(Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS) Nominations are now open for the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Awards, which celebrate individuals and businesses who are committed to the advancement of workplace health and safety across Unama’ki – Cape Breton.

The awards are a recognition program that was created by the Safety First in Cape Breton Network, in collaboration with the Cape Breton Partnership, WCB Nova Scotia and the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI). The award categories include recognitions for Young Advocate, Engagement Ally and Safety Champion, Outstanding Health & Safety Committee, Small Business Trailblazer, and Innovation Expert.

The awards will be presented on May 8, 2024 at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre as part of the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium. The symposium will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an industry trade show. Details regarding registration and speakers will be shared in the weeks to come.

“The Safety First in Cape Breton Network is thrilled to continue working alongside our partners at the Cape Breton Partnership, LSI, WCB Nova Scotia,” said Kelly Johnston-Noseworthy, Co-Chair of the Safety First in Cape Breton Network. “The Safety First Awards program works to recognize individuals and organizations who make health and safety a top priority and continuously work to improve upon their workplace health and safety culture.”

This year’s award categories have changed slightly to better reflect the incredible impact that employees and employers make across the Island to make it the safest place to do business.

“As safety leaders, employers, and employees we all have a responsibility to ensure every individual returns home safely at the end of the day to their loved ones,” added Blaise MacNeil, also Co-Chair of the network. “By recognizing the outstanding contributions employees and employers make each day, we are fostering a collaborative safety culture here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton.”

To nominate an individual or organization, and to learn more about the categories, please visit http://www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com/about-safetyfirstawards.

-30- 

Media Contact: 

Carly Appleton

Cape Breton Partnership 

Carly@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, 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. 

Unama’ki – Cape Breton, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership, YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre, Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works, and Le Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) are partnering to host the Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series beginning on March 26 to April 9, 2024.  

The Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series will give local employers a chance to meet local jobseekers in person and fill available positions quickly, and will offer jobseekers a chance to explore different career options, meet local employers, and move forward in their careers.  

“The Cape Breton Partnership is committed to fostering connections and empowering individuals to find fulfilling careers, and we recognize the importance of providing opportunities for meaningful employment within our communities,” says Jessica MacDonald, Human Resources Advisor with the Cape Breton Partnership. “Our focus through the job fairs is to facilitate impactful face-to-face engagements between employers and prospective candidates. By doing so, we and our partners hope to play a role in enhancing the prosperity of our local economy, one job match at a time.” 

“Facilitating direct connections between employers and jobseekers offers significant benefits by creating a streamlined platform for efficient networking,” shares Valarie Dolhanty, Executive Director of YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre. “This collaborative effort showcases our shared commitment to addressing regional unemployment challenges. By combining resources and expertise with our partners in planning this series, we aim to deliver a more comprehensive and impactful event, reaching a wider audience of job-seekers and offering enhanced opportunities for employers to connect with the right talent.” 

Unama’ki – Cape Breton Job Fair Series locations will include: 

To learn more, or to register and attend a Job Fair as a jobseeker or employer, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/JobFairSeries.  

-30- 

Media Contact: 

Michaela Epifano, Communications and Investor Relations Coordinator 

Cape Breton Partnership 

Michaela@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, 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.  

About YMCA of Cape Breton Nova Scotia Works Employment Services Centre: 

Since 2016, employment service centres are known under the umbrella of Nova Scotia Works, funded through the Employment Nova Scotia division of the Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI). We offer a common menu of services including case management, job development, employment maintenance/support and career counselling supported by a staff of dedicated career practitioners. 

About Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works: 

The Northside Employment & Resource Centre Nova Scotia Works supports and empower Nova Scotians; to foster resiliency in individuals, businesses and communities to build a stronger province. It is our mission to ensure that all persons are supported in achieving their full potential through personal growth, skills development, and employment. 

About Le Conseil de developpement economique de la Nouvelle-Ecosse (CDÉNÉ): 

The Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the economic advancement of the Acadian and Francophone community in Nova Scotia. Founded in 1999, it is the only provincial Francophone economic development organization in Nova Scotia. 

Canada’s housing crisis is dominating the news, but we rarely hear about the work happening behind the scenes to fix it. There are housing advocates, developers, and politicians right here in Unama’ki – Cape Breton who are making tangible progress towards solutions. 

In the fourth episode of Invest in Cape Breton, we cover the current state of Cape Breton’s housing market, what two developers are doing to address the crisis, and what they think local governments and stakeholders can do to facilitate more housing development.

Our guests are:

This episode is sponsored by the Construction Association of Nova Scotia (CANS) and Doucet Developments.

Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.

Population Growth and Lack of Inventory Are Driving the Local Housing Crisis

Unama’ki-Cape Breton saw a population boom during the pandemic that hasn’t let up. There are many upsides to growth, but the island doesn’t have enough housing to support it yet. As a result, availability is low and prices have gone up.

Roger Boutilier from the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors (NSAR) says the way out of the problem is to build more, especially in the categories of social housing, senior housing, starter homes, and density development (i.e. row houses and apartment buildings). The good news is that Nova Scotia has the most new development in the country. The situation should improve in the next few years as those projects come to market and prices and interest rates stabilize.

New Housing Developments Are Coming Soon

Doucet Developments is deep in the design phase for new residential and commercial development coming to the Sydney waterfront. The first phase of Edgewater is expected to deliver 166 luxury apartment rentals, office space, community amenities, and 400 parking spaces. The company is also hoping to build residential communities behind the Ben’s Bread facility on George Street, and is exploring opportunities on Charlotte Street as well.

By the Bay Properties is new to the region but is already providing housing. They have 40 affordably-priced mini homes on the way and hope to deliver 80 units by the end of 2024. In the near future, they’re focusing on government programs to provide affordable housing (join the waitlist) and getting permits to build multi-unit buildings.

Governments Are Doing a Good Job Addressing the Crisis, but Can Still Do More

All of the guests offered kudos to local, provincial, and federal governments for making the housing crisis a top priority.

As for what else they can do to spur housing development, Vancouver-based By the Bay Properties would like to see the out-of-province property tax cancelled. Doucet Developments would like to see incentives like bonuses, tax breaks, and a streamlined permit process. NSAR would like to see governments and developers working together to build more social, senior, and higher density housing.

Subscribe to the Invest in Cape Breton podcast

In Episode 5 we’re talking to tourism innovators. Subscribe or follow now on your favourite podcast platform to be notified when it drops. If you’re enjoying the series, consider leaving us a rating or review.

February 21, 2024 Update:

The Offshore Wind Information Session currently scheduled for February 22 in Ingonish has been POSTPONED. The Cape Breton Partnership and Net Zero Atlantic are presently working to reschedule the session to provide an opportunity for key stakeholders to attend and participate.

The sessions scheduled for February 21 will still be taking place as planned.

February 7, 2024 Update:

Due to significant weather events impacting the region in early February 2024, the originally scheduled Offshore Wind Information Sessions were postponed. New dates have now been confirmed, and the Information Sessions will be taking place across Unama’ki – Cape Breton from February 21 – 22 & March 5 – 6, 2024.


Original January 26, 2024 News Release:

Cape Breton Island, NSThe Cape Breton Partnership and Net Zero Atlantic have announced a second round of Offshore Wind Information Sessions across Unama’ki – Cape Breton in early February 2024. The goal of the sessions is to invite residents to come and learn the basics about offshore wind energy and how it could help Nova Scotia achieve a net zero future.

“The first round of sessions late last year was well-received by communities in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, and we want to continue that momentum in 2024 by visiting more communities with our partners at Net Zero Atlantic,” says Tyler Mattheis, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We want to learn alongside the communities we’re visiting. We are sharing information and asking that the community share their thoughts and concerns about offshore wind development with us to help inform regulatory decision making.”

The Government of Nova Scotia has set a target to develop 5 GW of offshore wind energy by 2030. Nova Scotia currently has an electricity generating capacity of 3.061 GW. The regulations for the industry are being jointly developed by the Government of Canada and Government of Nova Scotia, with the Regional Assessment for Offshore Wind Development in Nova Scotia ongoing.

“Net Zero Atlantic is looking forward to continuing our work with the Cape Breton Partnership for these information sessions. We hope to see community members interested in learning more about why we need to achieve net-zero emissions and how offshore wind could help our region reach this target,” says Sven Scholtysik, Director of Research at Net Zero Atlantic.

The information sessions are a collaboration between the Cape Breton Partnership’s Green Energy Engagement Program and Net Zero Atlantic’s project Capacity Building for the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Nova Scotia’s Offshore Wind Resources.

Upcoming sessions are scheduled in the communities of Chéticamp, Port Hood, Ingonish, Sydney, New Waterford, and Glace Bay. To learn more, including session dates, times, and locations, please visit: https://capebretonpartnership.com/windinfo.

-30-

Media Contacts:
Carly Appleton
Cape Breton Partnership
902-562-0122
Carly@capebretonpartnership.com

Kasia Morrison
Net Zero Atlantic
KMorrison@netzeoatlantic.ca 
902-410-6325

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 Net Zero Atlantic
Net Zero Atlantic seeks to advance the goal of a sustainable and inclusive transition into 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. Learn more about Net Zero Atlantic at www.netzeroatlantic.ca.

Cape Breton Island, NS – NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Partnership were thrilled to celebrate the 2023 Vital Unama’ki – Cape Breton Excellence Awards recipients on January 26 at the Port of Sydney’s Royal Cape Breton Yacht Club Room.

The Vital Awards annually recognize youth and young professionals across Unama’ki – Cape Breton who have made significant contributions to their community, school or workplace, and the employers who support them. This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Vital Awards, and winners from the past ten years were celebrated at the after party featuring music from Rankin MacInnis and the Broken Reeds.

Genevieve Andrea, Chair, NextGen Unamaki Cape Breton

“The Vital Awards was an inspiring night celebrating outstanding youth and young professionals,” shares Genevieve Andrea, Chair of NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton. “Recognizing excellence in six categories, we amplified the voices shaping our vibrant community. As we approached this year’s awards, we reminisced on the remarkable successes of winners from the past decade. Now, I’m genuinely excited to witness the promising journeys that lie ahead for this year’s winners!”

Tyler Mattheis, CEO and President, Cape Breton Partnership

“Each year, we come together to celebrate the energy and potential of our youth, the dedication of employers, and the leadership in our community,” shares Tyler Mattheis, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “It’s crucial to acknowledge the incredible value these individuals bring to Unama’ki – Cape Breton, and the employers that give youth opportunities to grow and succeed locally. We take great pride in our ongoing partnership with NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton for this event, as we contribute to conveying the message that the youth of our Island are vital.”

2023 Vital Award Winners

The 2023 Vital Award Winners are:

Vital Excellence Award – Recognizes individuals who have played a vital role in their community through volunteerism, culture, leadership, innovation, etc:

Vital Employee Excellence Award – Recognizes employees who have played a vital role in their workplace in Unama’ki – Cape Breton:

Vital Employer Excellence Award – Recognizes employers who have played a vital role in creating rewarding employment opportunities for youth in Unama’ki – Cape Breton:

Vital Newcomer Excellence Award– Recognizes newcomers who have made significant contributions to a community or communities in Unama’ki – Cape Breton through leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, etc:

Vital Entrepreneur Excellence Award – Recognizes visionary entrepreneurs whose significant contributions have played a pivotal role in propelling economic growth, all while exemplifying the qualities of effective leadership:

Vital Lnu’k Excellence Award – Recognizes Lnu’k who are outstanding ambassadors of culture, community, and collaboration on Unama’ki – Cape Breton:

To learn more about each winner and their contributions to communities across the Island, visit http://www.cbnextgen.com/winners.

 -30-

Media Contact
Jeremy Martell, Director of Communications
Cape Breton Partnership
jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com
902-562-0122

About NextGen
NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton envisions a network of young, community-minded professionals that contribute to socio-economic prosperity, fair equality of opportunity and community development through leadership and innovation. To realize this vision, we engage young professionals in dialogue and inspire them to become more active in all aspects of the future of their communities. With our partners, we identify and promote advancement opportunities for young people.

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.