The impact of COVID-19 around the world has been unprecedented, and with its arrival here at home, our main priority continues to be the health and wellness of our employees, clients and community.  Our hope is that Cape Bretoners are able to take the necessary precautions and focus on staying healthy and safe at this time.

The Cape Breton Partnership focuses on connecting people from any industry or sector to the supports and resources they need to succeed.  We know that right now, this is more important than ever to our business community across the island. 

As Cape Breton – Unama’ki’s private sector led economic development organization, we have an island wide perspective on economic development. In these uncertain times, we are committed to understanding what our economy will look like into the future, and exploring how best we can support our businesses now and going forward. We appreciate that these uncertain times create significant stress for our entrepreneurs and businesses, and this week our team has been reaching out to our clients and investors to understand their current realities, most pressing concerns and what would be most helpful right now. Together with our Chambers of Commerce, municipal, provincial and federal partners, we are ensuring your voices are being heard.

One strength of the Cape Breton Partnership is our ability to work with clients to navigate often complex information, processes and procedures.  With several new government programs announced this week, we know there will be many questions about how to access this support. As such, the Cape Breton Partnership will work with our local businesses to navigate the many unknowns, and provide guidance and assistance as more information becomes available. We have uploaded a number of helpful resources to our website to help businesses navigate the current challenges facing them at this time. Click here to view this resource page.

Receiving accurate and timely information at a time like this is extremely important. In an effort to help you stay informed, we have created a COVID-19 resources section on our website to ensure you have the most up-to-date information in one spot.  We will update this section as new information becomes available. In the meantime, if you have questions, concerns or relevant information to be shared with our business community, please email us directly at info@capebretonpartnership.com.

Cape Bretoners are known for their resiliency and now is no different.  We will work together to navigate these uncertain times as they continue to evolve. In the meantime, stay healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Carla Arsenault
President & CEO
Cape Breton Partnership

Cape Breton Island, NS – Due to the current global pandemic of COVID-19, the Cape Breton – Unama’ki Job Expo series is undergoing a shift in format.

The Cape Breton Partnership, and co-hosts Nova Scotia Works, Cape Breton University, and Nova Scotia Community College, will be moving the planned Job Expo series online, offering employers and job seekers the opportunity to connect virtually.

“The Cape Breton Partnership is committed to ensuring the health and safety of Cape Bretoners,” says Carla Arsenault, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “Though the region is experiencing a period of uncertainty at the moment, we believe it is important for our employers and workforce to remain optimistic and look toward the future.”

Specifics on the virtual Job Expo will be shared through traditional and social media as soon as details have been confirmed by organizers. Employers who had already registered to attend the in-person Job Expos will be contacted directly to consider participating in the virtual Job Expo.

Local employers interested in sharing their full time and seasonal job opportunities should contact the Cape Breton Partnership at info@capebretonpartnership.com or (902) 562-0122.

-30-

Media Contact:  
Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 631-5442

Cape Breton Island, NS – Nominations are now open for the 2020 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, honouring individuals and businesses who are committed to the advancement of workplace health and safety in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.

The 2020 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards are coordinated by the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, an initiative of the Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education. The award categories include recognitions for Young Advocate, Engagement Ally, Outstanding Health & Safety Committee, Small Business Trailblazer, Safety Culture Champion, and Innovation Expert.

“The Safety First in Cape Breton Awards are about honouring the employers and employees who are committed to safe and healthy workplaces,” says Carla Arsenault, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “The safety of our Island’s workforce is a priority, and we want to recognize those who are committed to the advancement of workplace health and safety and those who contribute to making Cape Breton Island a safe place to work and do business in Nova Scotia.”

The awards will be presented on May 7 as part of the 2020 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, hosted by the Cape Breton Partnership, the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, and the Nova Scotia Department of Labour and Advanced Education. The symposium will take place at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre, and feature a keynote address, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and an industry trade show.

The deadline to submit nominations is April 7, 2020. To submit a nomination, visit http://www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com/nominate-safetyfirstawards.html .

Registration for the 2020 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium will be set up in the near future.

-30-

Media Contact:  
Megan Tonet
Cape Breton Partnership
megan@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 562-0122

Cape Breton Island, NS – Building on the momentum of a recent Creative Economy Leaders Workshop, the Cape Breton Partnership will be hosting Creative Minds: Artists’ Stories, a four-part event series taking place throughout March and April.

Creative Minds: Artists’ Stories is an opportunity to bring together individuals who work, create, and thrive in arts and culture to share their stories and give one another a glimpse into what it means to be an artist in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Live music and an opportunity to network with the creative sector will round out each evening. 

“Opportunities for artists to tell their stories are a key element of fostering Cape Breton – Unama’ki’s creative sector,” says Erin Flynn, Creative Economy Development Officer, Cape Breton Partnership. “Through these events, artists will be able to share their experiences and celebrate the many creative sector contributions on our island.”

Creative Minds: Artists’ Stories details are below:

Tuesday, March 10, 2020: Sydney, Doktor Luke’s, 5:00-8:00PM

Thursday, March 12, 2020: Baddeck, Victoria County Creates, 5:00-8:00PM

Tuesday, March 31, 2020: St. Peter’s, Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, 5:00-8:00PM

A fourth session will take place early April in Inverness.  Once confirmed, event details will be shared.

The Cape Breton Partnership recognizes the importance of the creative sector to our Cape Breton economy, and the Cape Breton Partnership Creative Economy Development Officer is responsible for supporting and growing initiatives in the creative sector across the island. Hosting the Creative Economy Leaders Workshop and the Creative Minds: Artists’ Stories event series are a sample of projects undertaken.

-30-

Media Contact:  
Megan Tonet
Cape Breton Partnership
megan@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 562-0122

St. Ann’s, Cape Breton Island – Cape Breton – Unama’ki has always been synonymous with culture and creativity, a sector that continues to grow across the country. To foster that growth here at home, the Cape Breton Partnership hosted a two-day Creative Economy Leaders Workshop last week at the Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College in St. Ann’s.

“We have a vibrant community of artists and creative organizations that thrive in part because creative practices have always been a part of our culture on the Island,” says Carla Arsenault, Cape Breton Partnership President & CEO. “The creative sector plays a significant role in our daily lives in Cape Breton – Unama’ki, and is a significant economic driver. We are home to thousands of talented artisans, musicians, actors, writers, and creators. Our Island is a global leader in the creative economy and we are well positioned to contribute and flourish in this sector even further.”  

Last week’s Creative Economy Leaders Workshop saw 30 minds from the Island’s creative sector come together to assess the current creative sector plans: the Cape Breton Island Culture Sector Strategy and Cape Breton Regional Municipality Creative Economy Growth Plan. Musicians, artisans, visual artists, designers, filmmakers, and those involved in theatre and heritage developed an inventory of the Island’s current and upcoming creative assets, identified strengths and opportunities, and discussed collaborative projects that will sustain Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s creative economy growth into the future.

“I’m energized by the potential opportunities for culture and the arts in Cape Breton Island,” says the Honourable Rodney MacDonald, CEO of Colaisde na Gàidhlig | The Gaelic College. “During the two-day conference lots of great discussions, learning and emotions were shared. We all agree that now is the time for action – action that continues to celebrate what already exists in our vibrant culture sector and hopefully leads to more supports for artists across the island.” In 2019, the Cape Breton Partnership created a new position, the Creative Economy Development Officer, responsible for supporting and growing initiatives in the creative sector across the island. Hosting the Creative Economy Leaders Workshop is one of many projects undertaken, with additional workshops to come. For more information, contact Creative Economy Development Officer Erin Flynn at erin@capebretonpartnership.com or 902-562-0122.

-30-

Media Contact:  
Megan Tonet
Cape Breton Partnership
megan@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 562-0122