Update Regarding Corporate Credit Card Investigation

Feb. 7, 2025

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) is aware that the provincial Department of Municipal Affairs has informed media that they are satisfied with the municipality’s actions in investigating irregularities on a CBRM corporate credit card issued to the former Mayor. 

Now that the provincial process is complete, the interim CAO will bring it forward to council for their direction.

Tom Miller Human Rights Award Recipient: Kendrick Douglas

Feb. 7, 2025

Mr. Kendrick Douglas, originally from Whitney Pier, was presented with the 2025 Tom Miller Human Rights Award at the African Heritage Month Gala this past weekend at Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

This prestigious award honours the legacy of Tom Miller and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the advancement of human rights, equality, and justice within the community.  The late Tom Miller, Nova Scotia’s first black Alderman, was a dedicated, principled and tireless advocate who supported the rights of all Canadians, particularly those disadvantaged by discrimination or poverty. 

Kendrick Douglas was recognized for his remarkable contributions to human rights and community advocacy. Mr. Douglas has built a career focused on justice, inclusion, and youth empowerment. As Legal Counsel for the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission, he works to ensure fairness and equity for those facing discrimination.

Beyond his legal work, he co-founded the MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, serves on Cape Breton University’s Board of Governors, and has advanced diversity in sports through Hockey Nova Scotia’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. Mr. Douglas also played a key role in developing cultural competency training for lawyers, strengthening equity in the legal system.

Mr. Douglas was awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2023. His dedication to justice, advocacy, and community service has left a lasting impact on Cape Breton and beyond.

Nominations Now Open for the Tom Miller Human Rights Award

January 13, 2025

The Tom Miller Human Rights Award is now open for nominations. 

The Cape Breton Regional Municipality welcomes your nomination for the Tom Miller Human Rights Award. The award will be presented to an individual of CBRM who has made a significant contribution to the Community with respect to the encouragement, promotion, initiation, or development of human rights within our Community.

Tom Miller was born in Halifax in 1917 - three months before the Halifax explosion. He and his family moved to Whitney Pier shortly after the disaster. Miller grew up to work in the Sydney Steel Plant and served in the Second World War. He became Atlantic Canada's first Black alderman when he was elected in Sydney in 1955 -- a seat he held for 17 years. Miller later became the first African-Nova Scotian to run for the provincial Liberals.

The closing date for nominations is January 23, 2025, and the winner will be announced at the African Heritage Month Gala on Saturday, February 1st, 2025 at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre.

Tom Miller Human Rights Award Nomination Form