Each September, Welcoming Week celebrates the people, places, and values that help everyone feel included. This year’s theme, Stories We Share, is a perfect way to highlight one of our own: Jean-Luc Lewis, who moved from Jamaica to Pictou County in December 2023 and now helps lead our region’s investment readiness work at the Partnership.
From Jamaica to Pictou County
After a decade supporting small businesses in Jamaica, Jean-Luc was ready for a new challenge. Canada was on his radar, but Nova Scotia wasn’t top of mind, until opportunity and curiosity aligned.
Arriving in December, the weather was cooler than the warmth of Jamaica, but people made all the difference.
“The weather was an adjustment, but people were welcoming at the bank, on the street, everywhere. That mattered.”
His early days were spent house-hunting, exploring job opportunities, and navigating all the little details of settling into a new community. Along the way, support from local organizations and welcoming neighbours made the transition smoother and helped him start to feel at home.
“Nova Scotia Works – Career Connections was incredibly supportive. They helped me translate my experience into local job opportunities and guided me through interview preparation.”
When the Partnership role became available, it was a perfect match. Connecting Jean-Luc’s skills and experience with the region’s opportunities for growth.
Why Jean-Luc’s Work Matters
Jean-Luc joined the Partnership to help map Pictou County’s assets, including land, properties, and sector assets so the county could be better equipped to respond to potential investment opportunities. His research on local assets contributed significantly to the development of Pictou County’s first Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Strategy, a process led by an external consultant and shaped through community engagement.
“Investment attraction doesn’t happen by chance. You need to know what exists, where the gaps are, and which markets and sectors are the best fit. The strategy gives us focus.”
Three priority areas were identified: the Blue Economy (ocean-related opportunities like aquaculture), the Green Economy (renewable and low-impact industries), and Manufacturing (a historic local strength evolving toward cleaner, more innovative processes).
He values this role for the opportunity it provides to deepen his knowledge of the county and, by extension, the province through research and site visits, including a visit to an oyster farm. This year, his work has centered on enhancing content for our online presence to attract international investors and supporting the development of our sector videos through research and planning.
“We’re strengthening Pictou County’s investment readiness by sharing information, gathering regional data, and creating regional assets and resources. That way, when investors explore the region, they can quickly understand how it aligns with their opportunities.”
A Welcoming Place, a Shared Future
The strategy was developed in collaboration with community. By organizing Pictou County’s assets and telling a compelling story, the strategy provides a foundation for the region to present itself with a shared vision for the future.
“We need industries that not only keep people here but also help our communities thrive. The work we’re doing today builds on lessons learned from the past while creating a strong foundation for the future.”
On a personal note, Jean-Luc enjoys spending time walking along the river, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the sense of calm that comes from seeing water “almost everywhere you look.”
“I love being near water because it helps me feel grounded. It’s a place to reflect and think.”
From arriving in the midst of winter to finding his place in the community, and now contributing to shaping Pictou County’s future, Jean-Luc’s journey illustrates how welcoming newcomers and embracing the skills and perspectives they bring can enrich our communities and guide what comes next.
To learn more about our Investment Readiness work and how we are supporting opportunities in Pictou County, click here.
