The Safety First in Cape Breton Network is known for its annual signature event: the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium. This annual event features a full day of speakers, networking, panels, a trade show, and more for an audience of over 200 professionals focused on making Unama’ki – Cape Breton safer for workplaces and employees. The Symposium offers workplaces a great way to network and share their offerings with several key industries.

The 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium will be held May 6, 2026, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is made possible thanks to network sponsors and partners, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB Nova Scotia),the Cape Breton Partnership, and the Safety First Planning committee. The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s signature safety event, bringing together a wide variety of employers and workers from all sectors across the Island, united in their pursuit of making Unama’ki – Cape Breton the safest place to work.

---

2026 Safety First Sponsors

We would like to thank the wonderful, dedicated organizations that make the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium possible! Each of our sponsors is a true champion of safety!

Nova Scotia Power · Event Sponsor

Nova Scotia Power has had a presence in communities across Nova Scotia for over a century. As the primary electricity provider in the province, the company is regulated by the Nova Scotia Energy Board and provides generation, transmission, and distribution of electrical power to approximately 550,000 customers. This includes residential, commercial, and industrial customers. With more than 2,200 dedicated employees, the team at Nova Scotia Power works every day to provide safe, reliable service to customers in every corner of the province. Their focus is on engaging with communities about the important work being done to meet the evolving energy needs of Nova Scotians while supporting the exciting growth and development in the region. Learn more at nspower.ca.

LearnCorp International (LCI) · Panel Sponsor

LearnCorp International (LCI) is a global leader in specialized technical and safety training. Headquartered in Nova Scotia, Canada, and operating as a partnered enterprise of Cape Breton University (CBU), LCI has delivered world-class training solutions for major energy projects across five continents. With more than two decades of experience, LCI provides expertise in curriculum and program development, safety-focused instruction, and practical, industry-relevant technical training. Learn more at learncorp.ca.

Construction Safety Nova Scotia

Construction Safety Nova Scotia delivers safety training, COR® auditing, and advisory services to help industry build skills, reduce injuries, and achieve stronger, safer workplaces. Learn more at constructionsafetyns.ca.

---

Safety First in Cape Breton Awards

Presented annually at the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, the Safety First in Cape Breton Awards are proudly chosen by the Safety First in Cape Breton Network’s Planning Committee, honouring those individuals and businesses who are committed to the advancement of workplace health and safety and promoting the total wellbeing (including physical, psychosocial, and mental health) of our region’s workplaces and workforce.

Nominations are now open for the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards in the following categories:

• Young Advocate;
• Small Business Trailblazer;
• Engagement Ally / Safety Champion;
• Outstanding Health & Safety Committee; and
• Innovation Expert.

Please note that the deadline for submissions is April 1, 2026.

---

Past Highlights

We are proud to have hosted the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium since 2013! Select a year below to see photo highlights from past Symposiums!

---

About Safety First in Cape Breton

The Safety First in Cape Breton Network was formed by a passionate group of health and safety leaders in 2012 from the Cape Breton Partnership, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour & Advanced Education (now the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration), and the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia.

Created to help address business needs and improve workplace health and safety culture, the Safety First in Cape Breton Network is an Island-wide initiative that promotes the importance of a strong health and safety culture in workplaces, provides opportunities to network and engage with other safety practitioners, and learning opportunities to help enhance HSE programs across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

---

Want to learn more about the Safety First in Cape Breton Network?

Contact Alyson Oliver, Communications Coordinator, at alyson@capebretonpartnership.com.