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!
The conference opened with our trade show and welcome reception, giving attendees the chance to meet with a wide range of vendors offering products and services that support and enhance the work of our member organizations, as well as an opportunity to reconnect with old and new friends and colleagues across the industry.
On Thursday morning, author and comedian Rob Hawke delivered an inspiring keynote titled The Excellence Principle: Unleashing Your Potential Through the Power of Feeling Good. His engaging and humorous approach left participants motivated to bring renewed energy and positivity into their workplaces. Later in the day, Eve Webster from the Nova Scotia Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration presented New Rules to Enhance Workplace Safety and Preventing Harassment in Nova Scotia, offering critical guidance on regulatory changes coming into effect September 1, 2025.
During our Annual General Meeting, members received updates on the association’s accomplishments over the past year and our future direction. We also announced important changes to our board: Vicki Atwood has been elected Vice-President, and Paula Hatfield has been appointed to the role of Treasurer. Lee Kelly continues to serve as President, with Della Boyle as Secretary. We extend our sincere thanks to outgoing Treasurer Brittany Thody for her dedicated service over the past two years. We were also pleased to welcome Zoe Hawkins as our new Health + Community Care Workforce Sector Council liaison on the board.
Thursday afternoon wrapped up with the Seniors and Long-Term Care (SLTC) and the Department of Opportunities and Social Development (DOSD) groups splitting into roundtables to discuss issues directly impacting their industry. Lee Kelly led the session with the SLTC group and Maria Medioli, Executive Director, Disability Support Program, led the session for the DOSD group.
The conference banquet dinner was a memorable evening, featuring delicious cuisine and live music by local band Downhouse. The lakeside setting and lively atmosphere made it a night to remember.
On Friday, our keynote speaker, lawyer Noella Martin, delivered Legal Updates (And More!), covering significant legal developments affecting long-term care in Nova Scotia along with emerging issues facing the continuing care sector.
Then Stephanie Girard and Joshua Dort from the Health + Community Care Workforce Sector Council led the session The Evolving Role of HR Management. They discussed effective HR practices for enhancing organizational culture and reducing staff turnover, as well as exploring AI and technology trends impacting the sector.
To close out the conference, Rob Hawke returned for You’re Funnier Than You Think: Team Building Through Laughter, a lively, interactive session focused on using humour and improvisation to build teamwork and communication. The laughter-filled workshop even rewarded a few lucky participants with comedy gnomes.
We extend our appreciation to our generous sponsors, vendors, speakers, planning committee, and the team at Inverary Resort. Your support and efforts helped make this year’s conference an outstanding success. Most importantly, thank you to all who attended. Your participation, enthusiasm, and shared commitment to quality continuing care is what makes our annual conference so meaningful.
We’re already looking forward to our 2026 conference as we continue to grow, connect, and strengthen our community. Stay tuned for updates and thank you once again for being part of this exceptional experience!
Photo Highlights
Venue – Inverary Resort in Cape Breton
Banquet Dinner
Sessions & AGM
Tradeshow
