ECBC is a Crown corporation established pursuant to Part II of the Government Organization Act, Atlantic Canada, 1987 (also known as the Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation Act).
ECBC’s small geographical focus, local control and flexible mandate enable the Corporation to devise initiatives that are very specific to local needs and priorities. The Corporation can take an executive leadership approach to economic challenges, bringing together all stakeholders in the local economy for direction and input.
As a Crown corporation, ECBC is a distinct legal entity reporting to Parliament through the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
In addition to its own programs, ECBC is responsible for the delivery of ACOA's programs on Cape Breton Island.
ECBC has a history of working in partnership with Service Canada, Nova Scotia Department of Economic and Rural Development, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Nova Scotia Department of Tourism,Culture and Heritage, Nova Scotia Department of Energy, Cape Breton Development Corporation and Destination Cape Breton. They are also in partnership with regional development authorities, community business development corporations, various not-for-profit organizations, municipalities and the private sector on a number of economic development initiatives.
As the principal federal organization for economic development on Cape Breton Island, ECBC focuses on the major issues affecting the economy of the area. In partnership with all levels of government, the private sector, and other community stakeholders, ECBC will promote and assist the financing and development of communities and industry with a view to creating sustainable wealth on Cape Breton Island*.
*This definition of Cape Breton includes the Mulgrave area.
The mission statement focuses the Corporation on the major issues affecting the economy of Cape Breton Island and the Mulgrave area. ECBC’s mission statement reads:
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation is the principal federal government organization for economic development in Cape Breton. ECBC, in partnership with all levels of government, the private sector and other community stakeholders, will use its broad and flexible powers to assist, promote and co-ordinate efforts that foster an environment supportive of the generation of wealth to effect sustainable job creation throughout Cape Breton Island and Mulgrave.