Nova Scotia’s Regional Enterprise Networks and Chambers of Commerce tapped to roll-out Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) Rapid Screening Consortium to workplaces across the provinceJune 8, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cape Breton Island, NS –The Cape Breton Partnership and Cape Breton’s two Regional Enterprise Networks, have partnered with the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce to roll-out the Creative Destruction Labs (CDL) Rapid Testing Consortium in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, a program being administered across the country by CDL and both provincial and federal governments.

The initiative is aimed at providing workplaces with self-administered testing kits for their employees in an effort to help identify and stop the spread of COVID-19, while keeping the workforce safe.

“Finding ways to adapt our businesses to living with COVID-19 is important in getting our economy and our communities back to a new normal,” said Carla Arsenault, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership, a private sector-led economic development organization which administers the Cape Breton Regional Enterprise Network (CB REN) and the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) Regional Enterprise Network.

“This initiative is critical in providing businesses with the ability to provide regular testing for employees, which will not only help stop the spread of the virus, but protect our economy and keep businesses safe,” said Arsenault.

Joining the program is 100 per cent free and will help decrease the pressure on the healthcare system, as healthcare resources are able to focus their screening efforts on infected people. By rolling out rapid testing in and around Unama’ki – Cape Breton workplaces, we are providing an efficient and strategic way to reopen our economy.

“If you are a business based in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, we invite your business to join the CDL Rapid Screening Consortium and begin the process to implement workplace rapid testing in your business or organization. This opportunity is open to any business in Unama’ki – Cape Breton and registration is open for the first cohort until this Thursday, June 10, 2021, with the Kick-off meeting this Friday, June 11, 2021,” said Kathleen Yurchesyn, CEO, Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Implementing a workplace rapid testing program in your business will not only provide a safe work environment, but it will also help to restore consumer confidence within our community as well.”

A business can join the CDL Rapid Screening Consortium by signing up using the links below.

“The Strait Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to work alongside our partners to support this important initiative for our business community and our members,” said Misty MacDonald, Executive Director, Strait Area Chamber of Commerce. “Testing is a critical step in our province’s re-opening plan and an important way to not only protect workers, but businesses and the economy.”

How to participate
If you are a business owner who is interested in participating in this initiative, below are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Register to be a rapid testing site by Thursday, June 10 on the CDL website
  2. Sign your Participation Agreement
  3. Attend a Kick-Off Meeting this Friday, June 11
  4. Meet your Industry Partner (Buddy System)
  5. Establish Site Design & Order Screens
  6. Share Lessons & Questions at Weekly Operations Meetings
  7. Launch and scale!
  8. Stay connected through Bi-weekly Town halls

To learn more about being part of the CDL Rapid Testing Consortium, please visit. CDLRapidTestingConsortium.com. You can also register your business here and if you have any questions or require assistance, please email info@capebretonpartnership.com.

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Media contact:
Mark Inglis
Cape Breton Partnership
902-562-0122
mark@capebretonpartnership.com

Erica Holgate, Communications & Member Relations
Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce
902.322.0558
erica@cbregionalchamber.ca

Misty MacDonald, Executive Director
Strait Area Chamber of Commerce
902-625-1588
mmacdonald@straitareachamber.ca

About the CDL Rapid Screening Consortium
The CDL Rapid Screening Consortium is a private-led, not-for-profit initiative formed in August 2020 with the goal of establishing a robust rapid screening system and operational implementation strategy to be delivered as a public good to Canada and then the world.

About the Nova Scotia Regional Enterprise Networks (RENs)
The mandate of the RENs is to guide and navigate regional economic development while providing support to businesses; operate as a connector among economic development partners; support business growth and retention; and provide regional leadership on economic priorities.

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 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.

About the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce is a private sector led, not-for-profit, non-partisan organization. A catalyst for business growth by listening to and advocating for members’ needs, the Chamber works to create a strong business community through collaboration, networking, advocacy, and education.

About the Strait Area Chamber of Commerce
The Strait Area Chamber of Commerce is a business development organization that promotes, improves, and protects trade and commerce; and in so doing, ensures that the Strait Area is one of the best regions in which to invest, live, work and conduct business. The Chamber provides unique opportunities to promote and develop your business, through advertising, seminars, trade shows, and more.