To mark completion of the Maritime Link Project, industry and labour have partnered to support local community groups in Cape Breton. Building on the collaborative spirit that has made the construction of the Maritime Link successful, a combined total of $40,000 was presented today to four not-for-profit organizations in Cape Breton.

Cahill, Northern Canada Constructors Limited, IBEW Local 1928, Cape Breton Island Building & Construction Trades Council, Nova Scotia Construction Labour Relations Association and Emera Newfoundland & Labrador gathered today in Sydney to present the donation. It will be shared in four equal parts between organizations that support communities in Cape Breton: Adopt a Family Program, Loaves & Fishes, Cape Breton Transition House and Feed Nova Scotia.

“Supporting communities where we live and work has always been important to Emera NL during construction of the Maritime Link Project,” says Rick Janega, Emera NL President & CEO. “We are very proud to continue our union and contractor partnerships to help those in need as we complete Project construction. It’s our way of saying thank you to the communities that helped us achieve this significant milestone.”

Jim Sponagle says, “On behalf of the Maritime Link project, as Business Manager of IBEW Local 1928, I am honoured to have the opportunity to give back to a community that’s given so much to me over the years.  As a proud Cape Bretoner, my union members were treated with open arms by the local community while working and living in this area. To give a little something back is a great feeling.”

Howard Foote, General Manager of Northern Canada Constructors Limited (NCCL) says, “Cape Breton is a place with a lot of hard workers, and a lot of heart. We’ve all seen this during our time here constructing the Maritime Link Project.” Foote explained on behalf of NCCL that they are honoured to play a role in giving back to the people of Cape Breton through these organizations.

Jack Wall, President of the Cape Breton Island Building & Construction Trades Council says, “Working in conjunction with contractors and the owner, we have a developed a good working  relationship and are thankful for the many hours that the men and women have put in on the Maritime Link.” Wall adds, “This work kept a lot of families together since people were able to work from home - and for every hour they worked, they and the contractors have contributed back to the community.”

Representatives of the four not-for-profits were on-hand for the cheque presentation.

Emera NL, IBEW Local 1928, Cahill, NCCL, CBBTC, and NSCLRA presented a total of $40,000 to be shared in equal parts amongst four Cape Breton charitableorganizations. Representatives of Adopt a Family, Loaves & Fishes, Transition House and Feed NS are shown here with donor representatives.