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.
This session was recorded on January 29, 2025, where local shared details on what businesses should know about the GST/HST Holiday Tax Break and what to do next as businesses prepare to remit GST/HST to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Attendees heard insights from Guillaume LeBlanc, Senior Manager in Indirect Tax with Doane Grant Thornton, on how this temporary Tax Break works at an accounting level and what your business will need to do next and Kendal Steele, Of Counsel at Rosen & Associates Tax Law, on potential legal implications of following the Tax Break process.
This webinar was proudly co-hosted by Nova Scotia’s Regional Enterprise Networks (the Western Regional Enterprise Network, Valley Regional Enterprise Network, Truro and Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity, Pictou County Partnership, Cumberland Business Connector, CBRM Regional Enterprise Network, and Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network) and the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia in partnership with our region’s business community and champions.
*Disclaimer: This session occurred on January 29, 2025, and included information that was accurate or understood as of the time of presentation. As circumstances and legislation evolve over time, there may be a variety of details and pieces of information that will deviate from the information in this recording.
Presented by Nova Scotia Power, the 2024 Investor Summit was a day of forward-thinking, fresh ideas, and inspiring insights!
We were thrilled to welcome over 230 business leaders for a day focused on collaboration and connection. The event began with a humbling prayer, smudging, and drumming led by Molly and Mailey Pierro and the Indian Bay Singers of Wagmatcook First Nation.
Marking the Cape Breton Partnership’s 20th anniversary, we took time to reflect on our past while looking toward a successful future. Current and former leaders Tyler Mattheis, Carla Arsenault, and Keith MacDonald shared insights on the organization’s evolution and its enduring impact.
Building on the momentum, the Small Business, Big Impact panel explored how local entrepreneurs are shaping Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s economic landscape. Wesley Colford (Highland Arts Theatre), Jeremy Carroll (BRELA Homes), Danielle Johnston and Danielle Patterson (Anchored Group), and Jeremy White (Big Spruce Brewing) brought energy and inspiration to the conversation.
A highlight of the afternoon was the fireside chat with the authentic and engaging Arlene Dickinson, moderated by Board Member Kelsea MacNeil. Arlene’s relatable advice and inspiring journey resonated with everyone in the room.
We’re grateful to Jeff Ward of Wagmatcook First Nation for presenting Arlene with a thoughtful gift.
The Big Things, Small Places panel continued the momentum with excellent insights from Joseph Balaz (Cape Smokey), Shannon Lynch Colbourne (Cape Breton Beverages, Trans-Atlantic Preforms), Kendall Clancy (Cabot Cape Breton), and Geoff Clarke (Port Hawkesbury Paper).
Throughout the day, we showcased the All In on Solutions video series, highlighting Unama’ki – Cape Breton leaders and organizations breaking down barriers and driving economic growth. Stay tuned for the online release next week!
The evening wrapped up with the Gala Dinner, featuring a powerful and heartfelt keynote from Chief Terry Paul of Membertou, followed by the Networking Reception, and the 2024 Economic Impact Awards.
Congratulations to this year’s recipients:
- Ben Cowan-Dewar (Cabot Cape Breton)
- The Verschuren Centre
- Kiknu Long Term Care
- Celtic Air Services
- Chief Terry Paul (Membertou)
- Colleen Wheeliker, Strategic Relations Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership, for 20 years of exceptional service
A heartfelt thank you to our moderators, sponsors, attendees, and speakers for making the day unforgettable. We can’t wait to see you at the 2025 Investor Summit!
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP), administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, was thrilled to launch and present the first Welcoming Spirit Awards at the annual CBLIP Partner Update Event: New Beginnings – Shared Futures on Friday, November 8, 2024 at the Sarah Denny Cultural Centre in Eskasoni.
This is the inaugural year for the Welcoming Spirit Awards, a new recognition focused on honouring individuals and organizations across Unama’ki – Cape Breton who have made a significant contribution in fostering welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers to Canada.
“This year’s recipients of the Welcoming Spirit Awards have shown, time and time again, their unwavering commitment to helping newcomers to Canada feel at home in Unama’ki – Cape Breton,” said Kailea Pedley, CBLIP Program Manager. “We are celebrating their dedication, thoughtfulness, and passion for hospitality. We all have a part to play in making our communities more inclusive and welcoming, and these recipients truly uphold these values every day.”
The recipients of the 2024 Welcoming Spirit Awards are:
- Award for an Individual: Rickey Lanting, YREACH
- Award for an Organization: L’Arche Cape Breton
“I am so honoured to be recognized and receive one of the first Welcoming Spirit Awards,” said Rickey Lanting of YREACH. “Working in immigration can be very challenging, but this recognition pushes me to work even harder and be an inspiration to newcomers. I made it here, and others can too, especially with the help of a supportive inclusive community and access to resources.”
Planning has already begun for the 2025 Welcoming Spirit Awards, and those born outside of Canada and now call Unama’ki – Cape Breton home are invited to consider nominating an individual or organization who help newcomers feel welcome for a Welcoming Spirit Award in Summer 2025 when nominations open.
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.