Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – Nominations are now open for the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses across Unama’ki – Cape Breton who demonstrate outstanding commitment to advancing workplace health and safety standards across the Island.
The awards, which are generously manufactured and sponsored by Protocase, will be presented on May 6, 2026, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre as part of the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, proudly presented by WCB Nova Scotia, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), Nova Scotia Power, and the Cape Breton Partnership. Tickets for the Symposium will go on sale in March 2026 through Eventbrite.
“The Safety First in Cape Breton Awards honour those who prove that safety is more than a rulebook,” said Blaise MacNeil, Safety Advisor with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network. “It’s leadership in action. When we put safety first, we protect not only our people, but our communities, our families, and our future.”
The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium and Awards are an initiative of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, administered by the Cape Breton Partnership since the Network’s establishment in 2012.
“The Safety First in Cape Breton Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations who make workplace health and safety a priority every single day, celebrating that commitment and fostering a culture where safety always comes first,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “As the Island’s private sector-led economic development organization, we recognize the importance of workplace health and safety, and we are proud to work with our event partners to help build a culture where a commitment to workplace health and safety is an essential part of growing community prosperity and an innovative economy across the Island.”
Nominations for the 2026 awards will be accepted for the following categories: Young Advocate; Small Business Trailblazer; Engagement Ally / Safety Champion; Outstanding Health & Safety Committee; and Innovation Expert.
To nominate an individual or organization for a Safety First in Cape Breton Award, please visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/safety-first-awards and make a nomination by noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
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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 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 Safety First in Cape Breton Network:
The Safety First in Cape Breton Network was formed by a passionate group of health and safety leaders in 2012 to help address business needs and improve workplace health and safety culture, the Safety First in Cape Breton Network is an Island-wide initiative that promotes the importance of a strong health and safety culture in workplaces, provides opportunities to network and engage with other safety practitioners, and learning opportunities to help enhance HSE programs across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Learn more at https://capebretonpartnership.com/initiatives-services/safety-first-in-cape-breton/.
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is hosting an interactive webinar for local employers focused on understanding the role culture plays in workplace communication, collaboration, and team effectiveness. The webinar will take place on Monday, February 23, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., via Zoom.
The session will be delivered by Paul Pickering, Intercultural Workplace Program Coordinator with ISANS (Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia). Drawing on extensive experience working with employers across Nova Scotia, Pickering will guide participants through practical strategies for navigating cultural differences in the workplace and leveraging diversity as a strength.
During the webinar, participants will explore how culture influences communication styles, expectations, and day-to-day interactions at work. The session will also introduce the concept of “cultural add,” reframing how organizations think about diversity by focusing on how varied perspectives and lived experiences can strengthen teams, enhance problem-solving, and improve organizational outcomes.
The webinar is part of the Cape Breton Partnership’s ongoing work to support employers through immigration, workforce, and population growth initiatives. It is intended for employers, managers, supervisors, HR professionals, and business owners who work with diverse teams or are seeking to strengthen inclusive workplace practices.
Registration is required, and the Zoom link will be shared with participants in advance of the session.
Employers interested in learning more about the Cape Breton Partnership’s immigration services and supports can visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/immigration or contact the team at immigration@capebretonpartnership.com.
To register for the webinar or learn more about this event, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
902-562-0122
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is pleased to announce the launch of Immigration Access+, an expanded immigration service model designed to better support employers across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Developed with input from local employers, the new model offers a deeper level of hands-on immigration services, including professional representation and case management, with pricing structured to improve accessibility while delivering practical, start-to-finish labour and immigration solutions for eligible employers.
This new addition to the Cape Breton Partnership’s Immigration Advisory Services offering is focused on supporting long-term sustainability in the local workforce and addressing the growing demand for immigration and labour services across the Island. Support from Cape Breton Partnership Investors plays a key role in keeping service fees well below market rates, while expanding access to high-quality immigration services for employers.
The Cape Breton Partnership has increased its capacity to provide timely, comprehensive immigration representation and application services to employers navigating federal and provincial immigration pathways with two Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) on the team. While application-based services have transitioned to the new paid model, general support through immigration advisory services will continue to be offered free of charge to employers across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
“Immigration Access+ strengthens our ability to provide employers in Unama’ki – Cape Breton with consistent, high-quality immigration services delivered locally,” says Kelly MacKinnon, Labour Market & Immigration Advisor and a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with the Cape Breton Partnership. “The model allows us to offer more hands-on, start-to-finish support, while keeping services accessible for employers across the region.”
Victoria Co-operative Fisheries is an Investor of the Cape Breton Partnership and a client of its Immigration Advisory Services, utilizing a tailored approach to support its management team in navigating immigration and labour needs.
“We have been utilizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for our immigration needs since 2013, engaging with the Cape Breton Partnership through its Immigration Advisory supports,” shares Osborne Burke, General Manager at Victoria Co-operative Fisheries. “Immigration Access+ has taken that support to a new level, allowing us to bring in more workers to support our business, all while helping us manage costs through consistent support. Navigating the process would be impossible without the guidance and knowledge of the Cape Breton Partnership, and Immigration Access+ has truly made a meaningful difference in how we operate as a Cape Breton employer.”
Immigration Access+ was developed to offer a locally-grounded option that reflects the needs and realities of Unama’ki – Cape Breton employers and newcomers, helping address gaps in locally available immigration services. The Cape Breton Partnership also collaborates with immigration lawyers as needed to ensure businesses and newcomers can access the right level of support at every stage of the process.
Employers interested in learning more about Immigration Access+ and other Immigration Advisory Services offered by the Cape Breton Partnership are encouraged to visit capebretonpartnership.com/immigration-services.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
902-562-0122
Jeremy@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 (CBLIP), administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, was thrilled to present the 2025 Welcoming Spirit Awards at the annual Partner Update Event: Elisk+Nweyek – Weaving Together – Tisser Ensemble on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.
This is the second year the CBLIP has presented the Welcoming Spirit Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations across Unama’ki – Cape Breton who have made a significant contribution in building welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers to Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
“Each of this year’s Welcoming Spirit Award recipients have demonstrated remarkable heart and dedication in supporting newcomers as they find their place in Unama’ki – Cape Breton,” said Kailea Pedley, CBLIP Program Manager. “Their generosity, empathy, and commitment to building inclusive communities shine through in everything they do. We are proud to honour those who embody the spirit of welcome and help make our region a true home for all.”
The recipients of the 2025 Welcoming Spirit Awards are:
- Individual: Shane Condon
- Organization: Multicultural Association of Cape Breton
If you were born outside of Canada and now call Unama’ki – Cape Breton home, we invite you to consider nominating an individual or organization who helped you feel welcome for a Welcoming Spirit Award in 2026 when nominations open (summer and fall 2026).
To learn more about the Welcoming Spirit Awards, please visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/welcoming-spirit-awards/.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
902-562-0122
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
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 Local Immigration Partnership:
Administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP) is a collaborative initiative designed to foster welcoming communities that support the full participation of newcomers in the social, economic, political and cultural life of Cape Breton-Unama’ki. For more information, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/CBLIP.
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership is pleased to announce an upcoming Business & Breakfast session, Federal Budget Outlook – Updates and Insights, taking place in both Sydney and Port Hawkesbury this November featuring Doane Grant Thornton LLP.
The sessions will provide an overview of the upcoming 2026 Federal Budget announcement, expected to be announced on November 4, highlighting key changes and updates on the Canadian federal budget that may affect businesses of all sizes. The presentation will be led by Patrick Lahey, Partner, and Nick MacNeil, Senior Manager, of Doane Grant Thornton LLP who will share expert insights on how to interpret and apply federal budget developments to support business strategy and planning in the year ahead.
“Supporting Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economy and business community means ensuring there is access to timely, practical information that can help guide decisions,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “By partnering with our Investors with Doane Grant Thornton LLP, we’re able to offer our Island’s leaders valuable context on economic policies and how they may shape operations and opportunities for 2026 and beyond.”
“The Federal Budget sets the tone for Canada’s economic landscape each year, and understanding its implications early can help businesses adapt with confidence,” adds Patrick Lahey, Partner with Doane Grant Thornton LLP. “We’re pleased to work with the Cape Breton Partnership to bring this information directly to local entrepreneurs and leaders who are driving growth across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
Sessions are scheduled for the Port of Sydney’s Kavanagh Room on November 17, 2025, and at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre’s Shannon Studio on November 19, 2025.
Each session will include a presentation and Q&A discussion, offering opportunities for networking and peer connection with Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s growing business community.
Tickets are $10.00 plus HST, which includes a breakfast, with all proceeds proudly donated to local Food Banks in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
Registration is open now below:
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
902-631-5442
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
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 Doane Grant Thornton LLP
Doane Grant Thornton LLP is a leading professional services firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services across Atlantic Canada. As part of Doane Grant Thornton’s national network, the firm is committed to helping businesses and communities grow through strategic financial insight, local expertise, and trusted client relationships. For more information, visit https://www.doanegrantthornton.ca/.