to network and engage with other safety practitioners, and learning opportunities to help enhance HSE programs across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Learn more at https://capebretonpartnership.com/initiatives-services/safety-first-in-cape-breton/.
(Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS) – The Cape Breton Partnership proudly celebrated the exceptional achievements of businesses, organizations, and leaders driving economic growth across Unama’ki – Cape Breton during the 2025 Economic Impact Awards presentation, held on Thursday, October 23 as part of the annual Investor Summit at the Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay.
The Economic Impact Awards shine a spotlight on those who are creating lasting impact through innovation, investment, and leadership.
“This year’s winners represent the best of what Unama’ki – Cape Breton has to offer—vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to community,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “Their collective success tells a powerful story about how innovation and collaboration are shaping a stronger, more vibrant Island economy for everyone.”
2025 Economic Impact Award Recipients:
- Paul Harrington – Sponsored by Victoria Co-operative Fisheries
- Celtic Colours International Festival – Sponsored by Sydney Credit Union
- McCurdy Sydney Airport – Sponsored by Cape Smokey
- Cape Breton Food Hub – Sponsored by Nova Scotia Pensions
- Membertou Development Corporation – Sponsored by Nova Scotia Power
“This year’s recipients embody the leadership and forward-thinking spirit that continue to move Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy forward,” said Dan MacDonald, Chair of the Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors. “Their achievements remind us how vision and collaboration can shape a stronger future for our communities.”
The 2025 Economic Impact Award recipients represent a cross-section of industries and communities from across the Island—from food systems to culture, transportation, and community development. Nominations are submitted, and nominees recognized for demonstrating a significant economic impact through new investment, innovation, or workforce development in the past year.
“Every year, we see new examples of creativity and determination that reinforce the strength of Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy,” added Mattheis. “The momentum we’re seeing is a testament to the people and organizations that continue to believe in the power of this Island and its future.”
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Media Contact:
Michaela Epifano, Communications & Investor Relations Specialist
Cape Breton Partnership
(902)-562-0122
Michaela@capebretonpartnership.com
About the Economic Impact Awards
The Economic Impact Awards annually recognize individuals and organizations from multiple industries for their outstanding contributions to the economy. Award recipients will be chosen based on their significant contribution to the Unama’ki – Cape Breton economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and new investments.
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 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.

Paul Harrington: (L-to-R) Bob Pelley, on behalf of Paul Harrington, accepts an Economic Impact Award from Dan MacDonald, on behalf of Victoria Co-operative Fisheries.

Celtic Colours International Festival: Joella Foulds of Celtic Colours International Festival accepts an Economic Impact Award, presented by Jarrod Roy, Vice President of Growth and Member Relations for Sydney Credit Union.

McCurdy Sydney Airport: (L-to-R) Myles Tuttle of McCurdy Sydney Airport accepts an Economic Impact Award from Patrick Austin, Chief Advisor & Government Relations for Cape Smokey.

Cape Breton Food Hub: (L-to-R) Leah Nobel of Cape Breton Food Hub accepts an Economic Impact Award from Brendon LeLievre, Senior Manager, Business Development for Nova Scotia Pensions.

Membertou Development Corporation: (L-to-R) Jennifer Deleskie of Membertou Development Corporation accepts an Economic Impact Award from Paul Breski, Operations Manager, Eastern Territory for Nova Scotia Power.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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 second annual Welcoming Spirit Awards. These awards recognize individuals and organizations in Unama’ki – Cape Breton who go above and beyond to foster welcoming, inclusive communities for newcomers.
The Welcoming Spirit Awards highlight the people and groups who help foster intercultural understanding and demonstrate genuine hospitality and openness to those new to our Island.
“The Welcoming Spirit Awards are now in their second year, and we are so proud to continue recognizing people and organizations who are truly making a difference,” says Kailea Pedley, Program Manager of the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership. “These awards are about celebrating the everyday champions who help newcomers feel at home, supported, and connected here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
If you were born outside of Canada and now live in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, you are encouraged to nominate someone who made 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 until Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 5 p.m.
To submit a nomination, visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/welcoming-spirit-awards/.
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Media Contact:
Carly Appleton, Communications
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. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/.
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Welcome Network, an initiative of the Cape Breton Partnership, is proud to announce the launch of its new Buddy Program, a personalized pilot initiative designed to help newcomers build meaningful connections and feel at home in communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
Unlike general participation in the Welcome Network, where newcomers and residents connect through community events and informal networking, the Buddy Program offers a more one-on-one, personalized experience. It connects newcomers with local volunteer “Welcomers” based on shared interests and demographics with the aim of fostering friendships, increasing community inclusion, and sharing valuable local knowledge.
“Building a thriving and inclusive Island means ensuring that newcomers feel welcomed, supported, and part of something greater,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “The Buddy Program is about more than just introductions, it’s about creating a sense of belonging, one neighbour at a time.”
Through the Buddy Program, newcomers are matched with Welcomers, local volunteers who have lived in Cape Breton for at least two years, for an initial three-month commitment to regular communication. Whether it’s grabbing a coffee, attending a community event together, or simply checking in, Buddies help newcomers navigate life in their new home.
“It’s not about being a tour guide or an expert—it’s about being a good neighbour,” said Sumayya Mullassery, Welcome Network Program Coordinator. “This program is a simple, meaningful way to build connections and help our Island continue to grow as a welcoming and resilient place for all.”
To learn more about the program, or to sign-up as a newcomer or volunteer of the program, please visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/welcomenetwork.
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Media Contact:
Carly Appleton, Communications
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. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/.
Whether you’re looking to jumpstart your career or take your film journey to the next level, Unama’ki – Cape Breton is calling! The Cape Breton Partnership has collaborated with Screen Nova Scotia, alongside industry partners and professionals, government, and educational institutions to build a thriving film/TV sector on the number one island in North America: Unama’ki – Cape Breton!
Now, it’s your chance to be part of the exciting and emerging film industry right here on the Island.
This video is a live recording from Telile Community TV in Arichat and was filmed on March 27, 2025 as part of the Cape Breton Partnership’s Futures in Film Information Series, a three-day event that took place across Unama’ki – Cape Breton from March 25-27, 2025, aimed at exploring career opportunities in the local film industry with industry professionals.
These sessions were held in Inverness, Sydney, St. Ann’s, and Isle Madame. Hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Futures in Film Information Series featured presentations from Screen Nova Scotia, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (ITASE), Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA), and more. The presentations were followed by an exhibitor-style open house, where attendees had the chance to speak with representatives from the sector and learn more about working in the industry. Thanks to Telile TV and everyone who made this series and recording possible.