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/.
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have decided to cancel this session at this time and will explore a potential reschedule at a later date. All current registrants will receive a refund notice shortly.
Apologies for the change, and thank you for your patience.
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Sessions in Sydney and Port Hawkesbury to support employers facing workforce challenges
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is inviting local employers to take part in an upcoming Lunch & Learn series focused on the organization’s Immigration Services and how their team can support local employers’ hiring goals, explore programs designed to find new talent, and address workforce challenges holding local businesses back from growth.
Led by the Cape Breton Partnership’s Immigration Services Team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants, the sessions will provide an overview of their Immigration Services and Programs, and the range of supports available to employers navigating immigration pathways.
“Many employers across our Island are facing real and immediate workforce pressures,” said Kelly MacKinnon, RCIC, Labour Market & Immigration Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership. “Our Immigration Services have been developed to provide practical, affordable, and trusted support to employers who are looking to recruit and retain international talent. These sessions are an opportunity to walk employers through our services and help them understand how immigration can be part of a long-term workforce solution.”
Participants will learn more about the services offered by the Cape Breton Partnership Immigration Services Team, including support for key immigration pathways such as the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP), and Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA).
“Employers often tell us that immigration processes can feel complex or overwhelming,” said Dani Mombourquette, RCIC, Immigration Engagement Coordinator with the Cape Breton Partnership. “These Lunch & Learn sessions are designed to create a welcoming space where employers can ask questions, connect with peers, and leave with a clearer understanding of the supports available to them right here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
The series will include two Lunch & Learn sessions on Tuesday, March 24 (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Horizon Achievement Centre in Sydney) and Thursday, March 26 (12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre). Each session will include a guided presentation followed by a facilitated question-and-answer discussion, as well as opportunities for networking and peer connection within the local business community.
Tickets are $10.00 plus HST, which includes a lunch, with all proceeds proudly donated to local food banks in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Registration is open now at https://capebretonpartnership.com/immigration-services-sessions.
This event is part of the Cape Breton Partnership’s Business & Breakfast / Lunch & Learn series, which brings together Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business community for learning, discussion, and shared growth.
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Media Contact:
Alyson Oliver, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
902-562-0122
Alyson@capebretonpartnership.com
About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization supporting companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live, work, and invest; fostering creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting businesses to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com.
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, also known as the CBLIP, has launched an online survey to gather input from people who were born outside of Canada and now live in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
The Immigrant Survey is a survey open to all immigrants, refugees, claimants, international students, and temporary foreign workers in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, who are 16 or older. The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, is a collaborative effort among local organizations working together to foster welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers.
“Local immigration plays an essential role in the future of Unama’ki – Cape Breton,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “To build responsive programs, services, and policies that truly meet community needs, we must take the time to listen carefully to those who have experienced the immigration journey firsthand, and we are proud to launch this survey in that effort.”
The survey is estimated to take about 20 minutes to complete and aims to hear from at least 300 immigrants on topics including education, housing, employment, health, belonging, discrimination, community building, and more. Demographic questions are included so that survey results can be analyzed and disaggregated to show the various experiences of different immigrant groups.
“We recognize that no two immigration stories are the same,” says Kailea Pedley, the Cape Breton Partnership’s CBLIP Program Manager. “By creating space for newcomers to share their experiences, we gain valuable insight into how we can strengthen supports, remove barriers, and continue building welcoming communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
People who complete the survey can enter a draw for one of three gift certificates for the Cape Breton Food Hub.
The CBLIP invites all residents, organizations and businesses in Unama’ki – Cape Breton to be #ImmigrantSurvey supporters and help encourage all immigrants to participate in the survey by sharing survey information through family, friends, neighbourhoods, and workplaces, as well as through other networks and social media.
All survey information is available at welcometocapebreton.ca/immigrant-survey. The survey will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 631-5442
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 Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership:
The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership brings together organizations across Unama’ki – Cape Breton to work collaboratively to foster welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers to Canada. Learn more at http://www.capebretonpartnership.com/cblip.