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/.
-30-
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 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.
-30-
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.
Subscribe to the Invest in Cape Breton podcast
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.
-30-
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.
-30-
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/.