Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for the highly anticipated 2025 Investor Summit, presented by Nova Scotia Power, happening on October 23, 2025, at the Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay. The Investor Summit annually brings together Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business and community leaders for a full-day of inspiration, connection, and collaboration focused on building a more vibrant and resilient economy.

This year’s event will feature a keynote address from renowned speaker Michelle Cederberg, a powerhouse in health, productivity, and performance. For more than 20 years, Michelle has inspired audiences across North America with her dynamic, humour-infused presentations that empower busy professionals to set bold goals, recharge their energy, and elevate their performance. A newly inducted member of the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame, Michelle’s focus is on leaving attendees feeling motivated, energized, and ready to act.

“As we continue our mission to strengthen Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy, the Investor Summit provides an unmatched opportunity for business and community leaders to learn, connect, and grow together,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We’re excited to welcome Michelle Cederberg as our keynote speaker—her message of sustainable success and peak performance complements the ambition and energy of our businesses and communities as we move forward together.”

The 2025 Investor Summit will panel discussions, networking opportunities, and engaging sessions with a focus on celebrating the adaptability and innovative approaches of the Island’s businesses and industries. The Summit’s evening includes a gala dinner, sponsored by Sydney Credit Union, and Economic Impact Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to the Unama’ki – Cape Breton economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and new investments.

“The Investor Summit continues to be a vital space for innovation, insight, and meaningful conversation,” said Dan MacDonald, Vice-Chair of the Cape Breton Partnership Board of Directors. “Our sincere thanks to Nova Scotia Power for being our Presenting Sponsor, and to our many Investors for your continued support in building a stronger Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”

Tickets are available on a first-come first-serve basis, with early bird ticket pricing available until August 11, 2025. To purchase your ticket today, visit: https://2025-investor-summit.eventbrite.ca.

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Media Contact:
Michaela Epifano, Communications & Investor Relations Specialist
Cape Breton Partnership
michaela@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/.

About the Cape Breton Partnership Investor Summit: The Annual Cape Breton Partnership Investor Summit welcomes business, community, and government leaders from across Unama’ki – Cape Breton and beyond for a full day of celebrating, discussing, and growing our economy. This annual event has included insights and updates from 100+ local business and community leaders since it first began, highlighted with inspirational and engaging keynote speakers who have sent the event’s audience home with newly energized ideas and motivations to grow their businesses and communities, including celebrated business-person, leader, and star of CBC’s Dragon’s Den Arlene Dickinson (2024 Investor Summit Keynote Speaker).See recap and highlights of the 2024 Investor summit here: https://capebretonpartnership.com/recap-highlights-2024-investor-summit/.

The Cape Breton Partnership is proud to share biweekly interviews with our team and programs this summer and fall, thanks to our valued Partner and Investor, The Coast Radio 89.7!

These interviews share a glimpse into our services and the team members bringing them to communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton, hosted by The Coast Morning Show’s Bill Bradley.

This week’s interview features the Cape Breton Connector Program and Ocean Le, Cape Breton Connector Program Coordinator for the Cape Breton Partnership!

These interviews took place between the fall of 2024 and early 2025.

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.