Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership celebrated the incredible contributions of businesses, community organizations, and business leaders across Unama’ki – Cape Breton on October 24 during the annual Economic Impact Awards presentation at the 2024 Investor Summit, held at the Inverary Resort on Baddeck Bay and presented by Nova Scotia Power.
The 2024 Economic Impact Awards were presented with support from Nova Scotia Power, the Atlantic Economic Council, and Greenfoot Energy Solutions. The Awards annually recognize individuals and organizations from multiple industries for their outstanding contributions to the economy. Award recipients are chosen based on their significant contribution to the Unama’ki – Cape Breton economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, and new investments.
“It was an incredible day marking our 20th anniversary, followed by an incredible evening celebrating businesses, institutions, and leaders in our communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton at the 2024 Economic Impact Awards presentation,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “It’s leaders and organizations such as this year’s recipients that are bringing innovation to the forefront, and working to grow our Island, our workforce, and our economy.”
The recipients of the 2024 Economic Impact Awards include Ben Cowan-Dewar of Cabot Cape Breton; The Verschuren Centre; Kiknu Long Term Care; Celtic Air Services; and Chief Terry Paul of Membertou.
“Membertou is a proud legacy investor in the Cape Breton Partnership, and through the years the reach and impact they’ve had on our island’s businesses and economic position is significant,” said Chief Terry Paul of Membertou. “I am honoured to accept an Impact Award at the 20th anniversary of the Cape Breton Partnership’s Investor Summit.”
A sixth award was also presented in 2024 to Colleen Wheeliker, Strategic Relations Advisor of the Cape Breton Partnership, in recognition of her 20 years of service to the Cape Breton Partnership and the Island’s economy as one of the organization’s original staff.
The recipients of the 2024 Economic Impact Awards are all individuals and organizations from various industries and communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. To be nominated, an organization or individual must have demonstrated a notable economic impact on Unama’ki – Cape Breton through new investment, innovation, and/ or workforce development in the last year.
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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 Cape Breton – Unama’ki’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.
With half a million annual visitors contributing over $300 million to the regional GDP, Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s tourism sector is robust, but nowhere near saturated. In this episode, we highlight a tourism investment case study in Cheticamp, the rapid growth of marine tourism, and the emergence of Mi’kmaq tourism. The consensus is that there are lots of opportunities for investors, and that collaborating is the way to go.
Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.
A Plan to Build a Cottage Snowballs into a Major Tourism Project
The episode begins with a case study in Cheticamp. Andre Bourgeois, a community leader in Cheticamp, met Kirk Hopner, the CEO of Ontario-based Nautical Lands Group, when Kirk bought a culturally and historically significant piece of land in the community. Kirk had planned to simply build a cottage for himself, but Andre’s insights about the community’s heritage and busy tourism industry inspired Kirk to take advantage of the untapped potential. As Andre put it, “They’re already coming, so it’s not ‘build it and they will come’. Build it because they’re coming.”As of today Kirk has multiple projects on multiple properties in development, including a museum, gastropub, high-end hotel, and housing projects.
Andre says these projects are sure to create a positive feedback loop that draws more visitors. He also says the community is a prime location for mid-range hotels.
Superyachts Are Already Coming, and Could Be Spending More
Adam Langley, President and CEO of Superyacht East Coast, has been leading a movement to develop Cape Breton as a marine tourism destination. He says superyachts and smaller boats are already coming, and there are big opportunities for businesses and communities to do more to service these floating debit cards. One boat that visited the Bras d’Or Lakes last summer spent $50,000.
For businesses, there’s demand for almost every kind of product and service, from dog grooming to onshore excursions and to ship maintenance to HVAC repair. However, superyacht passengers and crew have high standards, so tapping into this market might require a more elevated touch than usual.
For communities, Adam says if you develop your waterfront and adjacent mainstreets for locals first then the marine tourists will follow. But the most effective step is to collaborate with other communities because boaters are attracted to regions where there are lots of places to dock and visit. For Unama’ki – Cape Breton, having ocean coasts AND an inland sea is a huge advantage.
For Indigenous Tourism, Authenticity in Experiences and Partnerships is Key
Robert Bernard, the Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network (NSITEN), has been working on developing Mi’kmaq tourism businesses and experiences since 2017. Throughout that time, authenticity and cultural preservation have been at the forefront and are key parts of every offering that’s coming to the market, like the Eskasoni Cultural Journey, Membertou Heritage Park, and the Sky River Trail in We’koqma’q, all of which provide visitors with immersive experiences in Mi’kmaq history and culture. NSITEN is also working on initiatives such as the Mi’kmaq Music Association and a culinary project with Nova Scotia Community College to further promote and sustain Indigenous culture and tourism.
For investors interested in working with Indigenous communities, Robert calls for them to build genuine relationships with Indigenous communities, understanding their history and needs before initiating projects.
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New episodes of Invest in Cape Breton are coming. Subscribe or follow now on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when they drop. If you’re enjoying the series, consider leaving us a rating or review.
Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, administered by the Cape Breton Partnership, is announcing the launch of the 2024 Welcoming Spirit Awards, a new recognition focused on honouring individuals and organizations in Unama’ki – Cape Breton that have made significant contributions to fostering welcoming and inclusive communities for newcomers.
The Welcoming Spirit Awards are designed to celebrate those who demonstrate genuine respect and openness towards newcomers to our communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton, as well as those who contribute to intercultural understanding and hospitality.
“Recognizing and celebrating the efforts of those who make our communities more welcoming reminds us of the everyday actions we can all take to help newcomers feel at home,” says Kailea Pedley, Program Manager of the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership. “We are excited to shine a light on the individuals and organizations that truly make a difference in the lives of newcomers and welcome the world to Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
If you were born outside of Canada and now call Unama’ki – Cape Breton home, you are invited to submit a nomination for individuals and organizations who helped to make you feel welcomed or helped you in integrating into your community. Nominees will be evaluated based on their involvement in activities that support and integrate newcomers, such as providing guidance through cultural differences, engaging them in community events, and connecting them to local networks and resources.
Nominations must be received by 4:00 p.m. on October 1, 2024.
To make a nomination, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/2024-welcoming-spirit-awards/ or call (902) 258-7331.
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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 www.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, in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, is pleased to announce the Supporting Newcomers, Employers & Community Information Sessions, taking place from September 19 to September 27, 2024, across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
This series of informative sessions aims to foster a welcoming environment for attendees and provide valuable insights into community, employment, and immigration supports across Unama’ki – Cape Breton. Whether you are an employer, involved with newcomer services, or simply interested in the topic, you are encouraged to attend to learn more about the local supports and resources available. Each session will also include an opportunity for attendees to share insights into what supports their communities have and how communities can be better supported to attract and retain newcomers
Sessions will take place in Chéticamp (September 19, 10 a.m.), Port Hood (September 19, 2 p.m.), Glace Bay (September 20, 10 a.m.), Cleveland (September 26, 9 a.m.), and Ingonish (September 27, 11 a.m.).
“The Cape Breton Partnership is proud to host this series of sessions that will bring together our communities and newcomers in meaningful ways,” says Kelly MacKinnon, Labour Market & Immigration Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership. “We sincerely appreciate the partnership of the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration and their commitment to make this initiative possible, and we look forward to the valuable connections that will emerge from these events.”
These sessions will feature representation from the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, the Cape Breton Connector Program, the Cape Breton Welcome Network, the Cape Breton Job Board, the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, and the Cape Breton Partnership’s Immigration Services and offer the opportunity to connect with all representatives. All sessions will provide valuable general information and are not intended as in-depth discussions on immigration programs.
For further information, or to register to attend a session, visit www.capebretonpartnership.com/supporting-newcomers-employers-community.
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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 www.capebretonpartnership.com/.
There is a myth in Unama’ki – Cape Breton that the island has a talent shortage.
In the fifth episode of Invest in Cape Breton, we explore how IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles can help businesses overcome recruitment challenges by welcoming members of underrepresented communities. The conversation with Robyn Lee Seale from Build Nova Scotia and Nadine Bernard of Indigivisor covers the importance of building relationships, common mistakes, and the vital role of psychological safety.
Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.
The IDEA Approach and Why to Embrace It
IDEA stands for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility. An IDEA approach has always been important because workers are people who deserve a good experience in the workplace. But Robyn Lee says it’s a particularly interesting time to be doing diversity and inclusion work because now there’s a workforce gap—it’s in everyone’s best interest to do what it takes to welcome more people into our workplaces, and make it an environment where they want to stay.
Nadine adds that IDEA is an alignment of corporate community values with the actual communities the corporations are in. Unama’ki – Cape Breton is the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq so including and meaningfully engaging Indigenous people is one way to honour that.
Indigenous Employee Recruitment
Unama’ki’s Indigenous communities are full of talented and skilled people, but accessing them may take more than posting a job ad. That’s because many of these communities have projects of their own that need a lot of workers, and because working off-reserve means their income will be taxed.
Some employers have adapted by leasing space on First Nation land, which Nadine says has been a successful approach. Others, like Everwind Fuels are going even further and working with Indigenous communities as equity partners.
“Culture can change”
Implementing IDEA principles represents a major culture change. Robyn Lee Seale points to a precedent: the successful shift in work culture around safety since the 1992 Westray mine disaster. The local construction industry has been enthusiastic about this extension of the definition of safety to include psychological safety.
To ease the transition, Build Nova Scotia has been working on helpful support materials like an Inclusive Language Site Manual and the forthcoming Respectful Site Champion Program.
Support for Employers
If you’re an employer that needs help navigating an IDEA shift, or looking for connections into equity-deserving communities, the following people and organizations can help:
- Robyn Lee Seale is the Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Build Nova Scotia: RobynLee.Seale@novascotia.ca
- Nadine Bernard, Founder and CEO of Indigevisor
- The Band Offices of Eskasoni, Membertou, Potlotek, Wagmatcook, or We’koqma’q.
- Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office (MEBO)
- Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK)
- Veronica Merryfield at the Cape Breton Transgender Network
Subscribe to the Invest in Cape Breton podcast
In Episode 6 we’re talking about the incredible investment opportunities in this Island’s tourism sector. Subscribe or follow now on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when it drops. If you’re enjoying the series, consider leaving us a rating or review.