WELCOME TO WELCOME TO

Table of Contents Why Cape Breton? 2 Thrive 26 Immigrate 44 “I have travelled around History & Culture 4 Top Employers 28 The National Occupation Lifestyle 6 Employment Support Classification System 45 the globe. I have seen the 5 Municipal Units 10 Professionals 29 Immigration Categories 46 Canadian and American 5 Mi’kmaw First Nation Invest 30 The Atlantic Rockies, the Andes, the Immigration Pilot (AIP) 48 Communities 16 Business Costs 32 Alps and the Highlands of Provincial Economic Class 49 Cape Breton’s Climate 18 Labour Force 34 Scotland, but for simple Federal Economic Class 57 Safety 20 Infrastructure 36 beauty, Cape Breton Start-up Visa 59 Healthcare 20 Sectors 38 Settlement Service Organizations 60 outrivals them all!” Education 21 The Basics 39 Housing 22 Study 40 Getting Here 24

B Welcome to CapePublication Breton of www.capebretonpartnership.com | 1-844-868-0967 C Why Cape Breton?

Cape Breton Island welcomes you! We’re so glad you found us! We have developed this e-book to help share with you the beauty and opportunities available in Cape Breton. Our majestic island, located in Eastern , is home to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. Our inviting culture and warm people will make you feel at home from the moment you step foot on our land. A magnet for creators… is a place where culture and economy meet …where lifestyle and innovation don’t co-exist, but are engrained in everything we do. People from around the globe have been inspired by our breathtaking Island. Let Cape Breton inspire you!

Skyline Trail

2 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 3 CAPE BRETON IS WORLD-RENOWNED FOR ITS BREATHTAKING NATURAL LANDSCAPE AND SAFE, FRIENDLY History & Culture COMMUNITIES. People are drawn to the region’s living culture – and its Celtic, Acadian and Mi’kmaq history and A rich history and culture inspire today’s traditions. International festivals, museums, unmatchable lifestyle. national historic sites, and major cultural events contribute to the richness of life on the Island. The beauty of Cape Breton is displayed in every season, with warm summers, spectacular autumns, crisp winters and pleasant springs. Cape Breton has a diverse cultural background with a unique ancestry of over 30 cultures including Acadian, Scottish, Mi’kmaq, African, Irish and more. There are 5 Mi’kmaw The island is home to an extensive network First Nation Communities of national heritage sites, museums and experiential-based tourism assets, as well on Cape Breton Island as one of Canada’s most economically successful First Nation communities, Membertou, and the world’s largest Mi’kmaw community, Eskasoni. With a proud Scottish heritage, many institutions on the Island such as The Gaelic College/Colaisde na Gàidhlig, located in St. Ann’s, have been developed to celebrate, honour and teach cultural expressions including the performing arts, language and production of traditional crafts and tools. Cape Breton Island is Known for its unique music, languages, cuisine and the visual arts, Cape Breton home to four national and the people of the Island continue to honour age-old traditions while going historic sites, and the out-of-way to welcome new migrants from world-famous Cabot Trail across the country and around the world. Cape Breton Island has a population of 132,010

The Cabot Trail

4 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 5 Lifestyle Four Seasons of Adventure Await!

80+ BEACHES TO ENJOY! Cape Breton Island offers Some of the most popular include: endless possibilities for year-round enjoyment. • Inverness Beach Inverness Beach Whether you like hiking, • Point Michaud beachcombing, golfing or • Ingonish Beach Winter Summer just unwinding alongside • Margaree • Snowshoe through the many trails • Sunbathe and swim at one of the 80+ • Kennington Cove and scenic routes beaches located on Cape Breton Island the ocean, it is a perfect • Chimney Corner • Golf at one of eight premier golf courses place for relaxation, • West Mabou • Take in one of the many multi-purpose adventure and inspiration. trails, like Celtic Shores Cabot Trail along the Island, including Cabot Links • Cheticamp Gypsum Mines and Cabot Cliffs • Mira Gut with ATV/Walking/Biking, etc • Sail along the renowned Bras d’Or Lakes • Whale Cove • Ski or snowboard at Ski Ben Eoin • Sea-kayak and breathe in fresh salt air • Pollett’s Cove • Take a sleigh ride at Two Rivers Wildlife Park • Attend festivals all over the island, all summer long • Snowmobile along the world-famous Cabot Trail, Ski-Tuonela or Ski Ben Eoin • Crack a lobster alongside the water’s edge of the Bras D’Or Lakes or the Atlantic Ocean Spring • Fly fish one of the many rivers Fall throughout the Island in areas such • Hike the Highlands and experience as Margaree or panoramic views of breathtaking scenery • Take a puffin-watching tour in • Enjoy the International Englishtown Festival and be delighted by the music • Enjoy a traditional Gaelic Ceilidh and entertainment • Check out a whale-watching • Over 300 community music experiences excursion around the island to explore • Travel along the Cabot Trail and • Take in the amazing fall colours explore the artistic community throughout the Cabot Trail of leather makers, glass blowers, Kayaking in Bay St. Lawerence pewter-smiths and more

6 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 7 Four National Historic Sites

FORTRESS OF NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Mingle with Louisbourg’s lively 18th century citizens, hearing their stories and tasting their food while soldiers march, cannons blast, children play and women mend clothes on a typical 1740s day in the French fortified town.

ST. PETER’S CANAL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Located in one of Canada’s oldest European settlements, the St. Peter’s Canal links the Atlantic Ocean with the Bras d’Or Lakes as well as Canada’s historic trading past to Cape Breton Island’s vibrant future.

MARCONI NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE Discover how the wireless age began at a museum chronicling inventor Guglielmo Marconi’s achievements in carrying out the world’s first ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE transatlantic wireless telegraph experiments in at Meet the man who would forever transform the modern world. Feel Alexander Graham Bell’s the turn of the 20th century. remarkable legend come to life while touring full-scale replicas, viewing his personal artifacts and taking part in exhilarating behind-the-scenes tours.

8 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 9 Cape Breton Regional 5 Municipal Units Municipality (CBRM)

POPULATION The Cape Breton Regional Municipality • CBRM 98,722 (CBRM) was created in 1995 through the amalgamation of eight municipalities in • Inverness 17,235 . As a result, CBRM • Richmond 8,964 accounts for 74% of Cape Breton’s • Victoria 7,089 population. CBRM is home to Sydney, the second largest urban area in the province • Port Hawkesbury 3,214 and the largest in Cape Breton. There are also two First Nation Communities within the CBRM—Membertou and Eskasoni.

VICTORIA The CBRM is home to some of Cape COUNTY Breton’s largest institutions, including , the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi Campus, and the Canadian Coast Guard College. Rural areas of CBRM host resource industries CAPE BRETON such as agriculture, fishing, and industrial INVERNESS REGIONAL production. In the CBRM, you will find COUNTY MUNCIPALITY downtowns in the midst of transformation, infrastructure that offers businesses a competitive edge and a warm welcoming community ready to embrace you and your family. Connected to the world by road, water and air, the CBRM offers easy access RICHMOND COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS: to national and international markets. PORT COUNTY • Population – 98,722 The J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport is HAWKESBURYTOWN OF PORT • Average Age – 45.3 located just a 15 minute drive away from HAWKESBURY downtown Sydney and is equipped with • Average total income per person two Instrument Landing System (ILS) (aged 15 and over) - 36,566 runways allowing the airport to handle (2016 Canadian Census Data) most commercial jet traffic.

10 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 11 Town of Port Richmond Hawkesbury County

The Town of Port Hawkesbury is located Located on the Cape Breton side of the on the west coast of Cape Breton Island, Strait of Canso, adjacent to international bordered by the Strait of Canso as shipping lanes, the Municipality of the well as both Richmond and Inverness County of Richmond is bordered by the Counties. The town offers a unique Atlantic Ocean on the south and by the blend of economic, cultural, and lifestyle Bras d’Or Lakes on the north. opportunities and hosts many businesses and services that serve all communities of Shaped by the sea and proud of its past, the Strait Area both on Cape Breton Island Richmond County blends traditional and mainland Nova Scotia. industry with a laid-back lifestyle. Deeply rooted in the fishing and shipbuilding The Town is home to one of the Island’s industries, this land of 1,000 coves is home two NSCC Campuses and includes the to a rich fishing ground, producing some Nautical Institute, a Transport Canada of the world’s best lobsters and exquisite approved marine training program for mussels, scallops, and oysters. students who want to start or advance their career at sea. The Strait Area has Approximately one-third of Richmond’s substantial development potential with residents speak both French and English, growth opportunities in manufacturing, since the county is home to several vibrant technology, transportation/distribution, Acadian communities. The county is also energy, and the oceans industries. home to thriving Gaelic and Mi’kmaq cultures, including Potlotek First Nation, Port Hawkesbury is connected to the contributing to the area’s rich history world via road, rail, water, and air. Located - a history which is celebrated during in nearby Port Hastings, the Allan J. numerous festivals and events held around MacEachen Port Hawkesbury Airport is a TOWN BY THE NUMBERS: COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS: the county throughout the year. full service fixed-base operator and offers • Population – 3,214 • Population – 8,964 concierge and aircraft services, as well • Average age – 44.6 • Average Age – 48.2 as helicopter tours, through Celtic Air • Average Total Income per person • Average Income per person Services. (aged 15 and over) - 40,169 (aged 15 and over) - $35,687

(2016 Canadian Census Data) (2016 Canadian Census Data)

12 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 13 Inverness Victoria County County

The Municipality of the County of Inverness Breathtaking vistas and tight-knit comprises most of the western coastline of communities make Victoria County a Cape Breton Island and reaches inland as welcoming place and like other areas of far as the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. Cape Breton, there is a rich mix of cultures including Scottish, Irish, and Mi’kmaq, such A mix of unspoiled beauty and warm as Wagmatcook First Nation. Contributing welcoming communities, Inverness County to Victoria County’s vibrant cultural is home to several thriving and vibrant landscape is the Gaelic College (Colaisde cultures, including Acadian, Scottish, na Gàidhlig), North America’s only year- and home to a Mi’kmaw community, The Municipality of the County of Victoria round Gaelic language educational non- We’koqma’q First Nation. Many residents is located in the heart of Cape Breton. profit institution. of the county identify as bilingual, thanks From the highlands of Ingonish to the to local francophone and Mi’kmaq-led shores of the Bras d’Or Lakes, this area is With the highest number of businesses per educational centres, as well as a satellite as rich in history as it is in beauty. As the capita in the province, Victoria County is location for the Gaelic College (Colaisde part-time residence to world-renowned poised as the entrepreneurship capital of na Gàidhlig), North America’s only year- inventors Alexander Graham Bell and his Nova Scotia. Fisheries and tourism are the round Gaelic-language educational non- wife Mabel Hubbard-Bell, Beinn Breagh key economic drivers of this area, fueled profit institution. estate across the bay from the village by an energetic group of entrepreneurs. of Baddeck has been called one of the Victoria County is home to a number The county boasts a number of popular world’s first “innovation hubs” by former of long-standing tourism operators and recreational and tourism attractions, Governor General David Johnston. attractions, including the world famous including several maintained beaches, the Cabot Trail, the Cape Breton Highlands Inverness County Centre for the Arts, the National Park, the Keltic Lodge at the Celtic Shores Coastal Multi-Use Trails, the COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS: Highlands, and world-class Highlands Links COUNTY BY THE NUMBERS: Cabot Trail, the Cape Breton Highlands • Population – 7,089 and Bell Bay Golf Courses. • Population – 17,235 National Park, and a number of golf • Average Age – 46.7 courses, including world-class Cabot Links • Average Age – 46.2 • Average Income - $38,023 and Cabot Cliffs Golf Courses. • Average Income per person (aged 15 and over) - $38,191 (2016 Canadian Census Data)

(2016 Canadian Census Data)

14 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 15 Cape Breton Island is home to five Mi’kmaw First Nation communities: Eskasoni, 5 Mi’kmaw We’koqma’q, Wagmatcook, Membertou, and Community by Potlotek. Membertou is recognized as a leader in economic development across the world the Numbers: First Nation and Eskasoni is the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world. All five communities have a Communities tremendous impact on Cape Breton Island. Membertou • Population – 1,015 • Average Age – 29.8

Eskasoni • Population – 3,422 • Average Age – 27.9

Wagmatcook • Population – 537 • Average Age – 29.5 We’koqma’q • Population – 831 • Average Age – 27 Potlotek • Population – 506 • Average Age – 29.3

Membertou Pow Wow

16 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 17 Cape Breton’s January April Climate Daily Maximum Daily Maximum The beauty of Cape Breton is displayed in every season. Cape Breton enjoys warm summers, breathtaking autumns, 32°F/0°C 43°F/6°C crisp, snowy winters and pleasant springs. Daily Minimum Daily Minimum 16°F/-9°C 30°F/-1°C Rainfall Rainfall 3in/75mm 4in/97mm Snowfall Snowfall 31in/90cm 10in/26cm

July October Daily Maximum Daily Maximum 73°F/23°C 55°F/12°C Daily Minimum Daily Minimum 54°F/12°C 39°F/4°C Rainfall Rainfall 4in/86mm 5in/135mm Snowfall Snowfall 0in/0cm 1in/3cm

Baddeck

18 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 19 Cape Breton ranked in the top third of “Canada’s Best Education Places to Live” The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional based on crime rate* Centre for Education is comprised of more than 56 elementary, junior high and high schools, as well as 185 adult education centres.

The Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial is the francophone school board in Nova Scotia. There are three francophone schools in Cape Breton: *Source: Canadian Business, 2008 Centre Scolaire Etoile de L’Acadie in Sydney, Ecole NDA in Arichat and POST SECONDARY Ecole Beau-Port in Cheticamp. Cape Breton University: Safety Healthcare In addition to the schools that are All Emergency Services are • Known for small class sizes, unique The Nova Scotia Health Authority – included in the provincial network, controlled through the Enhanced course offerings, adaptable Eastern Zone is responsible for: each of the five First Nation programming and research capacity Emergency 911 system. • 11 hospitals in Cape Breton communities have their own schools • ’s leader in Indigenous • Seven community Health Boards and Boards. post-secondary education Police • More than 4,100 healthcare employees • Recruits students from more than 50 international countries Two police services offered in Cape Breton • Approximately 281,600 patient visits • Cape Breton Regional Police Service and through emergency, ambulatory care Nova Scotia Community College the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and admissions every year. • Two campuses in Cape Breton • 3,400 students • Approximately eight locations Notable specialized areas of throughout the region • Offers high quality education and real- care include: world training for students entering Fire Services • Neonatal Intensive Care the workforce, including the Nautical Institute • 53 registered volunteer fire departments • Pediatrics and muncipal fire services in the CBRM • Cape Breton Cancer Centre Cape Breton is also home to: • All volunteer fire fighters receive • Renal Dialysis • Canadian Coast Guard College in-depth mandatory training • Palliative Care • Université Sainte-Anne • Numerous private career colleges and training institutes

20 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 21 Shelter Costs Comparison Housing Calgary $20,921 Toronto $17,959 Lowest average house price among 180 municipalities across Vancouver $16,390 Canada* Halifax $14,070 Median House Cost for Fredericton $13,287 Single Detached Homes Moncton $12,453 Cape Breton $10,096

$500,000.00 Halifax $400,000.00 $379,900 St. John’s $350,000.00 $345,000 Saint John Moncton Fredericton Charlottetown $300,000.00 $279,900 $274,354 $ $259,000 $250,000 $250.000.00 $ $200,000.00 $ $ Cape Breton $150,000.00 $ $ $220,000** $100,000.00 $50,000.00 $

* Source: MoneySense Magazine ** Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 2012

22 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 23 Getting Here

Meat Cove Cape North Bay St. Lawerence

Dingwall White Point Pleasant Bay

East Margaree Neil’s Harbour

Ingonish

Cheticamp Cape Smokey

St. Jospeh Du Moine Wreck Cove

Margaree East Margaree Forks Indian Brook Margaree Valley Northeast Englishtown Inverness Margaree

Glenville North Sydney Sydney Mabou Baddeck Port Hood

Whycocomagh Little Narrows Grand Narrows Eskasoni Judique Orangedale Louisbourg

Marble Mountain Gabarus

Dundee

Port Hawkesbury GETTING HERE IS AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3. Fourchu Isle Madame By air: there are direct flights into Sydney with direct flights from Toronto and from Toronto, Halifax and Montreal. Montreal and numerous connections via Travel Times By car: the Trans-Canada Highway 104 the Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Drive from Halifax to Cape leads to Cape Breton Island. By water: In addition, Celtic Air Services, a full 2hr 39min Breton there are two ferries from Newfoundland, service Fixed-Based Operator at the Alan J cruiselines dock at various ports on the MacEachen Airport, provides another fly-in Ferry from Newfoundland to 8hr 34min island, or boaters may chart their own option when visiting Cape Breton by air. Cape Breton, NS course. If you fly into Sydney, car rentals Bonus: Nova Scotia is located two hours are plentiful. You can also hire a taxi, take Non-Stop Flight from Toronto closer to Europe than any other North a shuttle or a bus tour. to J.A. Douglas McCurdy 2hr 20min American destination, and Halifax is closer to Boston and New York than any Sydney Airport (YQY) Cape Breton has a full-service airport—the other Canadian city via air. JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport—

24 Welcome to Cape Breton Why Cape Breton 25 TRANSPORTATION before. Cape Breton Island has the optimal and loyal workforces, low turnover rates, quick Cape Breton is your gateway hub to climate and spaces for renewable energy turnaround production times and the low cost North America. With some of the world’s production. of business. deepest waters and direct shipping routes SectionThrive to Europe, the United States, South TOURISM EDUCATION & RESEARCH America and Asia, it is the first port of call Tourism is one of the key industries in Cape Cape Breton has a vast network of on mainland North America for vessels CAPE BRETON ISLAND IS Breton with over 6,000 people employed educational institutions, research facilities and transiting the Suez Canal. ATTRACTIVE FOR PEOPLE LOOKING in 600+ tourism-related businesses. With economic development partners that can help HeadingFOR A PRISTINE, FRIENDLY AND icons like the Cabot Trail and the Fortress to build your business from conceptualization SAFE LOCATION TO WORK. SEAFOOD, AQUACULTURE & of Louisbourg, world-class events like the through to commercialization and value- Short commute times to employment AGRI-FOOD Celtic Colours International Festival, and a added product development. We have a flourishing reputation as one of the world’s history of sharing our expertise with others means more time to spend with family and Seafood, aquaculture and agriculture finest golf destinations, visitors continue to and this bodes well for start-up companies friends. Accessibility to various unlimited sectors have been inextricably linked to demand growth in the desirable tourism seeking out innovative partnerships. outdoor recreational activities on land and Cape Breton’s history for centuries and are sector on the island. to the ocean is a great complement to any deeply woven throughout the fabric of the industry and the personal lives of workers. Island’s culture. ENGINEERING & ENVIRONMENTAL Many of Cape Breton’s top companies have Cape Breton is home to a diverse range of TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION SERVICES attracted senior management, researchers premium quality seafood and value added Few places in the world provide such The Sydney Tar Ponds Project is considered and other specialized workers from around products, particularly our world famous strong support to bring an idea from the the most significant environmental the world by promoting the region’s unique lobster and crab. Nova Scotia is Canada’s concept stage to the commercialization remediation project in Canada. Combined quality of life. number one exporter of seafood and stage. With a growing cluster of over 40 with the closure and remediation of dozens approximately 35% of Canada’s shellfish firms involved in various IT-related activities, of former Cape Breton Development comes from the province. The United Cape Breton is an ideal place for companies Corporation (DEVCO) coal mine sites, over States, China, and the European Union are looking to establish or grow operations. $1 billion in remediation projects have been Nova Scotia’s three largest seafood export Innovative businesses create products and carried out over the past decade in Cape markets. services in such diverse fields as medical Breton. This work has created a formidable devices, nutraceuticals, gaming and music depth and breadth of engineering and The Island offers affordable, high quality production. environmental talent in the area. land and boasts a stable growing climate with very low risk of drought that is well suited for vegetable growing and biomass ADVANCED MANUFACTURING MINERALS production. Cape Breton has proven to be an excellent Cape Breton is rich in minerals. From centuries location for firms that manufacture niche, of coal mining to the current exploration high-value products and offer unique of rare earth metals, mineral resources RENEWABLE ENERGY services to a range of manufacturing clients. have attracted diverse investment in the As the world looks to reduce carbon Manufacturers producing products as region. Our mining track record has led to emissions and build a more sustainable diverse as medical imaging technology, high the development of one of the most skilled economic foundation, the investment tensile synthetic rope and large cloud-based mining workforces in Canada. climate for alternatives in renewable storage servers have selected Cape Breton energy production is stronger than ever as their base of operations due to skilled

26 Welcome to Cape Breton Thrive 27 Top Employers Employment Support

The Canada’s Top 100 Employers project Professionals is a national competition to determine which employers lead their industries NOVA SCOTIA WORKS in offering exceptional workplaces for Island Employment offers a wide range of services to support professionals their employees. There are also separate looking to re-enter the workforce. The organization is designed to assist competitions recognizing Atlantic individuals to find a job or explore career possibilities in a field of their interest. Canadian and Nova Scotian employers. The organization links potential employees and employers to assist employers in The following are some of the current finding qualified and dependable employees. Best Employers operating on Cape Breton Island: Island Employment also facilitates clients to access government-sponsored programs intended to assist with skill development for employment, training, • CBCL LIMITED and support. • CLEARWATER SEAFOOD’S LP • MARITIME TRAVEL SOME OF THE SERVICES OFFERED INCLUDE: • WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD • Job search assistance • Access to the latest labour market OF NOVA SCOTIA • Career counselling information • Job coaching The Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada • Help with resume development, cover letter writing, and interview • Case management Other Major employeers on the Island: project is a regional program managed by the Best Companies Group in partnership skills • Career development assistive • Nova Scotia Health Authority with Progress magazine. It is dedicated to • Workshops technology assessment and • Cape Breton University finding and recognizing Atlantic Canada’s • Assistance accessing and planning • Membertou Corporate best employers. To be eligible, companies understanding Employment Nova • Referrals to other programs must have a facility in the Atlantic Canada Scotia funding programs • Shannex region with a minimum workforce of 20 • Access to wireless Internet, • Cape Breton Regional Municipality employees. The following are some Best computers and software Places to Work currently in operation on Cape Breton Island: • EAST COAST CREDIT UNION • STANTEC • KILLAM PROPERTIES

28 Welcome to Cape Breton Thrive 29 Invest WHY DO BUSINESS UNTOUCHED LAND READY FOR IN CAPE BRETON? DEVELOPMENT Located on one of the most beautiful places on earth, Cape Breton Island offers a competitive environment for businesses to LOW BUSINESS COST thrive. With more than 8,400 businesses, Cape Breton Island is home to a SKILLED AND vibrant, innovative and diverse business community. DEDICATED A pro-business environment WORKFORCE with access to research and development, tax incentives and financing make Cape Breton UNMATCHED Island an ideal location for your QUALITY OF LIFE investment. • Accessible, strategic location to world Cape Breton markets STRATEGICALLY Island offers many • Direct shipping routes to Europe, the United States, South America and Asia LOCATED geographical • Sea, road, rail and air transportation advantages for options businesses seeking • Home to some of the world’s deepest READY FOR BUSINESS waters for shipping via sea global opportunities. • Favourable for international business communications

30 Welcome to Cape Breton Invest 31 Business Costs The Sydney, Cape Breton cost advantage was based on: 17 different industries across over 100 Cape Breton Island offers • A low business tax environment companies one of the lowest jurisdictions in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. • Lower wage, benefits and taxes business-cost locations within the G8 countries. According to the report, Canada is the • Low cost of land, construction and cost-leader with business-costs five percent real estate Whether you are a manufacturer of below the US. Sydney, Cape Breton was products selling into US or European • Competitive utility costs DID YOU KNOW? found to be one of most cost-competitive That the Cape Breton Partnership markets, Cape Breton is one of the • Some of the world’s most generous regions of Canada when compared to has a land and asset database to best locations in North America from research and development incentives other major centres. The table below help you find the right property a business-cost perspective. This cost displays Sydney’s index ranking compared • Competitively priced transportation costs for your business? Check it out at advantage was confirmed by the KPMG to Canada’s major centres. welcometocapebreton.ca/invest Competitive Alternatives 2014 – Special Report which looked at the costs for

BUSINESS LOCATION COST

102 Why am I in Cape Breton? Simply stated: we came for the music and stayed 100 Note: Cost Index representing for the people! My family moved to Inverness County in 2010, after many years of extended 98 business costs percentage relative summer visits. We felt more comfortable and 96 to the US baseline welcomed here than any place we’ve ever lived, of 100.0. The US both as visitors and permanent residents. My wife 94 baseline represents the average of and I are both self-employed and our businesses 92 business costs in the require access to reliable broadband Internet. four largest US cities: Once this service arrived in the rural Mabou area, 90 New York City, Los we pulled up stakes in Alberta and set up our Angeles, Chicago, 88 and Dallas-Fort businesses here. It has been the best move we’ve Worth. ever made – personally and professionally. It is 86 incredibly gratifying to give back to the community Sydney Halifax Montreal Canadian Toronto United Average States through volunteerism and supporting local Baseline businesses. Our neighbours are our friends and our community is our home.

DAVID GREENWELL Principal, M3D DesignWorks Mabou, Inverness County

32 Welcome to Cape Breton Invest 33 Labour Force DID YOU KNOW? The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is an innovative program to grow Atlantic Cape Breton Island is known for its • 60,000 people in the workforce Canada. For more information visit loyal and skilled workforce. With a • Known for dedication, skill and work capebretonpartnership.com robust post-secondary education ethic system, the Island’s residents are • 27% of workforce holds university some of the most employable certificate, diploma or a degree people in our country. • 14% of workforce has a trades certificate (well above the national and provincial rates)

Being born and raised in Cape Breton, it was natural for me to want to return to my roots after my studies. This island is culturally vibrant and it deserves more recognition than some might give it. I am proud to be able to share my culture with our visitors, but mostly with our youth and community members. As a music and dance teacher, I get to do what I love most while sharing my passion with the wonderful people of my community. The support here is a true and solid one and I’m proud to call Cape Breton my home.” NICOLE LEBLANC Cheticamp, Inverness County Owner and Instructor, École de Musique Raveston

34 Welcome to Cape Breton Invest 35 ROAD There are three 100-series highways in Energy Infrastructure Cape Breton (Highway 104, Highway 105 Cape Breton is the energy hub for Nova Infrastructure Trans Canada Highway, and Highway Scotia, producing more than 80% of Nova 125) totalling 211 km (131 mi) of roadway. Scotia’s electricity at coal generating power Visitors can access Cape Breton via the plants, a variety of wind farms and a hydro- Transportation Canso Causeway on mainland Nova electric facility at Wreck Cove. Scotia. A full range of services from Infrastructure The Island also provides unique large fleet operations to small niche opportunities for global companies to take trucking companies are available for the SEA advantage of the many renewable and/ shipment of cargo. Cape Breton is also the Located on the or alternative energy sources available. PORT OF SYDNEY - transshipment point for all truck cargo to northeastern shore of Cape Breton Companies may want to develop other and from Newfoundland and Labrador. Island, and featuring a 17m (56 ft) draft, opportunities to meet their energy needs, the Sydney Port offers a full range of which could include exploring: services. Federal, provincial and municipal FERRY governments, along with the private • their ability to leverage the new hydro- MARINE ATLANTIC FERRY provides the electric energy corridor; sector, have invested $38 million to vital service linking automobile and cargo • the vast tracks of land available dredge the harbour to deepen the access traffic from Newfoundland and Labrador for biomass growth and bioenergy channel allowing post-panamax ships via North Sydney to the rest of Canada. access into the Port of Sydney. AIR production; The cruise ship industry has become a key THE J.A. DOUGLAS MCCURDY • the Island’s favourable wind regime; part of Cape Breton’s tourism sector with SYDNEY AIRPORT provides multiple • the fast-flowing waters for tidal energy; over 100 ships per year docking in the flights per day to the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Toronto Pearson Infrastructure • the potential for geothermal or coal Port of Sydney while smaller cruise ships bed methane energy from the Island’s International Airport and seasonal direct Cape Breton is connected to the world regularly access the ports of Louisbourg immense coal mining sites; and and Baddeck. flights to Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau with telecommunications infrastructures International Airport. Air Canada and and internet networks from , • the oil and natural gas resources STRAIT OF CANSO – Located between WestJet also offer direct flights from Rogers Internet Communications, , available in the region. mainland Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Sydney to Toronto. The airport’s main Seaside Communications, and MTS/ Island, the Strait of Canso is the deepest runway is 7,070 ft (2,155 m). Allstream. These networks hub through harbour on the North American East Cape Breton and the main fibre optic

Coast. It is 20 km long (12.42 mi), up to THE ALAN J. MACEACHEN AIRPORT networks connect through Sydney and on provides corporate and charter aircraft 1.5 km wide (.93 mi) with a depth of 27 to Newfoundland and Labrador. Seaside services. Located approximately 8 kms (4.9 m (89 ft) that can handle vessels up to Communications & Eastlink also provide mi) from the Port Hawkesbury town limits, 500,000 dwt. It has two public harbours, state of the art wireless broadband to rural the paved runway is 1,524 m (5,000 ft) long Port Hawkesbury and Mulgrave, and five areas. private terminals. by 46 m (150 ft) wide, with radio-controlled lighting for night operations. DID YOU KNOW? Cape Breton produces more than 80% of Nova Scotia’s electricity!

36 Welcome to Cape Breton Invest 37 Sectors The Basics Cape Breton Island provides numerous The Province of Nova opportunities for companies to participate Opening and Operating a Scotia offers step-by- in fast-growing and sustainable sectors. Business in Cape Breton step assistance with their Business Planning From start-up to operation, there are Tool. Get government resources available to help you get your information to help you TRANSPORTATION ADVANCED business up and running smoothly. start or grow a business, MANUFACTURING including: First Steps to Starting a • Business registration TECHNOLOGY & process EDUCATION & RESEARCH Business INNOVATION • Understand and research your industry • License and permit applications • Consult with a local municipal office • Tax information ENGINEERING AND • Consult your legal and accounting advisors RENEWABLE ENERGY • Inspection requirements ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES • Choose a legal structure in Nova Scotia. Your business can be incorporated or • Funding opportunities unincorporated and take one of the following • Workplace safety legal structures: requirements FORESTRY/MINERALS • Sole proprietorship SEAFOOD & AGRI-FOOD capebretonbusiness.com • Partnership • Corporation • Co-operative ARTS & CULTURE TOURISM • Society • Plan for workplace health and safety and determine if DID YOU KNOW? mandatory workplace injury Each of the 5 municpal units in Cape insurance is required Breton Island have their own rules DID YOU KNOW? • Reserve your business name and tax rates. Consult your municipal The Cape Breton Partnership strives to help companies of all sizes maximize the benefits • Register your business office early-on when starting a business. of our business in environment. Connect with us capebretonpartnership.com

38 Welcome to Cape Breton Invest 39 I’m from the most populated city in Nigeria, 70 million people. After high school, I was trying to find what next, Study looking for something in the health field. There was an educational fair and one of the schools UNIVERSITIES AND POST- was CBU, so I went to talk with them. The SECONDARY EDUCATION representative told me about the smaller class Cape Breton is home to a variety of post- sizes, and everything he said made me say, ‘yes secondary and cultural learning centres. that’s the school for me’, which my mom agreed. They offer a wide variety of degree and So I applied and was accepted. When I got to diploma granting programs. CBU it was even better than expected. People were really friendly to me when I got here and I didn’t have a hard time adjusting at all. I was 17 CAPE BRETON when I left and my parents were worried that I would have a hard time, but people made it easy UNIVERSITY for me to transition. Wonderfully diverse. Incredibly close- LOUISA ESANGBEDO knit. Join a community of students Legal Assistant from more than 40 countries. Sampson McPhee Currently home to approximately 4,900 students from more than 40 countries, Cape Breton University (CBU) offers an inclusive UNDERGRADUATE and diverse learning environment where you will experience the best of Cape Breton while PROGRAM OPTIONS making friends with people from around the • Bachelor of Arts globe. • Bachelor of Arts, Community Studies At CBU, students study in an environment • Bachelor of Arts & Science in Environment that balances the supports needed to excel • Bachelor of Business Administration inside of the classroom. Students have the • Bachelor of Education opportunities they seek to live a vibrant life • Bachelor of Emergency Management outside of their studies. With more than • Bachelor of Engineering Technology 60 areas of study, you’ll earn a world-class • Bachelor of Health Sciences (Public Health) education in a field that ignites your passion. • Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management But most importantly, you’ll find your path to • Bachelor of Science success. • Bachelor of Science, Nursing

For full program details, visit CBU.ca/programs.

40 Welcome to Cape Breton Study 41 NOVA SCOTIA DIPLOMA PROGRAM OPTIONS COMMUNITY COLLEGE NSCC offers one- and two-year diploma options. Some of the two-year diploma options in Cape Breton are: Cape Breton has two Nova Scotia Community College campuses providing high quality education and training for the local workforce in the skills needed by local industry. Combined, Marconi Campus Strait Area Campus the two campuses have 3,400 students enrolled • Business Administration • Business Administration in full and part time programs. The campuses • Carpentry - Diploma • Marine Engineering Technology - Diploma are: Marconi Campus – Sydney and Strait Area • Culinary Management • Marine Navigation Technology – Diploma Campus – Port Hawkesbury • Disability Supports and Services • IT Generalist • Early Childhood Education • Mi’kmaw Early Childhood Education (Poqji- • Electronic Engineering Technician kina’masulti’kw tel-kina’mujik mijua’ji’jk) • Industrial Instrumentation • Natural Resources Environmental Technology • IT Web Programming DID YOU KNOW? • Power Engineering Technology Cape Breton is home to a number • Metal Fabrication • Practical Nursing of vocational and business training • Practical Nursing facilities spread across the island. • Social Services • … and more • Welding – Diploma • … and more

For more information on programs and courses, visit: NSCC’s website

42 Welcome to Cape Breton Study 43 ImmigrateSection The National Occupation THERE ARE TWO MAIN PATHS TO Classification System Immigration 101 START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS ImmigrationHeading information presented in IMMIGRATION: this booklet is subject to change by both 1. Acquiring a Work Permit or a Post provincial and federal governments; please Graduate Work Permit (if you graduate The National Occupation Classification refer to the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration from a recognized publicly-funded (NOC) System is the classification NOC Groups and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship educational institution in Canada). system used to identify the skill level 1. NOC 0: Canada for the most up to date information, (also considered Skill Level A): Top-level 2. Acquiring permanent residency and educational requirements needed procedures and applications. management positions. gives you the same rights and to perform a certain job. The NOC obligations as a Canadian citizen, system is used for various purposes, 2. NOC A: however: one of which is immigration - as it sets Occupations that usually require university level education. • You may not vote in elections; the standards for the Canadian Labour Market. • You may not run for public office; 3. NOC B: Occupations that usually require college • You will need to have lived in Canada education or apprenticeship training. a minimum of 2 years in every 5-year period to maintain the PR status; and 4. NOC C: Occupations that usually require • In the case of a serious offence, you secondary school and or Occupation may be deported and have your Specific Training. permanent residency status revoked. 5. NOC D: Immigration in Canada is a shared Occupations that only require on the job responsibility between both the federal training. and provincial governments. There are a To find your NOC Code, please visit number of immigration pathways for you https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration- to consider. refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate- After 3 years of Canadian residency canada/express-entry/eligibility/find- (with permanent residency status) you national-occupation-code.html. may apply for Citizenship. Canada allows dual citizenship, as such, you will not be required to give up your current nationality to obtain Canadian Citizenship.

44 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 45 Each stream has different criteria, so My favorite thing about Cape Breton interested individuals should review the requirements for each stream carefully. is the Cabot Trail, it is really nice. But what I really like about Cape Breton is the HOW PROGRAM & STREAM CRITERIA friendliness of the people. As an immigrant, when WORK: you come to a foreign country you don’t know what • You may qualify for the Provincial to expect. When I arrived in Whycocomagh the Nominee Program or Skilled Worker if people were so welcoming and shared their you have a post-secondary education culture, which was really nice. and/or at least one year of skilled work experience outside Canada (NOC 0, A JOSEPH CHATINDO or B). Some streams under the Provincial House Assistant at L’Arche Cape Breton Nominee Program do not require post- secondary education. • You may qualify for the Provincial Nominee Program or the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (in Atlantic Canada) if you have a valid Canadian job offer that meets certain conditions, depending on Immigration Categories the immigration program. • You may qualify under the Family Class IMMIGRATION TO CANADA CAN BE THERE ARE 8 MAIN CATEGORIES OF Program if you have close relatives in EASILY CLASSIFIED UNDER FOUR CANADIAN IMMIGRATION THAT FALL Canada. CLASSES: UNDER THESE 4 CLASSES: • You may quality under the Canadian 1. Economic Class 1. Express Entry Experience Class or Experience 2. Family Class 2. Provincial nominees Class if you have already studied and/or worked in Canada. 3. Protected Persons Class 3. Atlantic Immigration Pilot • You may qualify under the Business 4. Other (Humanitarian & Compassionate) 4. Start-Up Visa Investor/Entrepreneur immigration programs or the Provincial Nominee 5. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot Program if you have a high net worth or 6. Family Sponsorship significant financial resources. The economic class generally refers to a 7. Quebec-selected Skilled Workers direct economic contribution by the person 8. Self-employed immigrating to Canada, with the following as the most common pathways: ADDITIONAL ALTERNATIVE CATEGORIES INCLUDE: • Provincial Nominee Program • The Atlantic Immigration Pilot 1. The Caregivers Program • High Skilled Economic (Skilled Trades & 2. Refugees & Asylum Program Workers, Canadian Experience) • Business Immigrants (Start-up Visa & Caregivers)

46 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 47 The Atlantic Provincial Economic Immigration Pilot (AIP) Class

The Atlantic Immigration Pilot is a The pilot offers three different programs collaborative partnership between the under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot. Based Government of Canada and the four on their work experience, education and job Atlantic Provinces; Nova Scotia, New offer, candidates can apply under one of the Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and following: THE PROVINCIAL NOMINEE • Prove language ability equal to Newfoundland and Labrador, to augment PROGRAM Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) Level 5 if you are a skilled worker. If your the number of immigrants being accepted 1. Atlantic Intermediate Skilled Program The Provincial Nominee Program allows NOC 0, A, B and C first language is English or French, that through existing federal and provincial the province to select individuals to is enough proof. Semi-skilled and low- programs in the Atlantic region. nominate to the federal government who 2. Atlantic High-Skilled Program skilled workers must have test results to NOC 0, A and B will contribute to the Nova Scotia labour Originally launched as a three-year pilot in prove they meet CLB 4 even if their first market and economy. January 2017 under the Atlantic Growth 3. Atlantic International Graduate Program language is English or French; Strategy, the AIP has been extended NOC 0, A, B and C THERE ARE 8 STREAMS UNDER THE • Show enough financial resources to to December 2021 giving Immigration, NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL NOMINEE successfully settle in Nova Scotia Under this pilot, every principal applicant Refugees and Citizenship Canada and PROGRAM. the provinces more time to assess the will come to Atlantic Canada with a job offer and an individualized settlement plan for NOVA SCOTIA DEMAND: efficacy of this innovative, employer-driven SKILLED WORKER: (NOC 0, A, B) immigration program. themselves and their family. EXPRESS ENTRY: (NOC 0, A, B) (Also includes NOC and NOC D). The Nova Scotia Demand: Express Unlike other immigration pathways, the To apply you must: Entry stream selects highly skilled pilot is employer driven. An employer individuals who wish to live in Nova Scotia must become designated by the Nova • Have a full-time permanent job offer permanently. Applicants must have a good Scotia Office of Immigration to participate from a Nova Scotia employer; chance of quickly finding a job in Nova in the pilot. Each program has different • Have 1 year of work experience related Scotia’s labour market. eligibility criteria which are verified with the to the job. (Semi-skilled and low-skilled employer. workers must already have six months’ The Nova Scotia Office of Immigration experience with the employer.); reserves the right to consider only certain types of occupations for nomination, • Be 21 to 55 years old; depending on current labour market • Have a high school diploma; needs. • Have the appropriate training, skills and/ Applications will only be accepted online. or accreditation for the job;

48 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 49 THERE ARE TWO CATEGORIES FOR NOVA • Score 67 points or more on the stream’s ELIGIBILITY SCOTIA DEMAND: EXPRESS ENTRY six selection factors; To apply you must: CATEGORY A (for applicants with a job offer) will • Have at least 1 year of skilled work remain open. experience in one of our target • Have at least 1 year of work experience in occupations; Nova Scotia; CATEGORY B (for applicants with experience in an • be 21 to 55 years old; opportunity occupation) is expected to open and • Have a Canadian high school credential close throughout the year. Controlling intake will allow or equivalent. • have a Canadian high school credential or us to process applications more efficiently. equivalent; We moved to Cape NOVA SCOTIA EXPERIENCE: • prove language ability in English or Breton from Andy’s ELIGIBILITY EXPRESS ENTRY STREAM French on the Canadian Language The Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Benchmark (CLB). You need CLB 7 for To apply under you must: native New Zealand CATEGORY A, stream selects highly skilled individuals who skilled work in the National Occupational in 2014. • Have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees wish to live in Nova Scotia permanently. Classification (NOC) 0 and A. You need and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system; Applicants must have at least one year of CLB 5 for NOC B positions; Before making the move, experience working in Nova Scotia in a high • Have a profile registered in Immigration, we spent a great deal • Score 67 points or more on the stream’s six selection factors; skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B). Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s of time considering Express Entry system. the characteristics we • Have a job offer from a Nova Scotia employer for valued most in a future full-time skilled work that lasts at least one year after home. They included your permanent resident visa is issued. For a job access to services offer to be valid in Express Entry and receive points, and market potential, employers will usually need an LMIA from ESDC. but mostly revolved The number one reason for us to be here in There are a few exceptions: cic.gc.ca/english/ Cape Breton is quality of life. We’ve lived all over around community and immigrate/skilled/exempt.asp; environment. We wanted Canada, in big cities and small, and even spent to live in a place where • Have 1 year of skilled work experience related to 15 years abroad, but nothing ever compared to neighbours depended the job; what we found here in Cape Breton. We actually on each other. Where we traveled to the Island on our honeymoon, and • Have a Canadian high school credential or were hooked immediately, so we bought a farm might spot a moose from equivalent; our living room window. in Nyanza nine years ago, sight-unseen. We knew Where a day in the garden • Prove language ability in English or French at there was work to be done, but no paradise can could be followed by Canadian Language Benchmark 7; come without its hard work and compromise. My husband had been making plans to start a sunset on the beach. • Show enough financial resources to successfully brewery for some time and fate even provided a We found what we were settle in Nova Scotia. looking for in Cape Breton water source nearby with the perfect conditions - and much more. Four To apply under CATEGORY B, you must: for what we wanted to do. It’s been almost years later, we’d choose it a decade and Cape Breton is still our slice of • Be in one of the target occupations as identified in paradise for both our family and business. again in a heartbeat! the Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry guide; Kailea and Andy • Have a profile registered in Immigration, Refugees MELANIE BOCK-WHITE Pedley and Citizenship Canada’s Express Entry system; Co-Owner, Big Spruce Brewing Farmers, Patchwood Farm Nyanza, Victoria County Pipers Glen, Inverness County

50 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 51 NOVA SCOTIA LABOUR MARKET PRIORITIES STREAM The Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities Stream selects candidates in the federal Express Entry system who meet provincial labour market needs to apply for nomination. Only candidates who receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration may apply.

ELIGIBILITY To apply you must: • Receive a Letter of Interest from the Nova Scotia Nominee Program within the Express Entry system; • Submit your application within 30 calendar days of the date on which your letter of interest was issued; • Meet the minimum work experience requirements of the Express Entry stream for which you have qualified; OCCUPATIONS IN DEMAND • Have 1 year of work experience related • Demonstrate sufficient funds to STREAM to the job; successfully establish yourself and your The Occupations in Demand Stream • Be 21 to 55 years old; family in Nova Scotia and to pay your targets specific NOC C, intermediate- • Have a high school diploma; immigration costs and travel expenses; skilled occupations that are in high labour • Have the appropriate training, skills and/ • Have legal status in your current country market demand in Nova Scotia. The Office or accreditation for the job; of residence; and of Immigration identifies occupations in demand based on labour market • Prove language ability equal to • Meet eligibility criteria in place at the information and eligible occupations are Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) time you are issued a Letter of Interest. subject to change. Level 4 even if your first language is English or French; HOW TO APPLY ELIGIBILITY • Show enough financial resources to If you have received a Letter of Interest, To apply you must: successfully settle in Nova Scotia. complete the online application form and include all required information and • Have a full-time permanent job offer attachments. from a Nova Scotia employer in either HOW TO APPLY NOC 3413 (Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates) or NOC 7511 Complete the online application form (Transport truck drivers); and include all required information and attachments.

52 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 53 ENTREPRENEUR STREAM The Entrepreneur Stream is for experienced business owners or senior business managers who want to live in Nova Scotia. They must start a new business or buy an existing business and must actively participate in the day-to-day management of the business. After operating the business for a year, the entrepreneur may be nominated for permanent resident status. Interested individuals are encouraged to read the guide on the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration’s website and submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).

ELIGIBILITY – CANDIDATES MUST: For us this place is magnetic, • Be 21 years of age or older and though we have both lived off • Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia island, we always find ourselves while owning and actively managing a PHYSICIAN STREAM • Be signed and dated by a person drawn back. We dreamed for years Nova Scotia business The Physician Stream assists Nova Scotia’s authorized to hire physicians at the of opening a business here together NSHA or IWK public health authorities – the Nova Scotia • Have a net worth of at least $600,000 and now that little dream has come Health Authority (NSHA) and the Izaak • Be signed and dated by the applicant CAD to reality. We love the unique culture, Walton Killam Health Centre (IWK) – to hire who is accepting the opportunity • Be able to invest at least $150,000 hospitality, and community that general practitioners, family physicians, • Indicate eligibility for licensure with the CAD of your own money to establish a exists here and we feel excited about and specialist physicians to work in Nova College of Physicians and Surgeons of business in Nova Scotia the opportunities and potential that Scotia. The stream helps the NSHA and NS • Have at least 3 years’ experience actively are continually developing. IWK to recruit and retain physicians with • Indicate that the applicant is eligible to managing and owning a business (1/3 the required skills for positions that they apply for privileges and credentials with ownership minimum) OR more than 5 have been unable to fill with a permanent SARABETH DROVER AND NSHA and the IWK years’ experience in a senior business resident or Canadian citizen. management role CAITLYN PURCELL Salty Rose’s and the Periwinkle Cafe ELIGIBILITY HOW TO APPLY • Have a score of at least 5 on the Canadian Language Benchmark in Ingonish, Victoria County The Physician Stream is only open to Gather all supporting documentation speaking, listening, reading and writing general practitioners and family physicians required for your application. in English or French (NOC 3112) and specialist physicians (NOC Complete the online application form. 3111) with signed approved opportunities • Complete an online Expression of with the Nova Scotia Health Authority or Interest the IWK Health Centre. • Receive an Invitation to apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration • The approved opportunity must be on official NSHA or IWK letterhead and must:

54 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 55 Federal Economic Class

THERE ARE FOUR STEPS TO APPLY TO EXPRESS ENTRY THE EXPRESS ENTRY SYSTEM: The application process for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada STEP 1: FIND OUT IF YOU’RE permanently and take part in our economy. ELIGIBLE Express Entry is used to manage applications There are two ways to find out if you’re for permanent residence under these federal eligible for a program that is part of economic immigration programs: Express Entry: • answer a few questions to see if you INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE • Have completed a degree or diploma 1. Federal Skilled Worker meet the minimum requirements ENTREPRENEUR after at least 2 academic years of full- time, in-person study at a university 2. Federal Skilled Trades Program • read the detailed requirements for each The International Graduate Entrepreneur in Nova Scotia or the Nova Scotia program Stream is for recent graduates of a Nova 3. Canadian Experience Class Community College Scotia university or the Nova Scotia Community College. They must have • Have a valid post-graduation work STEP 2: GET YOUR DOCUMENTS already started or bought a Nova Scotia permit READY business and operated it for at least • Have a score of at least 7 on the You need documents, such as language a year. If they intend to settle in Nova Canadian Language Benchmark in test results, to show that you’re eligible Scotia, the graduate may be nominated speaking, listening, reading and writing for Express Entry. Some documents take a for permanent resident status. Interested in English or French long time to get, so you should get them individuals are encouraged to read the • Complete an online Expression of ready now. guide on the Nova Scotia Office of Interest Immigration’s website and submit an • Get the documents you need Expression of Interest (EOI). • Receive an Invitation to apply from the Nova Scotia Office of Immigration STEP 3: SUBMIT YOUR PROFILE ELIGIBILITY – CANDIDATES MUST: • Have a valid post-grad work permit at Your Express Entry profile is where you give the time of application • Be at least 21 years old us information about yourself. • Want to live permanently in Nova Scotia • Demonstrate intention to settle If you’re eligible, Immigration, Citizenship, while owning and actively managing a and Refugees Canada will accept you into Nova Scotia business their pool of candidates. • Have at least one year’s continuous experience actively managing and You’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool owning your current Nova Scotia using a points-based system. Your score is business (33.3% ownership minimum) based on the information in your profile. • Check your score • Submit your profile

56 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 57 STEP 4: RECEIVE AN INVITATION AND APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE Start-up Immigration, Citizenship, and Refugees Canada send invitations to apply to the candidates with the highest scores in Visa the pool. If Immigration, Citizenship, Find out how to immigrate to Canada by and Refugees Canada invite you to starting a business and creating jobs, or apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your support innovative entrepreneurs. application for permanent residence. Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets Immigration, Citizenship, and Refugees immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills Canada process most complete and potential to build businesses in applications that have all the supporting Canada that: documents in 6 months or less. • are innovative Apply for permanent residence. • can create jobs for Canadians • can compete on a global scale Do you have an innovative business idea? If you can get support for your idea from one of the designated organizations, you may be able to immigrate to Canada.

WHO CAN APPLY • To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must: • have a qualifying business • get a letter of support from a designated organization • meet the language requirements • bring enough money to settle

58 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 59 Settlement Service Organizations

PRE-ARRIVAL POST-ARRIVAL If you have been selected to immigrate Once you arrive in Canada, friendly and to Canada, you and your family can find experienced settlement professionals can services to help before you immigrate. help you: There are free in-person and online services that Immigration, Refugees and • Look for a job Citizenship Canada funds to help you • Receive a language assessment better prepare and adjust to life in Canada. These services can help you with: • Register for language classes • Living and working in Canada • Find a place to live • Getting your education, work experience • Fill out forms and applications and professional licenses/certificates • Register your children for school recognized in Canada • Learn about community services • Connecting with employers and with free support services when you arrive in Canada

60 Welcome to Cape Breton Immigrate 61 We can’t wait for you to get here! For more information, contact the Cape Breton Partnership Email: [email protected] | Phone: 1-844-868-0967

CBPartnership @cbpartnership cape-breton-partnership @cbpartnership

Cape Breton 285 Alexandra Street 609 Church Street, Suite 101 Sydney, Nova Scotia Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia Partnership B1S 2E8 B9A 2X4