For many Cape Bretoners, outmigration is a rite of passage. They leave for school, for work opportunities, or just for the adventure of it. We see this as a loss for the island, but what if our so-called “lost” Capers (aka our “diaspora”) are actually an incredible asset that can open doors to investment, mentorship, and new export markets?
In Episode 8 of Invest in Cape Breton, Sean Meister of Global Bluenosers talks about the community of ambitious Bluenosers he’s building, and how they can help Cape Breton-based businesses go global. Whether you’re firmly planted here on the island or a global Cape Bretoner yourself, it’s worth finding out how you can tap into this impressive network.
Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.
About Global Bluenosers and Cape Breton’s Diaspora
Global Bluenosers is a federal not-for-profit organization focused on reconnecting Nova Scotia’s “diaspora” (Nova Scotians living away) back to the province and to each other. By building a community of ambitious globally-minded expats, Global Bluenosers supports their professional goals while giving them the opportunity to use their global experience, knowledge, and networks for economic development and business growth back home.
Sean says global Cape Bretoners, in particular, are fiercely proud and accomplished. Many in his network are in middle to upper management positions in tech, life sciences, manufacturing, oil and gas, and nearly every other industry. The bulk are living elsewhere in Canada, the US, and the UK, but they can be found in pretty much any part of the world.
Who Can Benefit From Engaging With the Diaspora
The Cape Breton diaspora is eager to help Cape Breton companies and entrepreneurs access opportunities in their adopted regions. They’re ready to lend advice, share insights, and make connections.
Sean says any business owner or entrepreneur can benefit from engaging with them, but particularly those who are looking to sell into international markets and/or draw investment to grow and scale. For example, if you’re looking to enter the United Kingdom, a Global Bluenoser living in London can use their knowledge of both Cape Breton and the UK to offer strategic guidance and help you make the most of business trips. They might even take you out for dinner!
How To Engage with the Network of Global Cape Bretoners
For companies interested in accessing the diaspora, the best place to start is by having a chat with Sean. Connect with him on LinkedIn to start the conversation and he’ll tailor support around your goals and objectives.
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Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is excited to announce that it will host a free, in-person Film Industry Orientation course on April 30, 2026, provided by Local 849 of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE Local 849), one of the unions representing technicians working in the Film & Television Industry.
The full one-day session will be hosted at the Nova Scotia Community College Sydney Waterfront Campus and will be followed by a film industry networking session. Participants will receive an introduction to working on a film set, including production roles, safety practices, and industry expectations, and will earn a Certificate of Completion from IATSE Local 849.
“This is an important step in building a local workforce to support the growing film industry in Unama’ki – Cape Breton,” said Bill Culp, Creative Economy Development Officer with the Cape Breton Partnership. “By offering this training in person, we are creating a more engaging experience while helping participants connect directly with industry professionals.”
Delivered live and in person, the course will be led by experienced industry instructors Olivia King and Jake Ivany with opportunities for questions and discussion throughout the day.
“After running the Set Etiquette Course for over 25 years, the new Film Industry Orientation course provides a refreshed introduction for people entering the industry,” said Jake Ivany, IATSE Local 849. “We’re delighted to bring this training to Cape Breton and support the development of local crew members.” Learn more about IATSE Local 849 at www.iatse849.com.
The April 30 session is part of a broader effort to grow the film sector workforce on the Island, with additional hands-on training opportunities scheduled to take place in May. The regular $25.00 registration fee for this course is waived thanks to the generous contribution of private and public sector Investors of the Cape Breton Partnership.
Registration is required, and space is limited. To register, visit: https://filmindustryorientationcourse.eventbrite.ca.
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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/.
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 May 12 to 14, 2026.
Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 Job Fair Series will once again connect local employers with job seekers across the region, offering valuable opportunities to explore career paths, build connections, and support workforce development in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. The Job Fair Series will include representation from local employers, service provider organizations, and skilled-trades focused service providers.
“We’re seeing strong demand from employers across multiple sectors in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, and events like the Job Fair Series play an important role in helping employers connect with qualified, motivated candidates,” said Leah Shanks, Human Resources Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership. “It’s also a great opportunity for job seekers to learn more about what employers are looking for right now, ask questions, and make meaningful connections that can lead to long-term career opportunities right here at home.”
This year’s Job Fairs will take place at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre (May 12), the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre (May 13), and the Inverness Firehall (May 14).
New this year is a dedicated focus on youth engagement through local high school O2 Programs at the May 12 and May 13 Job Fairs in Port Hawkesbury and Membertou. At these sessions, students will have exclusive access to employers from 11 a.m. to noon, providing a unique opportunity to explore career options and gain early exposure to the local job market. The events will then open to the wider public from noon to 2 p.m., while the Inverness session will run as a single, fully public event from noon to 2 p.m.
To learn more and to register as an employer, visit: https://capebreton-jobfairseries.eventbrite.ca.
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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/.
The following is a statement from the Senior Leadership of the Cape Breton Partnership in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
As Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization, the Cape Breton Partnership is dedicated to driving economic growth and prosperity for the Island. We recognize that true prosperity cannot be achieved without equity, inclusion, and the intentional dismantling of systemic racism.
As a leader in the regional business community, the Cape Breton Partnership acknowledges our responsibility to lead by example. We are committed to fostering a workplace and a professional ecosystem where racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers are not only welcomed but are empowered to lead and succeed.
Our Three-Year Commitment
The senior leadership of the Cape Breton Partnership formally commits to the following strategic pillars from our Anti-Racism Action Plan:
- Assessment and Baseline Accountability: We will establish a clear baseline by conducting a comprehensive audit of our current policies, procedures, and workplace culture to identify and eliminate systemic racism. We are committed to upholding this public pledge and forming a diverse Anti-Racism Action Committee to guide our implementation.
- Education and Applied Awareness: We will equip every employee with the knowledge to disrupt racism through mandatory training on unconscious bias. We will support this through a curated resource library to foster a culture of allyship across the entire Cape Breton Partnership.
- Systemic Policy Reform: We will critically analyze and update all HR policies—including hiring, promotions, and performance reviews—to ensure they are fair and free from bias. We will implement new strategies to attract and retain a more racially diverse talent pool through standardized and inclusive recruitment practices.
- Safe Reporting and Continuous Improvement: We will establish clear, confidential, and safe channels for reporting incidents of racism without fear of retaliation. We commit to a continuous feedback loop with our staff and committee to ensure our plan remains a living, effective document.
Our Vision for the Future
The Cape Breton Partnership believes that an anti-racist Island is a more innovative, resilient, and prosperous Island. We invite our partners and the Unama’ki – Cape Breton community to hold us to these standards as we work together to build a more equitable future.
Signed,
Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO
Cape Breton Partnership
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Safety First in Cape Breton Network is excited to announce that early bird registration is now open for the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s signature workplace safety event set for May 6, 2026, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.
This Safety First in Cape Breton 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), Nova Scotia Power, the Cape Breton Partnership, and the Safety First in Cape Breton Planning Committee.
“We are excited to once again collaborate with our partners, sponsors, and dedicated volunteers to deliver another outstanding Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium,” says Tyler Mattheis, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “A strong safety culture helps businesses succeed, protects workers, and supports the long-term growth of our economy. The Cape Breton Partnership is proud to work with our partners to deliver an event that supports safer, stronger workplaces across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
The annual Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium enhances and celebrates Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s workplace safety culture through engaging panels featuring local perspectives, interactive activities with experienced workplace safety professionals, and opportunities to connect with decision-makers who guide occupational health and safety policy across Nova Scotia. The Symposium will also feature the presentation of the annual Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, recognizing individuals and employers as champions in Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s workplace safety culture.
“At the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, we are excited to spark conversations, fuel innovation, and celebrate the professionals who turn safety into momentum,” says Kelly Johnston Noseworthy, Relationship Manager with WCB Nova Scotia and Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Committee. “Together, we’re not just moving safety forward in Cape Breton, we’re redefining what’s possible in creating safer, stronger workplaces.”
Early bird tickets for the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium are available for $135 + tax until April 1, 2026. For event details, registration, and sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://2026safetyfirstsymposium.eventbrite.ca.
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Media Contact:
Alyson Oliver, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
Alyson@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 500-2772
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/.
