(Originally published by Apex East Coast Business Magazine)
The population of Cape Breton Island grew by about 1,200 people between 2021-2022. This was a significant change for a region that has been losing its talent to the rest of Canada and the world for more than four decades. New growth after years of decline is a new and welcome reality happening in many places in Canada, and it requires new approaches to attracting and retaining workers.
As part of Nova Scotia’s Population Growth Strategy, Nova Scotia aims to double its population to two million by 2060. The province plans to achieve this by attracting 25,000 newcomers per year, through a combination of immigration and inter-provincial migration. For Unama’ki – CapeBreton, this means we must double our population to 260,000 by 2060, and we must welcome at least 2,000 people
annually.
But what does this mean for business owners and employers?
Many business owners throughout Nova Scotia continue to struggle to find skilled workers to fill the increasing number of job vacancies that seem to be growing as fast as the population. Ironically, it seems more difficult to attract and retain talent during population growth, than it was during the years of decline. This challenge has prompted new programs, services, and industry best-practices, including the Graduate to Opportunity (GTO) program, Immigration Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Outreach Officers that can help employers navigate Canada’s immigration system, and companies adapting their human resource functions to improve job postings, descriptions and communication between employers and employees. These solutions, and others like them, are opportunities you should take advantage of.
The GTO program offered by the Government of Nova Scotia is one way to address labour shortages by hiring new graduates, and it comes with a salary incentive: 25 per cent of the first year’s salary and 12.4 per cent of the second year’s salary.
The Government of Canada has local outreach officers that can help employers attract, hire, and retain qualified workers from abroad to fill labour needs. By starting with a discussion with these officers, you can quickly determine if programs are available for your industry, location, or company’s growth stage.
Human resource capacity continues to be a challenge, as businesses who traditionally leveraged personal networks now have to create compelling job descriptions and consider their advertising strategy. In Sydney, some employers are finding success by using recruitment services like Anchored Recruiting, and others are utilizing tools available on the Government of Canada’s Job Bank or local online supports like the Cape Breton Job Board. Still others are looking to hire (or train) human resources staff in-house, often starting by reaching out to the Nova Scotia chapter of the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources. Look for these or similar supports in your area.
This also means we must adopt new ways to make sure they are welcomed in our workplaces, social groups and connected to the community in meaningful and lasting ways are critical for our long-term success. Innovation in attracting, retaining, and benefiting from new employees is also critical for success as we grow our population and communities.
By using tools and opportunities available now, you can attract and retain workers during times of population growth.
Tyler Mattheis is the President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization and the administrator of Cape Breton’s Regional Enterprise Networks.
Please note, this webinar was held on July 13, 2023, and so presentations and information are only accurate up to that date. If you have any questions or are interested in learning more, reaching out to one of these organizations is always recommended.
Join the Cape Breton Partnership, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration and Nova Scotia Works to learn how immigration helps employers meet labour needs.
Learn about navigating the Canadian immigration system, and how to support your employees and newcomers to stay in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
Representatives of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada Immigration provide an overview of Federal immigration programs including: how to hire temporary foreign workers and the work permit process, hiring international students and how to retain them after they graduate, resources to help you find skilled workers faster and permanent residence pathways available to allow workers stay in Canada long-term.
Nova Scotia Labour, Skills and Immigration provide a summary of Provincial programming including the Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP).
The presentation also includes international recruitment opportunities, retention strategies along with HR tools, training resources, and wage subsidy information provided by Nova Scotia Works.
Cape Breton Island, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership, in collaboration with Net Zero Atlantic, has launched an Offshore Wind Community Engagement Survey to gather insight from residents of Unama’ki – Cape Breton.
Offshore wind development has the potential to provide clean electricity, meaningful employment, and economic growth while helping to reduce the impacts of climate change. In the past year there has been unprecedented interest in the potential for offshore wind in Unama’ki – Cape Breton and across Nova Scotia, as the region has been recognized as having a world-class wind resource and as a potential hub for offshore wind development.
The Government of Nova Scotia has set a target to offer leases for 5 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2030. As federal and provincial governments establish the regulatory framework for this anticipated new source of clean energy for Nova Scotia, the Cape Breton Partnership and Net Zero Atlantic are seeking feedback from local communities, rights-holders, and stakeholders ahead of any future development.
“The Cape Breton Partnership wants the economic, cultural, social, and environmental values of Unama’ki – Cape Breton to be reflected in any future proposed development,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “The community feedback we receive through this survey will help to inform future engagement strategies and encourage sustainable and equitable development that can provide positive growth in communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”
“Net Zero Atlantic is co-creating and delivering community-tailored information to help Cape Breton communities prepare for a future that may include offshore wind,” said Sven Scholtysik, Research Manager, Net Zero Atlantic. “This survey will provide insights that will help us better serve the communities we are collaborating with through the Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Resource project launched in Port Hawkesbury earlier this year.”
The survey is open to all residents and business-owners of Unama’ki – Cape Breton. It focuses on past participation in engagement, future engagement needs, and other relevant factors in related to the impacts of future offshore wind development. The results of the survey will be used to inform future community engagement strategies that will reflect all voices in Unama’ki – Cape Breton in anticipation of future offshore wind development.
The survey is available online now until mid-summer at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CKVYXJ6 and takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.
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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. Learn more at https://capebretonpartnership.com/.
About Net Zero Atlantic: Net Zero Atlantic seeks to advance the goal of a sustainable and inclusive transition to a carbon-neutral future in Atlantic Canada. We produce credible and objective data to inform sound policies and decisions related to critical topics currently including, but not limited to, hydrogen, offshore wind, geothermal energy, and energy system modeling. We carry out our work in collaboration with academia, governments, private sector, Indigenous Peoples and other non-government organizations. Learn more about Net Zero Atlantic at www.netzeroatlantic.ca.
Cape Breton Island, NS – Leaders in the Occupational Health & Safety industry were recognized today at the 10th annual Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, held at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre as part of the 2023 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium.
The awards recognize individuals, businesses, and committees who support building a strong culture of occupational health and safety in workplaces across Unama’ki – Cape Breton, and who make a difference in enhancing safety in their workplaces each and every day.
On behalf of the Cape Breton Partnership and event partners at the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, WCB Nova Scotia, EverWind Fuels, and award sponsor Protocase, the following safety award recipients were honoured and recognized for the following awards:
- Engagement Ally Award: Keith Armsworthy, CBRM Healthcare Redevelopment Health and Safety Coordinator, Build Nova Scotia
- Young Advocate Award: Amy Czuczman, Chemical and Environmental Supervisor, Nova Scotia Power
- Outstanding Health & Safety Committee Award: Marine Atlantic – North Sydney Terminal OH&S Committee
This year’s symposium welcomed more than 220 delegates to Membertou Trade & Convention Centre for the 10th annual Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium on May 24, 2023. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from industry leaders, visit a trade show, participate in interactive breakout sessions, and enjoyed an engaging panel discussion highlighting women in the trades.
The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is the only event of its kind in Unama’ki – Cape Breton and is committed to making the Island the safest place to work and do business by prioritizing physical, psychosocial, and mental health of the workforce in our region. For more information on the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium and Awards, please visit www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com.
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Media Contact:
Carly Appleton
Cape Breton Partnership
902-227-7976
carly@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. Learn more at https://capebretonpartnership.com/.
About the Safety First Cape Breton Network
The Safety First Network demonstrates Leadership by providing safe work environments for employees, distributing online newsletters to share with industry about safety related topics, highlight the work of the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and WCB Nova Scotia, while showcasing the safety champions in the Unama’ki – Cape Breton region.
Cape Breton Island, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership and Municipality of the County of Richmond will be hosting the 2023 Unama’ki – Cape Breton Business Dinner, presented by Bear Head Energy, on June 22, 2023, at La Picasse Cultural Centre in Petit-De-Grat, Richmond County. The Business Dinner will be headlined with a keynote speech from Doug Griffiths, nationally renowned community strategist and author of 13 Ways to Kill Your Community.
Along with the Keynote Speech from Griffiths, the Unama’ki – Cape Breton Business Dinner will also include a networking reception presented by Rodney Thibeau of 3C Wealth Partners, full dinner, and an update from the Cape Breton Partnership. The update will feature an introduction to Martin Thomsen, the Economic Development and Innovation Officer for Richmond County and the Town of Port Hawkesbury who took on the position in early 2023 with the Partnership’s Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network.
“We are proud to be working with Richmond County and Bear Head Energy to bring this opportunity to network, learn, and share a meal to Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business community,” says Cape Breton Partnership President & CEO Tyler Mattheis. “Doug Griffiths’ message is one that helps us all take a look at the building blocks that make or break a community; ideas to build on and pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re a local business owner, community leader, dedicated volunteer, or are just passionate about your community, this is the perfect event for you.”
Having served the Province of Alberta as an MLA for four consecutive terms from 2002-2015, holding past portfolios as Minister for the Department of Municipal Affairs and for Service Alberta, Doug Griffiths authored the best-selling 13 Ways to Kill Your Community in 2010 as a witty, fun, and informative practical approach to community building. Griffiths went on to found 13 Ways Inc. which facilitates success in building communities people want to live in and can prosper within.
Warden Amanda Mombourquette noted about Mr. Griffiths, “I’ve been working in the field of economic development for over 20 years, and have been fortunate to hear many inspirational speakers along the way. In my experience, Doug Griffiths delivers one of the most compelling and clear messages that I have heard yet – one that we can all relate to, and one that compels us to take action. If you have an interest in the long-term prosperity of our communities, this is an event you will not want to miss!”
Tickets for the Unama’ki – Cape Breton Business Dinner are now available for $35 + HST and can be purchased at: https://cb-business-dinner-june2023.eventbrite.ca. Tickets are limited to spacing, and early registration is recommended.
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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 631-5442
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.
