Federal investment helps New Dawn Enterprises create a hub for opportunity and inclusion in Glace Bay
New youth and family centre will provide accessible spaces for skills development, training, entrepreneurship and community connection October 15, 2026 · Glace Bay, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) Building a strong economy means ensuring that people have access to the opportunities, skills and supports they need to participate and succeed. By investing in infrastructure that brings people together and removes barriers, the Government of Canada is helping create inclusive communities and a more prosperous Atlantic Canadian economy.
New youth and family centre will provide accessible spaces for skills development, training, entrepreneurship and community connection
October 15, 2026 · Glace Bay, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Building a strong economy means ensuring that people have access to the opportunities, skills and supports they need to participate and succeed. By investing in infrastructure that brings people together and removes barriers, the Government of Canada is helping create inclusive communities and a more prosperous Atlantic Canadian economy.
Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay, announced non-repayable federal support for the development of the New Dawn Youth and Family Centre in Glace Bay ($500,000).
This contribution will support fully accessible spaces within the New Dawn Youth and Family Centre where people of all backgrounds and circumstances can connect, access support and build skills through workforce training, entrepreneurship, digital literacy, newcomer services and youth leadership opportunities. By bringing community partners together under one roof, the project will foster inclusion, strengthen social connections and build capacity for long-term economic growth in Cape Breton.
Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping communities turn local priorities into lasting opportunities by investing in the infrastructure people need to learn, work, connect and thrive.
The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
Quotes
“For more than 50 years, New Dawn Enterprises has turned bold ideas into practical results for Cape Bretoners. Our government is pleased to support the multi-purpose rooms at its new Youth and Family Centre, helping the organization broaden its reach, deliver more services in one place, and help more people develop their talents, pursue their goals and shape the region’s future.”
- The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Growing up in Glace Bay, I saw firsthand the strength of this community. The Youth and Family Centre will be a welcoming space where people of all ages can access support, develop new skills and create pathways to success. This initiative by New Dawn will help strengthen opportunities for youth, families and the organizations that work every day to make Cape Breton a great place to live and work.”
- Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Sydney—Glace Bay
“Every person carries within them gifts, ideas, and possibilities that deserve to be seen and nurtured. Too often, those possibilities are limited not by a lack of talent or ambition, but by a lack of opportunity, resources, and spaces where people feel they belong. The New Dawn Youth and Family Centre reflects our belief that Glace Bay’s future is something we can imagine and build together. We are grateful to ACOA for this investment in inclusive, accessible spaces where people can discover their strengths, pursue their ideas, and help shape a different kind of future for themselves and their community.”
– Erika Shea, President and CEO, New Dawn Enterprises
Quick facts
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Founded in 1976, New Dawn Enterprises is Canada’s oldest non-profit Community Development Corporation, with more than 50 years of experience creating community-led solutions that strengthen Cape Breton’s economy and quality of life.
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New Dawn’s diverse programs and services support approximately 3,000 individuals each day, delivered by a team of more than 200 employees across Cape Breton.
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Its areas of focus include housing and homelessness, community health, youth and family services, immigration settlement, arts and culture, energy and climate initiatives, and community development.
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The non-repayable funding announced today is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).
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Discover how ACOA-supported projects are helping businesses and communities across Atlantic Canada adapt, grow and innovate. Explore the new interactive Map of ACOA investments for details on projects and investments in communities across the region.
Associated links
Reproduced from the original Government of Canada announcement.
