Conversations Live with Stuart McNish

With British Columbia’s economy on a slow downward trajectory, one question stands out: Can the innovation economy boost the province’s performance? The answer might be yes if we can train, retain, and attract the best and brightest minds. But that’s no easy task in a world competing fiercely for talent. Recent U.S. policy changes, including a $100,000 H-1B visa fee, could give BC an unexpected advantage. But can our strengths outweigh our challenges? Join Stuart McNish and an exceptional panel of leaders as they unpack what it will take for BC to lead in innovation and talent attraction: Allen EavesSue PaishMarc LowLisa SparrowWendy HurlburtKarn Manhas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada and BC are introducing legislation to fast-track major projects in energy, mining, forestry, and infrastructure. On the surface, it signals that investment is welcome in our nation again. But here’s the reality: without meaningful consultation and partnership with First Nations, these projects risk delays or outright failure. That’s why projects developed with Indigenous communities move faster, gain approvals more smoothly, and succeed more often. Join Stuart McNish for the season premiere of Conversations Live as he speaks with a remarkable panel of leaders about how Indigenous partnerships are reshaping Canada’s development landscape: Crystal SmithMark MagnaccaJP GladuGlen ClarkDallas SmithMike McPhee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m., Conversations Live welcomes Pete Hoekstra, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Canada, for an exclusive and timely discussion on the evolving relationship between our two nations. From long-standing trade partnerships to moments of political tension, the Canada-U.S. relationship has been described as both special and complicated. In this live episode, Ambassador Hoekstra joins host Stuart McNish to explore the economic, diplomatic, and security issues that continue to define our cross-border ties. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Energy access and sustainability are at the heart of Canada's economy and British Columbia is facing a pivotal moment. How can we ensure energy security, equitable access, and environmental responsibility in a rapidly evolving landscape? Join us on Conversations Live for a timely and thought-provoking panel on June 17 at 5:30 PM. We’ll explore BC’s current energy mix, still dominated by electricity and fossil fuels, and the practical realities of transitioning to alternatives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Growing old isn't for the faint of heart. Physical health, mental health, financial health, and loneliness are some of the issues we all face as we clear the 70-year mark. What is it about British Columbia that we're near the top of the global longevity spectrum? As you age do you fear health care resources, mental health resources, a lack of social services, a lack of social networks, or a lack of money? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The economic opportunities mining presents are enormous, however, the Trump Administration has thrown a wrench into the development of North American critical minerals. "The demand for critical minerals in the United States is not going to change" says Michael Goehring of the Mining Association of British Columbia, "the US has two choices of supply China and Canada. The US needs our critical minerals." BC currently has 17 critical mineral projects awaiting approval, four of which are on Premier Eby's list of natural resources projects, there's another five precious metal or gold projects under development. Goehring says, "those projects represent a generational opportunity for British Columbia's economy." Join us on Tuesday May 6 as our panel outlines the opportunities, the roadblocks and the solutions to igniting the province's economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is not just a tool for efficiency but a strategic enabler for strengthening Canada’s competitiveness, innovation, resilience, and long-term prosperity during a time of geopolitical uncertainty. Industry leaders will share real-world strategies for integrating AI and overcoming adoption challenges for the benefit of Canadian companies and the economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earth Day, an international recognition that we need to protect our home. This precious blue marble in space, uniquely positioned to sustain life as we know it. Easy access to energy has powered dramatic changes and advances in our quality of life and it has also had an impact on the environment. For much of the past 20 years in Canada, the environment and sustainable energy has been at the forefront of every election in the country, nationally, provincially and locally. Suddenly, the environment is taking a back seat. It’s a troubling shift of priorities. One that could threaten the future of developing sustainable energy generation and the future of the planet. Join me on Earth Day, April 22 at 4:22 pm for a Conversations Live special edition - Sustainable Energy and the Election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

British Columbia's economy is at a turning point. As we face a period of modest growth transforming into a potential economic storm, it's crucial to stay informed. Join Stuart McNish as he hosts another live conversation featuring top economic experts to discuss the challenges ahead. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the key issues impacting BC's economy, from the projected $11 billion budget deficit to the cancellation of the carbon tax and the impact of international tariffs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If American produced food is removed from grocery stores in British Columbia, get ready to go without. More than 60 per cent of the products on the shelves are from south of the 49th parallel. If you want a balanced diet of vegetables, grains, fruits and protein then you can not source all of your meals from BC or Canada. The way we grow and trade food back and forth is based on who can grow it, in quantity, with certainty and ensure we can afford it. So we grow grains and produce seafood in this country and we sell those to the US and others. But we don’t grow anywhere near enough fruit and veggies, so we import them. And here’s where it gets tricky, in BC we - at best - produce only 30 per cent of what we need and much of that we send to the US to be processed before bringing it home to consume. Now throw in tariffs, what will happen to the cost and the reliability of food? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive into Bill 7: The Economic Stabilization Act, a proposed BC law that could reshape government powers over public funds and infrastructure in response to global economic uncertainties. What does this mean for businesses and taxpayers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last year at this time the headlines were filled with Real Estate Crisis stories. The Province and the Feds were making announcements upon announcements. Bill 44 was introduced with the idea that it would force municipal governments to increase density. It is legislation that was supposed to increase certainty of supply, stabilize prices and boost construction. But did it work? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has demonstrated Canada is vulnerable because we are heavily dependent on his country for trade. Everyone agrees we need to open new trading relationships. Direct Foreign Investment is a significant step in that direction. DFI is an economic generator that provides jobs, tax revenue, infrastructure development, skills development and foreign exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re heading into a change election. The Liberals will put forward a new leader who will be charged with the daunting task of overcoming a significant gap in the polls. All indications suggest the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre will form the next Federal Government. If Mr. Poiliever is successful with voters, what can we expect regarding tone, the economy, social programs, immigration, Indigenous relations, Trump, tariffs, the border, national security, energy and the environment? Our remarkable panel of experts will shed light on all and more. Our panelists: Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Indigenous leadership is shaping 2025 and beyond - socially, economically and culturally. First Nations and Indigenous organizations are developing housing, businesses, and resource sector projects. These organizations are utilizing legislative venues only open to them, and in doing so they are pushing through the clutter, increasing the pace of approval and delivering permits where cities and municipalities can’t. And First Nations are working to steward the environment with programs and principles that protect our province and celebrate the unique relationships Indigenous people have with the land. Leadership is a key element to those success stories – the vision, energy, and persistence of individuals leading the way. Join us Jan 28 for a conversation with a panel of outstanding Indigenous leaders and allies, remarkable individuals who are getting it done: We hope you can join us for the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is not news there are glaring cracks in our healthcare systems – in some cases reaching a breaking point. In both BC and AB numerous rural emergency departments have closed for hours, even days, due to shortages. Healthcare organizations in both BC & Alberta struggle to recruit skilled doctors, nurses, care aids, and other skilled professionals. What can be done to alleviate the pressures on the system? Alberta has made changes to primary care funding. This is widely seen as a positive step. Yet funding for emergency physicians has not changed, nor has funding for hospitals. Alberta Health Services has considered changing to an activity-based funding model over global budgets. In 2010, BC experimented with ABF and determined there were no changes in measures of quality. During the recent election in BC, the idea re-surfaced. Families in both provinces struggle to find a GP – the foundation of our health care systems. Ontario has introduced new medical school rules that require students to be Canadians from Ontario. Surgical waitlists are long, access to operating rooms rationed by difficult budgets, and the food is terrible. The right of patients to use private clinics in their home province is not allowed. Delivering healthcare in a province isn’t a simple thing. It requires coordination of thousands of patients, billions of dollars, thousands of specialist providers, complex equipment, and hundreds of facilities. Just delivering healthy meals and timely appointments is challenging for institutions struggling to keep up with demand under budgets that are too tight - but already the single largest expenditure in every Canadian province. Join us December 10 for a conversation on this critical matter with an outstanding panel. We hope you can join us for the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canadians don’t get to vote in the upcoming US election, but its results will have an out-sized impact on our lives. The US is not only a world power with which we share an expansive border, the country is our largest trading partner and ally on the global stage. The two presidential candidates have very different visions for the role the US will play on the world stage and in cross-border trade. Join us 7 p.m. Oct 29 for a conversation with a panel of individuals offering keen insights into our stakes in the US election, drawn from their decades of experience in international politics, trade, and strategy. They are: It should be a good one. Hope you can join us for the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For many British Columbians parties’ divergent views on BC’s economy will be top-of-mind when they step into the ballot box in the upcoming provincial election. Join us October 7 when we sit down with a panel drawn from across the political spectrum for a conversation about The Election and the Economy. They are: When asked about rising spending in our past conversations, BC Premier David Eby has pointed to spending as an investment in other deficits left by previous government – a deficit of investment in services and infrastructure including much-needed schools and hospitals, transit, and social services. Yet, BC is on track to hit a record $7.9 billion deficit this year – well up from the $5.7 billion surplus the premier inherited two years ago. One commentator noted BC’s debt already requires significant taxpayer dollars to pay interest charges, putting the figure at $4.1 billion this year and rising with each annual deficit. BC’s credit rating has already been downgraded by one agency. BC Conservative leader John Rustad calls it chronic financial mismanagement, and was recently quoted in media saying if elected BC’s budget will be his first priority. He’s spoken about growing BC out of the problem through renewed growth in LNG, agriculture, and forestry, among other sectors, and that he will look to selectively reduce spending and cut regulations that are adding costs. He has pledged to cut to both corporate and personal taxes, and to eliminate the carbon tax. We hope you can join us for the conversation – webcast with the Vancouver Sun and on our own website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are travelling to Calgary October 1 to delve into carbon capture – technologies that could play a role in combating climate change, but that are not without controversy. According to the Government of Alberta the province is a “global leader in carbon capture, utilization and storage and continues to safely lead the way.” All carbon capture technologies involve capturing atmospheric carbon dioxide and either repurposing it or storing it underground. Already, two major projects in the province have captured and stored more than 11.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide since 2015. Companies are exploring options for producing liquid fuels or hydrogen from captured carbon, or using it in the production of fertilizer, concrete, chemicals, and plastics. However, critics raise concerns about the high cost and additional power needed to fuel carbon capture processes. They say it will be an excuse to slow the energy transition, call it greenwashing. Join us online 6:00pm Mountain Time as we break down carbon capture in Alberta with a stellar panel: We hope you can join us for the conversation – webcast with the Calgary Herald and on our own website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for a series of wide-ranging conversations with BC’s provincial political leaders the week of September 16. Kicking off our third season, the Leaders Series will be three conversations over the week – all unscripted, unrestricted, and focused on the topics on British Columbians’ minds as we come into the October election. As always, we will take questions from our webcast audience over Slido. The series will start with a conversation with Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau 7 p.m. Monday, September 16, followed by BC Conservative Party leader John Rustad 7 p.m. the next day – Tuesday, September 17. BC NDP leader Premier David Eby will join us Thursday, September 19 at 4:15 p.m. There’s a lot to discuss. The political landscape has shifted with BC United exiting the campaign. The economy, toxic drugs, health care, crime, housing, infrastructure investment, the climate, food & agriculture, our resource economy and tech sectors, education all feature in the upcoming election, less than two months away. We hope you can join us for these conversations – as always, webcast by our media partner, the Vancouver Sun, and on our own website. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.