Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – Nominations are now open for the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, recognizing individuals and businesses across Unama’ki – Cape Breton who demonstrate outstanding commitment to advancing workplace health and safety standards across the Island.

The awards, which are generously manufactured and sponsored by Protocase, will be presented on May 6, 2026, at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre as part of the 2026 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium­, proudly presented by WCB Nova Scotia, the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI), Nova Scotia Power, and the Cape Breton Partnership. Tickets for the Symposium will go on sale in March 2026 through Eventbrite.

“The Safety First in Cape Breton Awards honour those who prove that safety is more than a rulebook,” said Blaise MacNeil, Safety Advisor with the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network. “It’s leadership in action. When we put safety first, we protect not only our people, but our communities, our families, and our future.”

The Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium and Awards are an initiative of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, administered by the Cape Breton Partnership since the Network’s establishment in 2012.

“The Safety First in Cape Breton Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and organizations who make workplace health and safety a priority every single day, celebrating that commitment and fostering a culture where safety always comes first,” said Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “As the Island’s private sector-led economic development organization, we recognize the importance of workplace health and safety, and we are proud to work with our event partners to help build a culture where a commitment to workplace health and safety is an essential part of growing community prosperity and an innovative economy across the Island.”

Nominations for the 2026 awards will be accepted for the following categories: Young Advocate; Small Business Trailblazer; Engagement Ally / Safety Champion; Outstanding Health & Safety Committee; and Innovation Expert.

To nominate an individual or organization for a Safety First in Cape Breton Award, please visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/safety-first-awards and make a nomination by noon on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

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Media Contact
Alyson Oliver, Communications Coordinator
Cape Breton Partnership
Alyson@capebretonpartnership.com
(902) 562-0122

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. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com. 

About the Safety First in Cape Breton Network:
The Safety First in Cape Breton Network was formed by a passionate group of health and safety leaders in 2012 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. Learn more at https://capebretonpartnership.com/initiatives-services/safety-first-in-cape-breton/.