The Safety First in Cape Breton Network, together with the Cape Breton Partnership invites you to join us for the 2024 First in Cape Breton Symposium, happening Wednesday, May 8, 2024 from 7:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

This full-day event will feature a panel discussion including an injured worker's lived-experience, resiliency, and return to work. In additon, the day will feature keynote speakers, Jeff Ward, General Manager of Membertou Heritage Park, and impactful Leadership Disrupter and Speaker, Phil Jewell.

We are excited to introduce this year, the Have Your Say Soap Box!

Learn more below:

Agenda

Keynote: Phil Jewell, Leadership Disruptor and Impactful Speaker

Phil Jewell is an acclaimed inspirational keynote speaker renowned for his powerful storytelling and practical wisdom. With a distinguished background in military leadership, Phil's expertise transcends borders and cultures, having served with the British, Canadian, and US Army, including combat leadership in Afghanistan and collaboration with a diverse international team in the Middle East. Phil's exceptional leadership journey extends beyond the armed forces, where Phil Jewell received a commendation for leading disaster response efforts and played a pivotal role in selecting and training future military leaders. His commitment to excellence also led him to oversee safety and security in the Arctic Waters, a role fraught with political and logistical complexities. In 2020, Phil Jewell ventured into entrepreneurship, co-founding and successfully operating two companies amid the challenges of a pandemic. Through his captivating main stage, opening, and closing keynotes, Phil Jewell leaves audiences spellbound with his unique and fresh message, underpinned by a lifetime of learning, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to showing up every day.

Phil will deliver the keynote: Serve to lead - a fresh perspective for fostering psychological safety

Post-event exclusive fireside webinar!

If you attend the 2024 Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, you will receive an invite to attend an exclusive fireside chat following Phil’s captivating keynote speech! Delve deeper into the insights shared as we host an interactive Q&A session. Engage directly with Phil, gain deeper understanding, and explore the nuances of his keynote topics. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and refine your understanding.

Keynote: Jeff Ward, General Manager, Membertou Heritage Park

General Manager of the Membertou Heritage Park, drawing on his vast experience and knowledge in the field of culture, management and administration. Former Director of Operations for Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation.

​Growing up, he was always involved in community events and has been a leader in their planning, coordination, and participation. When it became time to pursue post-secondary education, the Bachelor of Arts Community Studies program at Cape Breton University was a natural fit. Currently, he is working on his Masters degree.

As a public figure, Jeff has been dancing, drumming and performing his way into people’s hearts since a child. He is currently a member of Kun’tewiktuk Singers, Sons of Membertou & Thunder Eagle Singers. Most recently performed at the 100th Anniversary of Vimy Ride in France. He also Emcee’s numerous First Nation Pow-Wows in the Atlantic region and eastern USA. Jeff has been a keynote speaker and Emcee for a variety of conferences including MLSN Justice forum, Reform on Social Security AFN and the latest being the MMIWG Commission of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women’s & Girls’ Inquiry in Membertou, to name a few.

​Jeff has been referred to as Mi’kmaq Knowledge keeper/sharer. He is a leader in the White Eagle Sundance. A Lodge keeper, drum keeper/maker, conductor of ceremonies, talking circles and justice circles with over 30 years of experiences.

Jeff will deliver the keynote presentation: Safety since time immemorial - Indigenous teachings with a modern day purpose - a Two-Eyed approach to safety

Safety First in Cape Breton Awards

As part of the annual Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, our event organizers are proud to present the Safety First in Cape Breton Awards. To find out out more about the awards, or nominate a deserving individual or company, please visit: http://www.safetyfirstcapebreton.com/about-safetyfirstawards.html

Have Your Say Soap Box - register today!

We're giving you the stage! What’s on your mind, what would you like to share, what help or ideas do you need from our network of delegates?

In preparation, start thinking now about this opportunity and what you would like to say that is related to health and safety. We are giving you the mic and the stage and a maximum of 3 minutes to share your ideas, thoughts, or questions with the delegates.

For your chance to take part, just let us know by filling out this attached form by April 23, 2024, and you may be selected to speak during the Have Your Say Soapbox, which takes place right after lunch of the Symposium on May 8, 2024.

Register to Have Your Say

Trade Show

As part of the Safety First in Cape Breton Symposium, delegates can visit vendors from various organizations who support workplace health and safety across the Island. This is a great opportunity to display the work of your organization, including important health and safety initiatives, safety equipment, and more. If you would like to join the Safety Symposium Trade Show, please fill out the Trade Show Application form, and send it to Carly@capebretonpartnership.com by April 26th.

Sponsorship

We would like to offer sincere thanks to all of our 2024 Safety First in Unama'ki - Cape Breton Symposium Sponsors, including the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills & Immigration, Protocase, CBDC, St. John's Ambulance, and Lindsay Construction.

To learn more about available sponsorship opportunities, review the 2024 Sponsorship Package.

Contact

For more information, contact Carly Appleton at the Cape Breton Partnership by email at carly@capebretonpartnership.com or by phone at 902-562-0122.

Photography Disclaimer

The Cape Breton Partnership, and its affiliated partners, reserve the right to photograph its events, and from time to time we use these photos in our publications. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your photograph may be taken and used, per the Cape Breton Partnership's discretion.

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!

Event: Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, and Nova Scotia Power.

Champion: St. John's Ambulance, METI, Construction Safety Nova Scotia, and Marine Atlantic.

Changemaker: Lindsay Construction, CBDC, Cape Breton Island Building and Trade Commission, Build Right Nova Scotia, Lynk Electric, and Port Hawkesbury Paper.

Special thanks to our Safety First in Cape Breton Awards Spomnsor: Protocase