Conversations Live with Stuart McNish

In this special episode of Conversations Live, recorded at AME Roundup 2026, industry leaders come together to examine the future of mineral exploration and development in British Columbia and across Canada.As global demand for critical minerals accelerates, driven by the clean energy transition, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain security, panelists warn that declining exploration activity, regulatory uncertainty and lengthy permitting timelines could cost Canada a once-in-a-generation opportunity. The conversation explores why exploration and discovery are foundational to Canada’s economic prosperity, national sovereignty, and industrial strategy. This episode highlights both the risks of inaction and the path forward emphasizing the need for certainty, collaboration, and alignment with global market demand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada’s immigration system is at a critical turning point. In this episode of Conversations Live, an expert panel examines how record levels of permanent and non-permanent immigration have impacted housing affordability, health care, education, infrastructure, labour markets, and community planning and what recent policy shifts mean for Canada’s future.The discussion explores whether immigration targets have been aligned with community capacity, how governments can better coordinate policy and what a sustainable, transparent immigration system should look like. We brought together perspectives from government, academia, business, housing, and immigrant services to better understand where Canada’s immigration system is headed and what needs to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Conversations Live took a deep dive into one of the most urgent issues of our time: Cybersecurity.From AI-powered deepfakes to the rising cost of cybercrime in Canada, our expert panel broke down the threats and the opportunities shaping our digital future. Vancouver’s growing role as a cybersecurity hub was a standout theme.A big thank-you to our panel: Milos Stojadinovic (RBC), Erik Berg (KPMG), Bijan Sanii (INETCO), Dominic Vogel (Vogel Cybersecurity Leadership), Michael Argast (Kobalt.io) and Katie Fitzmaurice (Invest Vancouver). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The B.C. economy continues to shrink but we are looking for creative ways to turn the tide! Conversations Live is partnering with the Indigenous Partnership Success Showcase to spotlight the innovative collaborations that are bringing growth back to the province.Our panel will bring together leaders driving progress through partnership and entrepreneurial thinking. Featuring:Chief Derek Epp, Ch’íyáqtel First NationCatherine Pennington, KPMGStephen Lee, Musqueam Capital CorpJeff Mycock, West FraserBob Rennie, rennie IntelligenceHosted by Stuart McNish Be part of the conversation that’s shaping B.C.’s economic future and celebrate the partnerships and ideas unlocking growth in British Columbia! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Eaves, STEMCELL TechnologiesSue Paish, DigitalMarc Low, KPMGLisa Sparrow, CorixWendy Hurlburt, Life Sciences BCKarn Manhas, Terramera 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 Smith - Former Chief Councillor, Haisla NationMark Magnacca - Co-Chair, Canadian Indigenous Investment SummitJP Gladu - Principal, MokwatehGlen Clark - Chair, BC HydroDallas Smith - President, Nanwakolas CouncilMike McPhee - Executive Chairman, Falkirk Consulting Ltd. 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:Jock Finlayson – Chief Economist, ICBALaura Kirkimaki – Vice President, McMillan VantageStuart Thomson – Journalist, National PostJoyce Murray – Liberal MP, Government of CanadaStewart Prest – Political Scientist, University of British ColumbiaDavid McArthur – Senior Advisor, McMillan VantageKareem Allam – Political Strategist, Fairview Strategy 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:Crystal Smith – Chief Councillor, Haisla NationChief Derek Epp – Chiyaqtel First NationChristy Smith – Senior Vice President at Falkirk Environmental Consultants and a member of the K’ómoks First NationStephen Lee – CEO of Musqueam Capital CorporationCatherine Pennington – Director, Indigenous Advisory Services at KPMG and citizen of the Metis NationEthan Clark – Co-Founder and CEO of Nationsfirst TechnologiesWe 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.