Labour Market Update - Cape Breton

Acrobat Research Ltd. will close its call centre in Cheticamp on October 29, resulting in the loss of 38 jobs. The company, which also announced the closure of its Canso centre, cited a downturn in business as the reason for the closures.  Cape Breton Post, September 4, 2009

Copol International of North Sydney will receive an investment of $280,000 over five years in payroll rebates through Nova Scotia Business Inc..  The payroll rebate will offset the cost of implementing a lean manufacturing program and in new equipment and product development.  The rebate is conditional upon the company retaining its current staff of 48 employees.  Copol was established in 1992 and is the only cast polypropylene film extruder in Canada.  Cape Breton Post, September 16, 2009

Volume One bookstore in Port Hawkesbury has closed permanently.  Inverness Oran, September 16, 2009

Construction is underway on a 33,000 sq. ft., $3.5 million business centre in Membertou that will house professional service firms and a business incubation centre.  Employment during construction is presently 15, but could reach 50 during peak periods.  The centre is expected to open in 2010.  Cape Breton Post, September 19, 2009

Effective January 1, 2010, the government of Nova Scotia will spend $25 million to help manufacturers with costs of buying new technology, machinery and equipment.  Chronicle-Herald, September 19, 2009

Mikjikj Enterprises Ltd. of Eskasoni, in a joint venture with Harbour Tech Services Inc. of Sydney has been awarded a $3.1 million contract to operate and maintain a material processing facility for the Sydney tar ponds and coke ovens cleanup.  Joneljim Construction of Sydney began building the facility in 2008.  All construction vehicles will be cleaned at the facility before leaving the site.  In addition, material and debris from remediation will be graded, sorted and washed at the facility. The operation will begin in October 2009 and will employ 5 people.  Cape Breton Post, September 23, 2009

Marine Atlantic will undergo $9.5 million in improvements to its docking facilities, which will include a second dock level.  The work will be funded through the federal government's Infrastructure Improvement Fund and will result in shorter waiting times and enhanced ferry services.  The contract for the work will be awarded this winter with an aim of finishing prior to the 2011 season. Construction is expected to take about a year and could employ more than 100 people.  Cape Breton Post, September 25, 2009

MediaSpark of Sydney will receive $438,478 from the National Research Council to expand its educational games and simulations product line.  The company has recently hired five new people, bringing its staff level to about seventeen.  Cape Breton Post , September 26, 2009