In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, brought to you by the Pictou County Partnership, Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections sits down with Sarah Santos from the Partnership to learn more about the Community Connections Program and how it supports newcomers with building meaningful connections in Pictou County.

Moving to a new place can come with a long to-do list: housing, work, paperwork, and once those first steps are done, a new question often comes up, how do I build a life and community here? The program creates meaningful connections that help newcomers feel welcomed and supported.

You’ll also hear from volunteers who share their experiences building meaningful connections in our community.

If you’re new to Pictou County and are looking for support with getting connected, meeting people, or finding activities in the community, reach out to the Partnership by email at [email protected].

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, Robert Young and Ann MacGregor sit down with Chrissy and Jonathan Langford of Northumberland Diesel Ltd. in Three Brooks, NS.

Founded in 1981 by Chrissy’s father, this family-owned business has grown into a trusted marine service provider supporting commercial fishers throughout Pictou County and the Maritimes.

Tune in to hear how Northumberland Diesel Ltd. delivers dependable marine diesel engine services, boat repairs, and system upgrades—while adapting to the evolving needs of the fishing industry. They also share how decades of hands-on experience, family ownership, and a commitment to ongoing training help keep boats operating safely and efficiently, building long-standing relationships across the region.

Listen now to learn more about their business!

In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, one story at a time", brought to you by the Pictou County Partnership, Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections and Maxine MacLean from the Partnership are joined by Shelley Curtis-Thompson, Executive Director of the Pictou County Women’s Resource & Sexual Assault Centre, to discuss the Centre’s programs and services and to highlight the upcoming celebration of its 50th anniversary.

The Centre plays a vital role in supporting women and girls in the community, providing a safe space that they can turn to for help and guidance.

If you would like to learn more about the Pictou County Partnership’s Community Impact work through The Sobey Foundation Community Prosperity Compass+ Program, visit the Partnership’s website, ⁠pictoucountypartnership.com⁠. 

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM.

In this special episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, we highlight Stories Across Generations, a collaborative art project led by Creative Pictou County with support from the Pictou County Partnership, and funded by Arts Nova Scotia.

The project connected local artists, newcomers, and community elders through storytelling and creativity, resulting in a moving collection of artworks showcased in two exhibitions that welcomed over 200 attendees.

Join host Sarah Santos in conversation with Carissa Ainslie, Executive Director of Creative Pictou County, as they reflect on the project’s impact and legacy. You’ll also hear from several artists, storytellers, and newcomers who share what this experience meant to them — in their own words.

Explore the full project and see photos of the artwork at: creativepictoucounty.com

This week, Colleen Proudfoot (Pictou County Partnership) and Ann MacGregor (Nova Scotia Works Career Connections) welcome Layla Rahmeh, Executive Director of the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce.

Layla shares how the Chamber supports local businesses through advocacy, member benefits, and networking—and gives us a preview of the Business Achievement Awards happening October 22, 2025 at the DeCoste Centre in Pictou.

We also discuss the importance of small businesses, collaboration among local economic development organizations, and upcoming Small Business Week visits to local businesses from the Chamber, Pictou County Partnership, and IGNITE.

🎟️ Tickets for the Business Achievement Awards are available (while supplies last) at: decostecentre.ca
🌐Learn more about the Chamber: pictoucountychamber.com

Episodes originally air Thursdays on 98.9 XFM.

As part of Welcoming Week 2025 and its theme, Stories We Share, we reconnect with Abdalazeez Alabbas, who first arrived in Canada with his family in 2021. In our 2022 blog post, we shared his journey of coming to Pictou County, starting work as a Continuing Care Assistant, and working toward becoming a registered nurse.

In this episode of Growing Pictou County, One Story at a Time, Abdalazeez reflects on his family’s settlement journey, shares some of the special moments they’ve experienced, and highlights how the warm welcome they received from day one made all the difference in building their new life here.

In this episode of “Growing Pictou County, one story at atime”, Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections speaks with Maddie Kennedy, Program Coordinator for 2SLGBTQI+ Business Support at the Pictou County Partnership.

Maddie shares program highlights to date and shares detailsabout the upcoming Pride in Business Workshops and networking event happening on September 25, 2025 in collaboration with IGNITE and Pictou County Pride.

Tune in to hear how inclusive business supports are empowering local entrepreneurs and strengthening our community.

Episodes originally air on 98.9 XFM on Thursdays.

Register or learn more about the Pride in Business workshops and networking event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/pride-in-business-workshops-for-2slgbtqi-entrepreneurs-tickets-1630976447459?aff=oddtdtcreator

In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, one story at a time", Colleen Proudfoot, Manager of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Pictou County Partnership, chats with Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections to talk about the Partnership’s work to build a more prosperous, inclusive future for all who live and work in Pictou County.

Tune in to learn about the Partnership’s collaborative, community-first approach to strengthen the region’s economy through immigration and community integration, business support, empowering community impact organizations and fostering investment readiness.

🍫In this episode of “Growing Pictou County, One Story at aTime”, Colleen Proudfoot and Ann MacGregor sit down with Allan Keefe, founder of Chapel Cove Chocolate in Little Harbour, Nova Scotia. His start as a chocolatier began with a franchise in Vancouver, but after relocating to PictouCounty, Allan launched his own independent chocolate business—producing ethically sourced, small-batch chocolate right here in Pictou County.

Tune in to hear how Chapel Cove Chocolate navigates global cocoa supply challenges, embraces fair trade, and finds success through buy local initiatives like Nova Scotia Loyal and Taste of Nova Scotia. Plus, learn how their small size means they can offer custom creations, from wedding favours to limited-edition products!

🛍️ You can find Chapel Cove Chocolate at retailers in Pictou County and Nova Scotia—or shop directly at their location in Little Harbour, the New Glasgow Farmers Market and online at chapelcovechocolate.ca.

In this episode of "Growing Pictou County, One Story at aTime", Ann MacGregor from Nova Scotia Works Career Connections is joined by Colleen Proudfoot, Manager of Business and Entrepreneurship at the Pictou County Partnership.

They discuss the Partnership’s Newcomer Business Navigation Program, which helps newcomers launch, grow, or purchase a business in Pictou County. Through one-on-one support, workshops, and connections to partner organizations, the program supports newcomers in sharing their talents and building meaningful opportunities—for themselves and the community—helping to create a more prosperous Pictou County.

The Newcomer Business Navigation Program is made possible through the support of the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

Listen now to learn more!