The seafood industry has a long and rich history in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. The island exports an estimated $342 million dollars worth of lobster, snow crab, and other species, much of it processed by one of the island’s eleven active processing facilities. How are tariffs—both real and potential—affecting local seafood exports? How are processors navigating market uncertainty? What are the opportunities hiding in this crisis? In Episode 7 of Invest in Cape Breton, Victoria Co-operative Fisheries General Manager Osborne Burke and Louisbourg Seafoods Sales Manager Shaowei Xu lend their insights.

This episode is brought to you by Victoria Co-operative Fisheries, seafood harvesters and processors since 1955. Their progressive Cape Breton co-op works with community harvesters to bring the freshest, tastiest seafood to markets all over the world.

Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.

The Impact of Tariffs on Exports

The seafood value chain in Cape Breton is currently grappling with the looming spectres of tariffs. Since January 2025, the possibility of tariffs from the U.S. has been on the table. Meanwhile, a tangible 25% tariff from China has put a strain on the island’s fisheries. 

Shaowei says Louisbourg Seafoods is heavily reliant on the Chinese market for its lobster and whelk sales, and an already-shrinking market is likely to shrink further as tariffs increase prices. Victoria Co-op Fisheries doesn’t sell directly to China but may be indirectly impacted as some of their buyers repack their lobsters and ship them by air to China. The threat of U.S. tariffs has both processors accelerating their efforts to find new markets.

Market Diversification

In response to these challenges, both Louisbourg Seafoods and Victoria Co-operative Fisheries have turned their sights toward market diversification. Shaowei says international trade shows and missions to Asia and Europe that were once part of Louisbourg Seafoods’ medium term plans have a new urgency to them. The company is also exploring opportunities in Ontario and elsewhere in Canada.

The Co-op is aggressively working to flip the 65% share of its products going to the U.S. to any market but the U.S. He sees promising opportunities domestically as well as in Asia and Europe where Canada has free trade agreements. In emerging markets like Vietnam or Taiwan with large populations and an appetite for premium seafood, Osborne says one good customer can go a long way.

Innovations in Processing and Packaging

Capitalizing on processing and packaging innovation, Victoria Co-operative Fisheries has already begun expanding its product range. From retail-friendly packaging sizes to more value-added processing, these shifts are designed to add increased value to each pound of seafood processed, compensating for potential quota reductions and market shifts.

Overcoming Operational Hurdles

Beyond tariffs, the seafood industry in Unama’ki – Cape Breton faces operational challenges at the grassroots level—from labor shortages to housing constraints for temporary workers. Both Shaowei and Osborne highlight these persistent hurdles, urging supportive government policies to facilitate immigration, workforce development, and infrastructure investments.

Resilience and Optimism

Despite these challenges, both Osborne and Shaowei express resilience and cautious optimism, rooted in the industry’s history of resilience and an adaptable workforce.

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The following is a statement from the Cape Breton Partnership on the evolving response to the Tariffs on Canadian products being presented by the United States. As further updates and resources are made available, this space will be updated.

As Premier Houston stated earlier this week, “In the past few months, we’ve seen Canada’s relationship with the United States drastically evolve. We’ve lived on pins and needles wondering if the U.S. would honour its trade agreements and respect our long-standing relationship as friends and allies.”

This week, we are collectively relieved that the most recent US Tariff decisions are less impactful to Canada, Nova Scotia, and specifically Unama’ki – Cape Breton; however, the radical change in US trade policy remains of great concern.

In addition, tariffs between China and Canada are also having a negative impact, especially on our seafood sector.

Many of the most successful businesses of our region, province, and nation are global traders, and the Cape Breton Partnership looks forward to the re-establishment of a strong trading relationship with the United States, as well as strengthened and renewed relationships with European, Asian, South American and Caribbean partners that are easily accessible through our Ports and Airports.

Our region is encouraged by the actions taken by the Federal and Provincial governments, as well as the resilience shown in our regional business leaders in traditional sectors such as fishing, emerging sectors such as green energy, and essential local economic sectors such as food production.

If your business is experiencing difficulties or is seeking new opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to individual staff members of the Cape Breton Partnership on our website, or requesting a contact using our Contact Us form. Our team of economic development professionals (alongside our dedicated colleagues across the Island, the province, and Atlantic Canada) is here to provide direct support.

Whether you need assistance navigating trade challenges, exploring new markets, or accessing resources to enhance resilience and growth, we are ready to help with our own programs, or connect you to partners whose resources better fit your needs.

Three examples of support and advice we encourage you to learn more about:

• Nova Scotia Loyal:  The Province of Nova Scotia’s Nova Scotia Loyal program helps consumers and businesses find local products more easily. Find your local producers and products here: https://nsloyal.ca/en.
• Tariff Response Hotline and Survey:  Understanding the perspectives and concerns of Nova Scotia businesses and individuals will help inform the government’s approach. Complete the tariff response survey to share your questions and ideas. Learn more here: https://novascotia.ca/tariffs/
• Sector-Specific Information and Advice from our team, including the recent “Insights from the 2025 Seafood Expo North America” available below on this webpage.

We are confident that the communities, peoples, and businesses of Unama’ki – Cape Breton are well-positioned to adapt and learn from the uncertainty we collectively face today to emerge stronger and more competitive than ever. As our team has often said, the key is to continue moving forward, together.

Sincerely,

Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO
Cape Breton Partnership

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Sector-Specific Supports & Resources

• Insights from the 2025 Seafood Expo North America – Implications for Cape Breton Fisheries
  • The 2025 Seafood Expo North America highlighted critical challenges and opportunities for Cape Breton’s seafood industry amid ongoing 25% U.S./China tariffs.

Provincial Supports & Resources

To support local businesses during this time, the Province of Nova Scotia has introduced resources for those impacted by U.S. trade policies.

• Business owners are encouraged to share their concerns about barriers to expanding into interprovincial or international markets by completing a survey at https://novascotia.ca/tariffs. The Province will take that information into account as it moves forward with its tariff response.
• Additionally, a tariff information line (1-800-670-4357) is available for assistance, with business navigators providing follow-up support.

With over 29,000 Nova Scotian jobs tied to U.S. exports, maintaining strong trade relationships is crucial. However, the Province of Nova Scotia also encourages businesses and consumers to support local industries. Nova Scotia Loyal (https://www.nsloyal.ca) provides a platform for producers and retailers to register and connect with customers who are committed to buying locally.

Quick facts:

• In 2023, Nova Scotia exports to the U.S. were $4.4 billion and imports were $682.7 million; the leading exports were tires, fish/prepared seafood, forest products, aerospace products, and plastics;
• Nova Scotia exports to Mexico were $28.5 million in 2023 and imports were $47.6 million;
• Canada is the largest export market for 36 U.S. states and ranks among the top three for 46 states; 43 states export more than $1 billion annually to Canada;
• Nearly 70 per cent of Canadian goods exported to the U.S. are integral to manufacturing other products, directly supporting American manufacturing; and
• More than 29,000 Nova Scotian jobs depend on exports to the U.S. – about one in every 16 jobs and more than half (54 per cent) of all jobs in Nova Scotia that are supported by international exports.

Federal Supports & Resources

Updated as of April 5, 2025

• The federal government has launched the Trade Impact Program through Export Development Canada. The program will deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs, including losses from non-payment, currency fluctuations, lack of access to cash flows, and barriers to expansion.
• $500 million in favourably priced loans will be made available through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support impacted businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, as well as companies in their supply chains.
• $1 billion in new financing through Farm Credit Canada to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry.
• The federal government has introduced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program to increase access and maximum agreement duration.

In addition to these supports and to protect Canadian businesses from harmful takeover, the federal government has also updated the Investment Canada Act Guidelines to protect Canadian companies at a time when our economy is facing unprecedented challenges.

Additional Measures: 

• Temporarily waiving the one-week employment insurance (EI) waiting period.
• Suspending rules around separation for a six-month period, so workers don’t have to exhaust severance pay before collecting EI.
• Making it easier to access EI by increasing regional unemployment rate percentages.
• Deferring corporate income tax payments and GST/HST remittances from April 2 to June 30, 2025, providing up to $40 billion in liquidity to businesses.
• Deploying a new financing facility for businesses.
• Providing more funding to Canada’s regional development agencies, so they can better support businesses.

Quick facts:

• Canada and the United States have the world’s most comprehensive and dynamic trading relationship, which supports millions of jobs in both countries. US$2.5 billion worth of goods and services cross the border every day.
• On March 4, 2025, U.S. tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian goods and 10 per cent on energy and potash exports from Canada to the U.S. came into effect. On March 12, 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian steel and aluminum products.
• On April 3, U.S. tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian automobiles came into effect, targeting the auto industry and the more than 500,000 Canadians this industry supports across the country.
  • The U.S. also intends to apply 25 per cent tariffs on certain automobile parts before May 3. Under the U.S. tariffs certain exclusions linked to U.S. content may be available, specifically, the application of the 25 per cent tariff only to the value of the non-U.S. content in automobiles and auto parts that qualify for preferential tariff treatment under CUSMA.
• Canada has responded to the U.S. imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods by introducing a suite of countermeasures designed to compel the U.S. to remove the tariffs as soon as possible. These countermeasures include:
  • Imposing tariffs of 25 per cent on a valued $30 billion in goods imported from the U.S., effective March 4, 2025.
  • Launching a public comment period on potential counter tariffs on additional imports from the U.S.
  • Imposing, as of March 13, 2025, 25 per cent reciprocal tariffs on a list of steel products worth $12.6 billion and aluminum products worth $3 billion, as well as additional imported U.S. goods worth $14.2 billion, for a total of $29.8 billion to match U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum dollar-for-dollar.

Associated Links:

• Canada-United States relations
• Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods
• The Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA)
• Prime Minister Carney meets with premiers to discuss Canada’s response to U.S. tariffs
• Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the United States Donald J. Trump

Additional Supports & Resources

• Government of Canada – Canadian Customs Tariff Information
• Export Development Canada – Tariffs 101: What are tariffs and how do they impact international trade?
• BDC – Resources to support businesses in the face of trade uncertainty
  • How to Prepare for Tariffs One-Pager
• Economic Developers Association of Canada – Tariff Updates
• Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC) – Canada/US Trade Relations

Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership has launched the Futures in Film Information Series, a three-day event taking place across Unama’ki – Cape Breton from March 25-27, 2025, aimed at exploring career opportunities in the local film industry with industry professionals.

Hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Futures in Film Information Series features 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 will be followed by an exhibitor-style open house, where attendees will have the chance to speak with representatives from the sector and learn more about working in the industry.

“A thriving film industry doesn’t just bring cameras and celebrity talent to our region—it creates jobs, drives investment, and strengthens our local economy,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “By building a skilled film-focused workforce here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, we ensure that this growing segment of our island’s thriving creative economy continues to generate opportunities for all our communities – from technicians and tradespeople to creative professionals.”

The Island’s film industry has grown significantly since the launch of the Distant Location Incentive in July 2024, attracting eight major productions, including Bell Fibe TV’s Starmaker Academy featuring Cape Bretoner Bette MacDonald, the History Channel’s Death Coast, Sea Class by Cape Breton Film, and Little Lorraine starring Sean Astin of Lord of the Rings and 50 First Dates.

“These sessions are a unique opportunity to connect with local organizations, guilds, and industry professionals to explore career paths and learn about training and resources available to build a local film workforce,” said Bill Culp, Creative Economy Development Officer with the Cape Breton Partnership. “We’re excited to see industry partners, guilds, and educational institutions supporting film growth in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Whether you’re already working in the industry or interested in starting a career, join us and begin your future in film on North America’s number one Island!”

With opportunities for roles such as production assistant, set builder, audio technician, actor, and so much more, this series is your chance to discover where you fit into this emerging industry.

The Futures in Film Information Series will take place in Inverness, St. Ann’s, Sydney, and Arichat from March 25-27, 2025. For details, including locations and times, visit https://FuturesInFilm.eventbrite.ca.

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

About the Unama’ki – Cape Breton Futures in Film Program

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. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/futuresinfilm.

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.

Originally published in the Participaper on January 29, 2025.

Dr. Coakley joined the oncology team at Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital in October and was celebrated with a welcoming reception co-hosted by the Municipality of Inverness County and the Cape Breton Partnership, which administers the Welcome Network and the Connector Program on the island.

Keith MacDonald, CAO of the Municipality of Inverness County, noted the importance of supporting healthcare provision in the municipality. “We’ve partnered with the province for funding and we’ve welcomed Lynn Carter to her new role as Healthcare Navigator to help attract and retain new healthcare professionals to the area.”

“I think this is the first time that we’ve collaborated on connecting with a healthcare professional, and I think that’s a really important step for the Connector Program,” says Ocean Le, who heads up the program. “When people want to live in a specific area, they want to ensure there’s adequate health care. I’d like to do more of it.”

Held at the Inverness County Centre for the Arts, the public reception featured live music and refreshments, and was a valuable networking opportunity that Le hopes may eventually attract more healthcare professionals to the county.

The Connector Program matches community and business leaders (connectors) with local and international graduates, newcomers and other qualified professionals (connectees) in their industry of expertise.

Le says a big part of the program is its new regular newcomer community socials, which the Partnership organizes to instill a sense of belonging for newcomers and helps to grow a network that will make it easier to attract and retain professionals.

He says the program has worked a great deal with international students attending Cape Breton University, but he’s looking forward to working more in places like Inverness County.

“We do find there’s a really good success rate when people are matched in a rural area because rural people are more engaged, and the connectors really want the connectees to have a really great quality of life and are meeting really quality individuals to grow their professional network.”

No stranger to Cape Breton, Dr. Coakley was born in Sydney and spent summers in Baddeck with her family. She was also based in Inverness, working at the hospital as a rural primary and emergency care physician from 2004 to 2006.

Dr. Coakley received her medical degree from Queen’s University in 2001 and completed her residency in 2003 in the university’s Department of Family Medicine. Over the next several years, she practiced emergency and outpatient family medicine throughout Ontario and Nova Scotia, often working in remote, rural communities.

In 2008, she relocated to Calgary, working as a hospitalist locum at the Peter Lougheed Centre and practicing outpatient family medicine and urgent care at the Sheldon Chumir Urgent Care Center. In 2009, after completing her Diploma of Tropical Medicine at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, she began practicing at the Calgary Refugee Health Program where, in 2012, she became medical director, a post she held until last year. She is also the Medical Director of the Alberta International Medical Graduates Association (AIMGA).

Dr. Coakley has dedicated her medical career to caring for marginalized and vulnerable patients, including refugees who often arrive in Canada dealing with myriad health issues after enduring unimaginable trauma. In 2016, she marshalled the community to welcome and care for the influx of Syrian refugees coming to Calgary, establishing satellite clinics and caring for those who arrive battling illness, injury or trauma. Over the course of 2017 and 2018, she helped welcome the Yazidi refugees to Calgary, providing health care to this highly traumatized population.

During the height of the pandemic, Dr. Coakley helped lead the health response to the COVID-19 outbreak at meat-packing plants near Calgary, specifically evaluating patient experience to improve the quality of care in the future. She worked with AHS Public Health, Primary Care Networks and immigrant-serving agencies to address the needs of the impacted workers while in isolation and quarantine. Subsequently, she became active in advocating for and providing on-site vaccination clinics at the meat-packing plants themselves.

Currently the co-chair of the International Refugee and Migration Health Conference, Dr. Coakley has also been the recipient of several healthcare awards for her dedicated service to her patients, including: Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal – for contributions and service to Alberta (2023); Dr. Mark Sosnowski Award – Mosaic Primary Care Network Champion for Primary Care (2019); and the Compassionate Services Award – Alberta Medical Association (2016).

Her most recent award is the 2024 Jean-Pierre Despins Award which was presented by the Foundation for Advancing Family Medicine of the College of Family Physicians of Canada in October in Vancouver. This award recognizes one family physician in Canada each year, identified as an outstanding advocate and public spokesperson for family medicine.

When asked what it felt like to be back in Cape Breton, Dr Coakley said, “I am so happy to be back in a community that practices kindness and compassion for others. It also feels so good to return home where people are placed first before power or politics. I’m very excited to explore more of the island by bike – this is a big hobby of mine. It feels great to be home!”

Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is excited to launch the Cape Breton Futures in Film Program, which will serve as a way to connect Cape Bretoners with the rapidly growing film industry across the Island. By joining the program, participants will receive access to training, job opportunities, workshops, and networking events in the exciting world of film and television production right here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

The film industry has seen rapid growth since the launch of the Distant Location Incentive announced by the Province of Nova Scotia in July 2024. Since the incentive program was launched, Unama’ki – Cape Breton has seen a significant increase in productions choosing the Island as their filming destination.

Since June of 2024, Unama’ki – Cape Breton has seen eight productions filmed across the Island. Notable productions include the Bell Fibe TV series Starmaker Academy, starring Cape Bretoner Bett MacDonald; a new History channel series called Death Coast by Forte Entertainment; the Bell Fibe TV series Sea Class, produced by Cape Breton Film; and the feature film Little Lorraine, produced by Wango Films and TopSail Entertainment,  starring Sean Astin, best known for his roles in Lord of the Rings, Stranger Things, Rudy, Goonies, and 50 First Dates.

“I’m excited to see the rapid growth of the film industry in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. In addition to creating a variety of jobs and careers, the film industry will attract creative artists and businesses to the Island while giving local property owners an opportunity to showcase beautiful potential filming locations,” said Bill Culp, Creative Economy Development Officer with the Cape Breton Partnership, “I’m working closely with key industry partners such as Screen Nova Scotia, NSCC, as well as film unions, guilds, and associations to foster employment opportunities for local residents and meet the increasing demand for skilled, local crew members.”

Whether you’re interested in becoming a production assistant, set builder, audio technician, electrician, actor etc., the Cape Breton Futures in Film Program can help connect you to the right opportunities in the film and TV industry. “If you’re interested in being a part of the film industry or learning more about it, I’d highly recommend you sign up to be part of the Program,” adds Culp. “The Cape Breton Futures in Film Program is designed for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the film industry in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, whether you have prior experience or are eager to start learning the ropes.”  

With the new incentive in place and a growing industry presence, there’s never been a better time for Cape Bretoners to tap into these exciting opportunities. To learn more, or ­­join the program, simply fill out the form on our website, by visiting: www.capebretonpartnership.com/futuresinfilm.

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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.