Cape Breton Welcome Network
About the Cape Breton Welcome Network
Launched in 2020, built on research and community consultation led by the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership, its purpose is to help communities across Unama’ki – Cape Breton do what they do best: welcome others.
Activities through the Welcome Network look different in each community, with a flexible approach that supports both those who are new and those who are extending a welcome.
Join the Cape Breton Welcome Network
Whether you’re new to Unama’ki – Cape Breton or want to help welcome others, the Cape Breton Welcome Network is a great place to start. You can join as either a Newcomer or a volunteer Welcomer by selecting the appropriate option below.
Welcomers are volunteers dedicated to helping newcomers feel at home. Their role is about fostering a sense of belonging and building more inclusive communities across the Island. Some Welcomer activities are self-directed, while others are more structured and guided by the Welcome Network Coordinator.
Newcomers are anyone new to their community—whether you’ve moved from another part of Nova Scotia, another province, or another country. By signing up as a Newcomer, you’ll receive updates on opportunities to connect with Welcomers, attend local events, access community resources, find settlement supports, and more
The Cape Breton Welcome Network Buddy Program
This pilot program connects Welcomers and Newcomers based on shared interests and demographics, with the goal of fostering friendships, community connections, and building inclusive communities.
While general involvement in the Welcome Network can include events, informal connections, and self-directed activities, the Buddy Program offers a more personalized experience by pairing newcomers with local volunteers for direct, one-on-one support. It’s a simple and supportive way to build relationships, share local knowledge, and strengthen community ties—one neighbour at a time. We match newcomers with local volunteers who can offer a friendly face, a listening ear, and guidance on settling into life in Cape Breton. It’s not about being a tour guide or an expert—it’s about being a good neighbour!
How it Works:
- Complete the appropriate Buddy Program form linked below. You can sign up as either a “Welcomer” (local volunteer who has lived here for at least two years) or a “Newcomer” (recently arrived community member).
- The Welcome Network Coordinator will contact you and walk you through the required steps for completing a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector check. All participants in the Buddy Program, both newcomers and volunteers, are required to provide proof of a Criminal Record and Vulnerable Sector Check. The fee regularly associated with these checks is waived since it is for volunteer purposes. Newcomers with a valid study or work permit issued within the last two to three years are exempt from this.
- The Welcome Network Coordinator will try their best to match you with a “Buddy” from your community. Matches depend on the number of participants, shared interests, and demographics. While we aim to connect everyone, matching is not guaranteed, however we will absolutely try our best!
Participating in the Program:
Once matched, we encourage Buddies to commit to regular communication for at least three months. After that, you and your Buddy can decide how often you’d like to connect going forward. The
Welcome Network Coordinator will also check in after one month to see how things are going and provide any needed support.
For More Information
Any inquiries regarding the Welcome Network can be best directed to Sumayya Mullassery, Welcome Network Coordinator at welcomenetwork@capebretonpartnership.com or 902-562-0122.
For additional resources and supports, please visit:
- For employment opportunities, visit the Cape Breton Job Board.
- For professional networking opportunities, visit The Cape Breton Connector Program.
- For a map of newcomer services and resources, visit the Newcomer Service Map.
- If you are looking for settlement support, visit Immigrant Settlement Services.
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Last Modified: August 8, 2025