NOVEMBER 13TH OFFICIALLY DECLARED NEWCOMER’S DAY
CBRM becomes first municipality in Nova Scotia to recognize the value of Newcomers

Sydney, NS – November 13, 2009

– A historic first has taken place the evening of Friday, November 13th at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) declared November 13th as a day for Newcomers, becoming the first municipality in Nova Scotia to bestow a day recognizing the value Newcomers contribute in developing our communities.

More than 170 people were in attendance to witness Mayor Morgan and Regional Council members present the Newcomer’s Declaration in partnership with the region’s RDA (Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority, CBCEDA). CEO, Eileen Lannon Oldford notes “The declaration expresses the sincere appreciation to all Newcomers-past, present and future-for their contributions to the growth of Cape Breton”. November 13th will know be known as Newcomer’s Day from this day forward.

The 1st Cape Breton Newcomer’s Forum is a strategic initiative linked to the Cape Breton County Strategic Plan 2006-2016 in support of its population strategy. The Forum is a three day event organized and hosted by CBCEDA emphasizing the role of economic and social factors by bringing Newcomers together with leaders in government, policy makers, service providers, practitioners, academia, business and community organizations. The event’s aim is to turn attention to the importance of Newcomers and settlement matters while celebrating the diversity of Cape Breton Island and recognizing Newcomers contributions to the economic development of our region. Oldford states “Collaborative leadership and involvement are critical to the success of such initiatives”. The Forum’s principal sponsor is Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation, along with support from Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development, Nova Scotia Office of Immigration, Service Canada, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Cape Breton University, private and community sectors.

CBCEDA is one of several regional development agencies within Nova Scotia.  Each year, CBCEDA works with many economic, public, community and private sector partners in accomplishing projects and initiatives that have provided needed infrastructure that build on existing developments; created capacity among community groups; developed the strength of sectors; and strengthens partnerships within our region.

For more information on registration, please visit www.movetocapebreton.com. 

If you have any questions, please contact:

Eileen Lannon Oldford, CEO

Cape Breton County Economic Development Authority (CBCEDA)

77 Kings Road
Sydney, NS B1S 1A2
Phone: (902) 562-2201
Fax: (902) 562-2866
email: eileen@cbceda.org