2025 Conference & AGM
June 4-6, 2025 · Inverary Resort Cape Breton
In the heart of Cape Breton
2025 CCANS Conference and AGM Recap
We are pleased to share the highlights of the successful 2025 CCANS Conference & AGM, held June 4 to 6 at the beautiful Inverary Resort in Baddeck, Cape Breton. Surrounded by the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes, this year’s event brought together continuing care professionals from across the province for three days of learning, networking, connection, and, yes, lots of fun!
For the full recap, please click the button below.
Join Us at the Inverary Resort for the 2025 CCANS Conference and AGM!
We are pleased to announce that the 2025 CCANS Conference and Annual General Meeting will take place at the beautiful Inverary Resort in Cape Breton from June 4-6, 2025. Nestled on an 11-acre waterfront property within walking distance from downtown Baddeck, this lovely resort offers stunning views of the Bras d’Or Lakes and convenient access to the world-famous Cabot Trail.
With its tranquil gardens and lakeside atmosphere, the Inverary Resort provides the perfect backdrop for our conference, allowing attendees to focus on learning and connecting while enjoying the beauty of Cape Breton. We look forward to welcoming you to this wonderful venue!
For more information about the venue, visit Inverary Resort.
Our Mission
We offer our members a voice and a venue to facilitate positive change and the best possible care and homes for seniors, vulnerable populations, and their families.
We are a community of compassionate and talented professionals and remain ‘arms length’ from government.
Conference Schedule
Wednesday, June 4
MacAulay Conference Centre
- 4:00 – 6:00 Registration
- 5:00 – 8:00 Tradeshow
Passport Contest Game
Collect stamps from at least 21 of 25 squares by visiting vendors and / or completing tasks. Print your name at the bottom and place it in the box at the registration table to enter the prize draw!
- 6:00 – 8:00 Welcome Reception (Menu)
A selection of hors d’oeuvres and charcuterie boards will be served at the Reception.
- 8:00 Lounge Entertainment
Thursday, June 5
Lakeside Restaurant
- 7:00 – 9:00 Hot Breakfast (Menu)
MacAulay Conference Centre
- 8:00 – 9:00 Registration
- 9:00 – 9:10 Opening Remarks
- 9:10 – 9:20 Gold Sponsor Spotlight: Community Services Benefits Trust
- 9:20- 10:35 The Excellence Principle: Unleashing Your Potential Through the Power of Feeling Good
With Thursday Keynote Rob Hawke
- 10:35 – 10:45 Gold Sponsor Spotlight: Intellicare Furniture
- 10:45 – 11:00 Break (Menu)
- 11:00 – 11:05 Silver Sponsor Spotlight: Belmont Health & Wealth
- 11:05 – 11:45 New Rules To Enhance Workplace Safety and Preventing Harassment in Nova Scotia
With Eve Webster from the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration
- 11:45 – 11:50 Silver Sponsor Spotlight: Ainsworth
- 11:50 – 12:20 Lunch (Menu)
- 12:20 – 1:05 AGM (CCANS Members Only)
- 1:15 – 2:15 SLTC & DOSD Roundtables
SLTC: Roundtable with CCANS Board President (MacAulay Room)
DOSD: Roundtable with Maria Medioli (Breakout Room)
- 2:15 – 6:30 Free Time to Explore the Resort
- 6:30 – 8:00 Banquet Dinner (Menu)
- 8:00 Live Music / Entertainment
Downhouse
Friday, June 6
Lakeside Restaurant
- 7:00 – 9:00 Hot Breakfast (Menu)
MacAulay Conference Centre
- 9:00 – 10:15 Legal Updates (And More!)
With Friday Keynote Noella Martin
- 10:15 – 10:20 Silver Sponsor Spotlight: StaffScheduleCare
- 10:20 – 10:35 Break (Menu)
- 10:35 – 10:40 Silver Sponsor Spotlight: Surge Learning
- 10:40 – 11:25 The Evolving Role of HR Management
With Stephanie Girard, Health & Community Care Workforce Sector Council
- 11:25 – 11:35 Break (Menu)
- 11:35 – 12:20 You’re Funnier Than You Think: Team Building Through Laughter
With Rob Hawke
- 12:20 – 12:30 Closing Remarks & Grand Door Prize Draw
Accommodations
For room reservations at the CCANS rate call 1-902-295-3500 ext. 1 by May 5th, 2025.
Inverary Resort
368 Shore Road
Baddeck, Nova Scotia
B0E 1B0
Event Registration
Conference registration is FREE for
the CCANS voting member in good
standing, $199 for Additional CCANS members, and $289 for Non-Members
Questions?
Contact ccans.est1976@gmail.com
Registration is now closed!
If you’d like to be added to a waitlist, please email ccans.est1976@gmail.com
Speakers
Rob Hawke
The Excellence Principle: Unleashing Your Potential Through the Power of Feeling Good
Discover a game-changing tool that boosts resilience, creativity, and productivity—and even saved my life. In this hilarious, interactive keynote, I’ll share powerful techniques from my work with cancer patients, medical professionals, and The Second City to help your team collaborate, innovate, and find renewed purpose through humor and “Yes And.”
About The Speaker
Rob Hawke
Robert Hawke is a speaker, author, and comedian.
Robert has uplifted and entertained audiences at conferences, medical schools, and universities. He is very proud to have developed content for The Canadian Mental Health Association, The University of Toronto Medical School and The Ontario Hospital Association, among others.
He was a member of The Second City National Touring Company and shared in a Canadian Comedy Award.
Rob’s books include Kicking Cancer’s Ass: A Light-hearted Guide to the Fight of Your Life and Doing Happiness: Uncovering the Hidden Benefits of Feeling Good. He lives in Peterborough with his terrific wife and ridiculously small dog.
Noella Martin
Legal Updates (And More)
Noella will lead discussions on significant legal developments affecting long-term care in Nova Scotia. In addition, Noella will speak about a number of other trends that will affect long-term care in the years ahead.
About The Speaker
Noella Martin
Noella is well known to CCANS’ members. She has been practicing law in Nova Scotia since 1991 and has acted for long-term care clients over that entire course.
Noella has represented employers at virtually every type of labour or employment-related hearing, including at the Labour Board, arbitrations and all levels of court. Noella has acted as chief spokesperson in collective bargaining and has appeared before and been a member of interest arbitration boards.
In addition to labour and employment law and long-term care issues, Noella has been very involved in issues affecting Nova Scotia’s Acadian heritage. She appeared as counsel for the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial at the Supreme Court of Canada in a matter arising out of minority language education rights and more recently was part of the team that successfully required the Province to revisit the issue of Chéticamp becoming its own electoral district.
The publication “Best Lawyers in Canada” has recognized Noella annually since 2012 for her practice in Administrative and Public Law.
Noella is a member of the Board of the Ship Hector Society, an organization devoted to restoring the Ship Hector, based in Pictou.
Eve Webster
New rules to enhance workplace safety and preventing harassment in Nova Scotia
New rules aimed at enhancing workplace safety and preventing harassment in Nova Scotia will take effect on September 1st, 2025. These rules require all employers in the province to implement policies addressing workplace harassment and bullying. This presentation will cover the key workplace requirements, the steps employers need to take to prepare, and the tools available to support compliance with these new regulations.
About The Speaker
Eve Webster
Meet Eve Webster, Senior Director of Compliance and Inspection Services with the Occupational Health and Safety Division with the Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration. Eve started her career in the private sector in the elevator industry where she worked in management for 8 years before moving to provincial government where she spent 12 years with the Technical Safety Division as a field inspector and project manager. Eve joined the Occupational Health and Safety Division as a Regional Director in 2019 and most recently in the spring of 2023 became the Senior Director.
Stephanie Girard-Fraser
The Evolving Role of HR Management
This presentation explores effective HR practices to enhance organizational culture, focusing on minimizing risks and fostering inclusion. By implementing strategies that promote open communication and employee engagement, organizations can create a supportive environment that reduces turnover rates, ultimately leading to a more productive and harmonious workplace. Join us to learn more!
About The Speaker
Stephanie Girard-Fraser
Stephanie Girard-Fraser, BBA, CPHR, is an accomplished Executive Director of Human Resources based in Halifax, NS. With extensive expertise in talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development, she excels in driving cultural transformation and strategic workforce planning. Currently leading the Health + Community Care Workforce Sector Council, Stephanie champions innovative HR practices to enhance the care sector in Nova Scotia. Her previous roles include Director of HR at Regional Residential Services Society and HR Consultant for EMC/EHS, Manager of HR at Newfold Digital, where she successfully implemented HRIS systems, conducted workplace investigations/conflict resolution and fostered inclusive workplace cultures. A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, Stephanie holds multiple certifications and actively contributes to her community as Board Chair of New Boundaries in Windsor, NS.
Rob Hawke
You’re Funnier Than You Think: Team Building Through Laughter
Laughter connects, energizes, and builds stronger teams. In this fun, interactive breakout session, we’ll use comedy and improvisation to enhance collaboration, creativity, and communication. No comedy experience needed—just a willingness to play! Walk away with practical tools to bring more humor, connection, and engagement to your work and team.
About The Speaker
Rob Hawke
Robert Hawke is a speaker, author, and comedian.
Robert has uplifted and entertained audiences at conferences, medical schools, and universities. He is very proud to have developed content for The Canadian Mental Health Association, The University of Toronto Medical School and The Ontario Hospital Association, among others.
He was a member of The Second City National Touring Company and shared in a Canadian Comedy Award.
Rob’s books include Kicking Cancer’s Ass: A Light-hearted Guide to the Fight of Your Life and Doing Happiness: Uncovering the Hidden Benefits of Feeling Good. He lives in Peterborough with his terrific wife and ridiculously small dog.
Downhouse
Downhouse
Downhouse is a group of 17 year old Memorial High School Students, the band formed in June of 2023. Since then the boys have had many opportunities to showcase their talent of performing various covers of classic music as well as a few originals. Highlights from the last two years consist of participating in Cape Smokey rising stars and placing first in the High School division, Cape Breton Rising Stars at the Savoy theatre alongside some very talented artists and opening for Matt Minglewood at the Savoy Theatre. DownHouse is eager to bring entertainment to the surrounding communities and share their love of music with all ages!
Leeland Marinelli – Lead Guitar and Vocals
Nathan Young – Rhythm Guitar
Owen Seymour – Rhythm Guitar
Nic Quirk – Bassist
Cody Young – Drums
Sponsors
Thank you to the generous sponsors of the 2025 CCANS Conference & AGM!
Gold
Sponsors
Community Services Benefit Trust
Intellicare Furniture
Gold
Sponsors
Community Services Benefit Trust
Intellicare Furniture
Silver
Sponsors
StaffScheduleCare
Belmont Health & Wealth
Ainsworth
Surge Learning
Silver
Sponsors
StaffScheduleCare
Belmont Health & Wealth
Ainsworth
Surge Learning
Bronze
Sponsors
GoEasyCare
Gordon Food Service
Aware NS
Cardinal Health
The Collective (ErgoWorks)
SpeedStaff
Music Care
Bronze
Sponsors
GoEasyCare
Gordon Food Service
Aware NS
Cardinal Health
The Collective (ErgoWorks)
SpeedStaff
Music Care
Vendors
- Jeste Health Services
- Tecogics Scientific Ltd. : Ex N’ Flex
- Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration
- PMT Security
- Sysco Foodservice
- Breton SmarTek – CareQ
- Medline Canada
- Health+Community Care Workforce Sector Council
- SSI Consulting Solutions
CCANS Conference & AGM Recaps
Please find our CCANS Conference and Annual General Meeting recaps below.
2025 Conference Recap & Thank You
We are pleased to share the highlights of the successful 2025 CCANS Conference & AGM, held June 4 – 6 at the beautiful Inverary Resort in Baddeck, Cape Breton.
2024 Conference Recap & Thank You
We are delighted to announce the successful conclusion of our 2024 CCANS Conference and AGM, where continuing care professionals gathered for engaging sessions.
2023 Conference Recap & Thank You
The CCANS 2023 Spring AGM & Conference at Oak Island Resort was a huge success! It was the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, learn, & unwind.