Don't Miss a Thing
Event Program
- Pre Conference Day
- Day 1 / September 21
- Day 2 / September 22
- Day 3 / September 23
IT Focused Workshop #1
This session will focus on incidents response planning, lessons learned from recent Unit 42 investigations, CIS 18 controls and how to come out of an incident stronger, Unit 42 service offerings and how to procure the Provincial Standing Offer. Lunch is sponsored by the Palo Alto Networks.
Lunch will be sponsored by the Paloalto Networks
Municipal Finance Officer (MFO) Session
Sponsored by 
Speaker: Carey Blair, a Partner in KPMG’s Audit practice based in Nova Scotia
Workshop – PS 3450 Financial Instruments and more
Did you know that virtually every set of local government financial statements contains numerous financial instruments? PS 3450 introduces completely new concepts and accounting to PSAS. Conversion efforts are not to be underestimated. If your financial statements contain cash, receivables, investments, payables, loans, or even derivatives (either freestanding or embedded such as interest rate or foreign exchange rate currency swaps) YOUR municipality will be affected by the new requirements. Some of the upcoming changes include:
- a new financial statement called the statement of remeasurement gains and losses
- the introduction of fair value measurement for some public sector entities
- a significant increase in the amount of disclosure in public sector financial statements, especially with respect to the risks arising from your financial instruments and the effects from exposure.
PSAB’s new accounting standard Section 3450 Financial Instruments and the related amendments to other accounting standards such as PS 1201 Financial Statement Presentation, and PS 2601 Foreign Currency Translation came into effect April 1, 2022.
Join us to learn:
- What are financial instruments (FI) and how they’ll impact your financial statements
- Recognition and Measurement
- Presentation, disclosure and transition
Lunch will be sponsored by the Municipal Finance Corporation (MFC)
Workshop #2 Virtual Investigation And Threat Hunting Capture The Flag Workshop
During this 90-minute interactive virtual Investigation and Threat Hunting session, you will have an opportunity to travel around the world to find threats – and answers – with Cortex XDR™. Your mission is to: Race opponents to uncover security incident details and capture territories; Reveal compromised hosts and vulnerable rule sets; Level up your ability to investigate suspicious activity. *Pre-registration, a laptop and power supply is required.
Chief Administrator Officer’s Session (CAO*)
*FOR CAO’S ONLY
This session is an opportunity for CAOs of each municipality to get together, have candid conversations, and strategize about the issues impacting them, their municipality, and their regions. Light snacks will be provided.
Registration
Please visit our registration desk to check-in for the conference.
Opening Reception
Kindly sponsored by Medavie Blue Cross, join your municipal colleagues for some finger food and live music from local musician Andrew Doyle in the Mariner Ballroom A&B. In your badge, you will find one complementary drink ticket.
Sponsored by 
Morning Fun Run
Wednesday, September 21 | 6:30 a.m - 8:00 a.m
Join us for a walk or 5 km/10 km run before we spend the day sitting. A map of the routes can be found in your delegate bag and on the conference webpage. James Forsey will lead the run. Those who participate will receive a conference buff. We will meet in the hotel's main lobby at 6:30 am. Beginners are welcome.
Sponsored by 
Registration, Early Bird Draws, Exhibitor Viewing & Coffee
Grab a cup of Joe and a light breakfast to get you moving before the conference sessions start. If you’re lucky, your name may be called to win some donated prizes!
This breakfast is sponsored by Thinkdox.
Opening Ceremonies
Join us at the opening ceremonies for greetings from our Conference Planning Committee Chair, our supporting members, and our organizations.
Opening Keynote: Bet On Me - Succeeding in Business and in Life
Presented by: Annette Verschuren, O.C., Chair and CEO of NRStor Inc
As a leading entrepreneur Annette Verschueren lays out her surprising and inspiring philosophy for what it takes to lead and succeed in today's economy: tenacity, the willingness to embrace risk and an unwavering commitment to remain true to yourself, no matter how unorthodox you may seem.
Drawing on her experiences as a Cape Breton farm girl who went on to lead Home Depot Canada's expansion from 19 to 179 stores, building NRStor from the ground up, and other business ventures along the way, Verschuren will share her vision that will change the way you approach your work and your business.
Tradeshow Refreshment Break
A short break before the first concurrent session block. Enjoy a coffee, visit the exhibitor booths, or catch up with a friend.
Sponsored by 
Morning Concurrent Session: Digital transformation and the path to becoming stronger, safer, and more efficient
Presented by John MacKinnon, Deputy CAO, and Director of Technology and Communications, CBRM; David Muise, Director of IT, Strait Municipal Information Technology Association; Shawn Fleury, Senior Director, Risk Management, and Sylvain Dumas, Cortex SE, Palo Alto Networks
Technology is revolutionizing but how are local governments managing costs, delivering services, and addressing cyber security risks? This panel discussion will touch on a wide range of topics, including capital budgeting in cyber security, the triggers and scams that employees should be aware of, cyber insurance – cost increases, increased requirements, the importance of employee awareness training, backup plans and business continuity.
Sponsored by
Morning Concurrent Session: Practical Advice On Today’s Legal Challenges In Recruitment And Hiring
Presented by: Noella Martin, Q.C. Wickwire Holm
There are various legal challenges to consider when recruiting and hiring employees. In this session, Wickwire Holm will share practical advice to enhance recruitment experiences and limit any potential legal liability.
Ventriloquist Lunch – Reimagining the Art of Ventriloquism
While enjoying lunch, we will be joined by the very funny Michael Harrison, comedian and ventriloquist.
The Strength of Partnerships: Utilizing Outdoor Recreational Spaces
Presented by: Deano Morley, CBU; Kirk Durning, Director of Parks, and Grounds, Buildings & Facilities, CBRM; Jonathan Penny, Program Coordinator Sports Development, CBRM Recreation
Being a regional municipality that spans over 2,400 square kilometres and one with high rates of poverty, we knew that many of the kids in our community were not getting the opportunity to participate in quality sports programs. Looking to change this, we immediately saw the value in partnering with Cape Breton University (CBU) and its athletic department. We were inspired by the university's new Strategic Plan, which included the goal to "Champion Island Prosperity" by building partnerships to lead change. Discussion with Capers Athletics occurred to consider ways to bridge gaps at the community level and inspire children and youth through sport. This presentation will tell the story about the strength of partnership and how it can help lead to change in communities. Ours has grown in ways we could not have imagined and is helping provide more opportunities to residents and building capacity and young leaders in the field.
Sponsored by Medavie Blue Cross
Short Networking Break
A short break after the concurrent session block. Enjoy a coffee, visit the exhibitor booths or catch up with a friend.
Sponsored by 
Provincial Update
Presented by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Housing
Come join the conversation with Municipal Affairs and Housing: This session will feature presentations by DMAH on current issues impacting municipalities and an opportunity for delegates to ask questions and provide input on current provincial initiatives.
Afternoon Wellness Activity: A Lesson In Archery - Cancelled
Come join us for a lesson in Archery. Learn from an expert and try it for yourself. Those who participate will receive a conference buff. Max 25 people can participate. First come, first serve.
Off-Site Dinner and Entertainment
Join your municipal colleagues for a three-course meal and entertainment by Emily Dingwall, Jenn Dingwall, and Ashley Buckingham.
Entertainment Sponsored by 
Dinner Sponsored by 
Morning Yoga - Gentle Yoga Class
Join us for a morning yoga session to help calm your mind and body before we start the day. This session will be taught by Desiree Magnus, local certified yoga instructor. Those who participate will receive a conference buff. A limited supply of mats will be available. Please bring a yoga mat to the session, if possible.
Sponsored by
Registration, Early Bird Draws, Exhibitor Viewing & Coffee
Grab a cup of Joe and a light breakfast to get you moving before the conference sessions start. If you’re lucky, your name may be called to win some donated prizes!
Keynote Session: Fear, Lies, and Disappointment - The Root of our Most Acute Social and Political Anxieties
Presented by Linden MacIntyre, Giller Prize & Gemini Award Winning Journalist and Author, Former Co-Host of CBC's Fifth Estate and The Journal.
In this keynote, Linden MacIntyre will share how the prevalence of untruth in commerce, politics, and social discourse now accounts for the fear and disappointment infecting widespread contemporary notions about freedom and democracy.
Sponsored by Halifax. 
AMA Updates and AGM
Come learn what your Association has been working on, and join us for the Annual General Meeting.
Tradeshow Refreshment Break
A short break before the morning sessions start. Enjoy a coffee, visit the exhibitor booths, or catch up with a friend.
Sponsored by 
Morning Concurrent Session: Reaching Your Target Audience – Best Practices For Social Media
Presented by Kelsie Chiasson, Consultant, Crestview Strategy
As municipal staff, are we spending too much time designing our social media messaging in an effort to appease a few chronically unhappy residents? Are we spending enough time building positive, trusting relationships with the residents who are not actively seeking out municipal information? This session will teach us how to develop more engaging relationships, how we deal with public feedback, or how do we become more transparent in our social media communication.
Morning Concurrent Session: Environmental Change - ACAP Cape Breton
Presented by Kathleen Aikens, Executive Director, ACAP
Presentation on environmental sustainability and current practices within CBRM around wastewater, solid waste, litter, and water conservation.
Wellness/Exhibitor Lunch
During this luncheon, you have an opportunity to win some great prizes from our Exhibitors. Ensure your exhibitor passport is filled out and handed in before the luncheon to win prizes.
Sponsored by 
Your exhibitor passport can be found in your name badge. Be sure to have each respective Exhibitor initial it and submit it in the box before noon on Thursday for your chance to win.
Have each respective exhibitor initial your passport and submit your passport in the exhibitor box before noon on Thursday for your chance to win a prize at the Exhibitor Luncheon Exhibitor Box is located by the Mariner Ballroom A&B stage.
Presenting Sponsor Presentation – Emerging Trends In Nova Scotia
Our presenting sponsor will talk about the safety trends and things municipalities can install to help reduce workplace injuries.
Reaching Beyond Education to Become Economic Drivers for Cape Breton
Presented by: Gordon MacInnis, Vice President – Finance & Operations, CBU; David Gerbasi, Director of Studies, Canadian Coast Guard College; Carla Arsenault, Principal, and CEO, NSCC - Marconi Campus
Three educational institutions in CBRM have extended their reach beyond education to become economic drivers for the community. The session will highlight the benefits and challenges they have experienced and their move-forward plans geared towards economic development.
Tradeshow Refreshment Break
A short break to enjoy a coffee, visit the exhibitor booths, or catch up with a friend.
Sponsored by 
World Café Networking Session
Join the conversation and explore an issue in one of the small table groups. Discussions will be held in multiple rounds and intended to allow for more relaxed and open conversations. There will be multiple table topics to explore.
Afternoon Wellness Activity
After a long day of conference meetings, take advantage of this time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Take a walk through the Historic Northend of Sydney. Check your delegate bag for a map to help guide your walk.
President's Reception
The President’s Reception will offer the lovely vocal and piano stylings of Cassidy Riley. Cassidy is a 19-year-old Cape Breton University student who hails from Sydney River. This homegrown talent is self-taught on piano and has studied voice since the age of six. Cassidy has been involved in the Cape Breton music scene for over 10 years in a variety of performances and has produced several recordings. In your badge, you will find one complimentary drink ticket.
Sponsored by 
President's Banquet
Join us for the Banquet to celebrate your municipal colleagues' years of long service. The Banquet will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the Head Table being piped in by John Grant.
After Banquet Hospitality Suite
Following the President’s Banquet come join us for some live music by Buddy MacDonald and Aaron Lewis during our after-banquet reception. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and enjoy a beverage.
Registration, Early Bird Draws, Exhibitor Viewing & Coffee
Grab a cup of Joe and a light breakfast to get you moving before the conference sessions start. If you’re lucky, your name may be called to win some donated prizes!.
What Do Truth And Reconciliation Mean For Your Municipality?
Presented by Tanya Johnson-MacVicar, L’nu Advisor – CBRM Mayor’s Office
What’s working & Next Steps- a reflection on how Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action can help your municipality and the Indigenous communities you serve.
Tradeshow Refreshment Break
A short break before the wrap up the conference with our platinum sponsor presentation and closing keynote presentation.
Sponsored by 
Closing Keynote: Breaking Through Your Limitations - Live Today
Presented by Mark Black, Heart-Lung Transplant Recipient, 6-Time Gold Medalist, 4-Time Marathon Runner, Speaker, Author & Coach
Your organization has a vision for where you are headed, but the future has many unknowns, and the stakes are high. To realize your goals, you need to have everyone on board, but how do you get everyone from the front line to the head office to truly believe it can happen?
Closing Ceremony & Grand Prize Draw
Throw your badge in for a chance to win a Grand Prize donated by TELUS. You must be in attendance to win.
Our Presenting Sponsors
Thank you to our Corporate Sponsors
Sliver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Reception Sponsors
Refreshment Break Sponsors
Exhibitors
If you would like to become a corporate sponsor of the 2022 Fall Conference, download Sponsorship & Exhibitor Prospectus.