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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Two award recipients were recognized and celebrated with the Safety First in Cape Breton Awards at the 2025 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, held Wednesday, May 14, at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, co-hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, WCB Nova Scotia, and Nova Scotia Power.
“Congratulations to the two winners, who exemplify what it means to go above and beyond in workplace health and safety,” said Blaise MacNeil, Safety Advisor with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network.
The awards recognize individuals, businesses and committees that champion a strong culture of occupational health and safety across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Recipients are selected for demonstrating innovation, continuous improvement and leadership in making workplaces safer. The 2025 Symposium also featured a number of activities focused on advancing workplace safety with insightful panel discussions and interactive sessions, including a mock investigation and Safety Jeopardy facilitated by local safety professional Calum MacPhee.
The 2025 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, sponsored by Protocase, have been presented to:
- The Town of Port Hawkesbury (for the Outstanding Health and Safety Committee Category)
- James Buick, physiotherapy/occupational therapy aide, Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Shannex (for the Young Advocate Award Category)
Peter Murray, Senior Director of Safety with Nova Scotia Power, was on hand to present the awards to the winners.
“We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition for our Occupational Health and Safety Committee,” said Jason MacMillan, Water Resources Development Project Manager at Landrie Lake Water Utility with the Town of Port Hawkesbury. “This award is a testament to our team’s dedication and collaboration in fostering a safe, healthy workplace. It reflects our commitment to protecting employees and continuously improving our safety practices.”
Reflecting on the significance of receiving the Young Advocate Award, James Buick said: “This award makes me feel that my hard work is appreciated and my efforts to create a safe and healthy environment have not gone unnoticed. Prioritizing safety ensures not only high-quality care for our residents but also a welcoming environment that feels like home.”
The Safety First in Cape Breton Awards are presented annually at the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium and span six potential categories. The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is the only event of its kind in Unama’ki–Cape Breton. It aims to make the Island the safest place to work and do business, with a focus on physical, psychosocial and mental health in the workplace.
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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.
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.