Conversations That Matter

Ep - 608 - Quiet Food Insecurity Guest: Dr Sylvain Charlebois By Stuart McNish   “Quiet food insecurity” says, The Food Professor, Sylain Charlebois, “ is a noticeable decline in the quality and variety of food in shopping baskets and that poses long-term nutritional and health risks.” The nature of the make up of the shopping cart contents is a direct reflection on the cost of food. “Prices are up by about $1,000 over last year for a family of four” says Charlebois.   The pressure on food prices accelerated with the imposition of tariffs on US food in March of 2025. Despite the tariffs being removed, food prices did not drop, “in September food inflation actually rose”, says Charlebois. Today, food prices are still rising at about 4 to 6 percent a year. Meat and produce have been identified as the major contributors to increases in grocery prices.   The driving factors include, but are not limited to, a weaker Canadian dollar, international trade friction, on-going supply chain challenges and a dramatic increase in fuel costs. Charlebois describes the situation as, “bad, bad for family budgets and bad for health and it's due to consumers changing shopping patterns to put food on the table.   I invited, the Food Professor Sylvain Charlebois to join me for a Conversation That Matters about the impacts of rising food prices on all of us.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 607 - British Columbia's Golden Moment in Mining Guest: Michael Goehring By Stuart McNish   “We're seeing some progress in mine permitting,” says Michael Goehring of the Mining Association of British Columbia. “However,” he continues, “we need to build on this momentum to realize our once-in-a-lifetime mining opportunity.” To do that will require further action from the provincial government – action that Goehring says “includes a coordination of policies across a variety of ministries such as finance.”   In February of 2026, the provincial government introduced taxes on professional services, restrictions on mining exploration tax credits, and increased administrative burdens. Goehring says, “Expanding the 7% Provincial Sales Tax to engineering, geoscience, legal, consulting, and accounting services imposes costs on junior mining companies that have no revenue.”   “We're at a critical point: the public, for the first time in decades, appreciates the value mining brings to the economy, to our green energy aspirations, and to our national security,” says Goehring. He acknowledges the recently-approved expansion at the Hudbay, New Ingerbelle mine is a good step forward. It alone will account for more than 800 jobs in the Princeton area and extend the life of the existing Copper Mountain Mine to 2040.   We invited Michael Goehring of the Mining Association of BC to join us for a Conversation That Matters on how BC can find its way to capitalizing on a golden moment.    You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 606 - DRIPA and its legal consequences Guest: Robin Junger By Stuart McNish   The news in British Columbia is all about DRIPA – the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. The premier of the province David Eby, in response to the December 2025 BC Court of Appeal Ruling of a case known as Gitxaala, raced to amend the act. His attempts to do so have become a headspinning spectacle.   The original case began in 2023 with a challenge to the Mineral Tenure Act, which allowed mineral explorers to strike a mineral claim without acquiring agreement and consent by the historical First Nation to the area.   The case upheld the miners' position that consent was not required during exploration. It was the first challenge to DRIPA. It was immediately appealed and in December of 2025, the Court of Appeal of BC overturned the lower court ruling by stating, “The Declaration Act gives a statutory mandate and duty to take all measures necessary to bring British Columbia's law into alignment with UNDRIP.”   “In other words,” says Indigenous legal authority,  Robin Junger, “the BC government must, as stated in its own words, follow the law it wrote and the court has no option.”   I invited Robin Junger of McMillan LLP to join us for a Conversation That Matters to outline exactly what DRIPA is and the legal ramifications of amending the legislation.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 605 - Track and Trace Guest: Louis Dron, Redwood A.I. By Stuart McNish   The British Columbia government launched a pilot called Track and Trace, a two-year initiative led by Aidos Innovations, a nonprofit translational science institute developed at the University of British Columbia with support from law enforcement. “This new initiative will analyze the unique chemical fingerprints of illicit drugs,” says Victoria Police chief Fiona Wilson.    Key to the success of the pilot program is Vancouver-based Redwood AI, whose technology turns raw chemical testing into usable intelligence for police, border officials, and health agencies trying to keep pace with a drug supply that changes from week to week.    “Drug dealers do not publish the composition of the products they produce but we at Redwood AI can back calculate the method of production,” says Louis Dron, one of the founders of the Vancouver-based artificial intelligence company.   “Using our proprietary software and analytic solutions synthesis tests, we analyze more than one billion molecules and reactions and identify manufacturing pathways in seconds,” says Dron. The platform that the company created predicts and optimizes synthesis pathways across drug discovery and development, which enables law enforcement agencies to zero in on drug precursors, their source, and supply chain.   We invited Louis Dron, the CEO of Redwood AI, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the convergence of advanced chemistry, AI, and addressing a missing link in the drug crisis in Canada.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 604 - Artificial Intelligence: Optimistic or Fear? Guest: Marc Low, Ignition at KPMG By Stuart McNish   “When it comes to AI, ‘you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs' and the same is true when it comes to the development, application, and use of AI,” says Marc Low, the Ignition Vancouver Lead at KPMG. Low goes on to say, “AI is either exhilarating and inspiring or it's fuel for nightmares; so much depends on your point of view.”   Low is a techno optimist, saying, “I have my eyes wide open to the opportunities and the risks, and when I look at the future of AI in our lives and jobs, I believe it is a force for good.” This despite Matt Shumer's “Something Big Is Happening” blog of Feb 9, 2026, where he states that AI is replacing him, an AI founder, coder, and designer. Shumer says, “I am no longer needed for the actual technical work of my job.”   This begs the question: “Is AI a disruptive job killer or is an expansive force within every sector of the workplace?” asks Marc Low. A Citrini Research Macro Memo hypothesis details the progression and fallout of the global intelligence crisis. Titled, “The Consequences of Abundant Intelligence,” the memo looks at unemployment numbers in June 2028 at 10.2% and rising to 38% in October.   We invited Marc Low, Ignition Vancouver Lead at KPMG, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the current and future opportunities and impacts of artificial intelligence.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 603 - More Permits, Less Talk Guest: Todd Stone, Association for Mineral Exploration BC By Stuart McNish It's taken two years of fast-talking about fast-tracking mining permits in British Columbia to get started. On April 1, 2026, the BC government promised to approve exploration permits within 40 to 140 days, depending on project complexity. If the permit isn't processed on time, it will be escalated to the chief permitting officer, who must make a decision within 14 days.   It's a part of Premier Eby's response to economic uncertainty caused by US President Donald Trump. Eby stated, “It is time to build again and we don't have a moment to waste.” He continued, “We cannot allow slow permitting processes and bureaucratic processes to delay what we know has to happen.”    It's a good start, says Todd Stone, the President of the Association for Mineral Exploration BC. However, Stone says, “Only 14.8% of mining exploration claims were processed within 120 days over the past year.” According to the AME, “BC's new Mineral Claim Staking System has created a growing backlog.” As of March 25, 2026, the AME says only 1,400 applications had been approved, while another four thousand and four hundred applications are pending.   We invited Todd Stone, the President and CEO of the Association of Mineral Exploration BC, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about our ability to seize the moment in mining.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 602 - British Columbia Conservative Leadership Candidate Guest: Kerry-Lynne Findlay By Stuart McNish   Former Surrey MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay has put her name forward as a candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party of British Columbia. Her campaign makes it clear: Findlay is a Conservative. Her website says, “BC Liberal insiders are trying to take over the Conservative Party of BC. The liberals want to steal the Conservative name… and push the same hidden liberal agenda.”    Findlay lays out the differences between liberals and conservatives saying, “BC Liberals voted for DRIPA. BC Liberals created SOGI in schools. BC Liberals created the carbon tax. And the BC Liberals voted to condemn and smear the Freedom Convoy. Let me be clear: Liberals are not taking over our Conservative Party. Not on my watch.”   Findlay served in cabinet in Stephen Harper's government and was the chief opposition Whip under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. She says as leader she will unite the party and put forward an election platform in keeping with Conservative views.   We invited Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Conservative Party of BC leadership candidate, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about her vision for the party and the province of BC.    You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 601 - ICBC: A Unique Insurance Provider Guest: Jason McDaniel, CEO of ICBC By Stuart McNish “The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia [ICBC] is a unique auto insurance provider,” says Jason McDaniel, the President and CEO of ICBC. “We are the only organization that supplies mandatory basic coverage to all vehicles.” That blanket coverage positions ICBC to act as much more than just an insurance provider. “Our mandate includes improving motoring safety in the province through the CounterAttack roadblocks, intersection improvements, the introduction of seatbelt, and baby seats law,” continues McDaniel.   Created in 1973 under the government of Dave Barrett, the Crown Corporation was a political hot-button issue. In the 1980s, Social Credit Party leader Bill Bennett campaigned on abolishing the insurance company. Gordon Campbell also campaigned to abolish ICBC. Neither shut down the corporation; however, Campbell's government changed the rules to allow competition on optional insurance.   In May of 2021, ICBC announced its “Enhanced Care” no-fault insurance system. The program was presented as a way of removing litigation from insurance claims, speeding up payment of compensation, and it changed the settlement equation.   We invited Jason McDaniel, the President and CEO of ICBC, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about delivering appropriate auto insurance, improving road safety, and financial stability to the Crown Corporation.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 600 - Conservative Party of BC Leadership Guest: Caroline Elliott By Stuart McNish   “We have an urgent need for change in British Columbia, and we need more people with the courage to make that change happen. That's why I've decided to seek the leadership of the B.C. Conservative Party,” says Caroline Elliott, one of the contenders for the leadership of the party. Her campaign is taking aim at the government of David Eby.   Elliott says, “Our province has been driven in the wrong direction for some time now. Not just slightly off-course, but drastically so. It is being pushed aggressively downward by a government on an ideological crusade that has constantly put its activist beliefs before the well-being of British Columbians.” That's a message she believes will resonate with party members and the general public.   At the core of her campaign is a message that being a conservative is something to be proud about. Elliott says, “This is a defining moment for the party. If you're going to lead the party, you have to be proud – not ashamed – to be a conservative.” Elliott goes on to emphasize that creating unity within the party is objective number one.   We invited Caroline Elliott to join us for a Conversation That Matters about her vision for the party and the province.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep - 599 - A.I. Solutions in Chemical Testing Guest: Louis Dron, Redwood AI By Stuart McNish   “Chemical synthesis testing is one of the pharmaceutical industry's biggest challenges,” says Louis Dron, one of the founders of Vancouver-based Redwood AI. The company has turned its attention to solving that bottleneck and, at the same time, propelling Vancouver to the centre of chemical synthesis testing aimed at global pharma.   Redwood AI's proprietary software and analytic solutions synthesis test is trained on more than one billion molecules and reactions. “Our system evaluates manufacturing pathways in seconds,” says Dron. The platform the company created predicts and optimizes synthesis pathways across drug discovery and development, which enables chemists to design, refine, and scale compounds with greater precision and efficiency.   “Key to the success of our platform is its ability to integrate across the drug development lifecycle by embedding predictive intelligence into chemical decision making processes,” says Dron. “It's a game-changer for the pharmaceutical industry and for Vancouver.”   We invited Louis Dron the CEO of Redwood AI to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the convergence of advanced chemistry and AI.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 598 - Conservative Party of BC Leadership Guest: Iain Black By Stuart McNish   In an interview with Vancouver is Awesome in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election, Iain Black stated, “I thought my days as an MLA and Minister were behind me. But witnessing the decline of our community – due to rising affordability issues, increasing crime, and a relentless wave of overdose-related deaths – I could no longer stand idly by.” Despite coming up short in the April federal election for  Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam, Black has retained his passion to answer the call for public service.   Black's resume includes cabinet posts in the BC Liberal government of Gordon Campbell, serving as Minister of Labour, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development, and Minister of Labour and Citizen Services between 2005 and 2011. He left politics to take on the role of President and CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.   During the early days of the internet explosion in the 1990s, Black spent his professional career in the tech sector. He founded internet companies. Following his eight years at the helm of the Board of Trade, Black returned to the tech sector as President and CEO of Maximizer, a Concord Group company.   We invited Iain Black to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his bid to win the leadership of the Conservative Party of BC.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 597 - Believing in Possibility Joe Roberts, Executive Director of the Push For Change Foundation By Stuart McNish   “There's more to you than you can see,” said Gus, the man who started the turnaround in Joe Roberts' life. At the time, Joe was living on the streets of Vancouver. He was a drug user, he was struggling with mental health, and he was in and out of the criminal justice system. “I had lost the belief in possibility; I only saw failure ahead of me, until Gus.” From there, the journey to recovery began.   Over the course of the next five years, Joe entered rehab. He returned to school and studied business and marketing, where he graduated on the Dean's list and won the Laurie H. Cameron Memorial Award for academic excellence with a combined GPA of 3.94. It seems improbable, but it wasn't, because of his faith in God and his renewed belief in a better future.   Joe Roberts entered the business world and co-founded Mindware Design Communications in 1997. Then in 2016, Joe walked across Canada pushing a shopping cart, a symbol of homelessness that eventually became an icon for his Push For Change Foundation. His goal: to raise money and awareness about youth homelessness. He walked 24 kilometres a day through all four seasons and more.   We invited Joe Roberts to join us for a Conversation That Matters about belief in the possible and the power it has to change your life.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 596 - Conservative Party of BC Leadership Candidate Peter Milobar By Stuart McNish   He is one of four sitting MLAs running for the leadership of the Conservative Party of BC: Peter Milobar was first elected to the legislature in 2017 as a BC Liberal in the Kamloops-North Thompson riding and is the current Finance Critic for the BC Conservatives. Prior to running provincially, Milobar was a councillor for two terms in Kamloops before winning and sitting as mayor for nine years, from 2008 to 2017.   In an interview with Rob Shaw, Milobar said, “I have a demonstrated skill set to deal with diverse views around a large board of elected officials. And then I know how to interstitch all of that with a government bureaucracy. So I think that very much sets me up well for the challenges facing British Columbia.”   As he enters the race, 10 people have indicated they want the job. Milobar says, “I bring a level of seriousness to the big issues facing BC. The biggest being the economy and its direct impact on affordability, crime, education and real estate.” As well, Milobar says, “I am uniquely qualified to address reconciliation in BC, and the manner in which Premier Eby and his party are addressing it, is counterproductive.”   We invited Conservative Party of BC leadership candidate Peter Milobar to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his vision for the party and the province.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 595 - Drunk: How we Sipped, Danced and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization Guest: Dr. Edward Slingland By Stuart McNish   “It is humanity's oldest indulgence,” says Edward Slingerland, the author of the book “Drunk.” Slingerland posits that drinking intoxicating beverages has shaped human history and played a crucial role in the rise of the first large-scale societies. Drawing on evidence from archaeology, history, cognitive neuroscience, psychopharmacology, literature, and genetics, Slingerland uncovers the role alcohol played in enhancing creativity, reducing stress, and building trust.   “Why we like to drink is still a bit unclear; was it an evolutionary hijack or did we adapt to consuming fermented beverages? The subtitle of his book is, ‘How we Sipped, Danced and Stumbled Our Way to Civilization,'” Slingerland says. “Humanity's 10,000-year desire for alcohol is not an evolutionary mistake – it was a crucial element in building civilization.”   Slingerland says that alcohol disarms our prefrontal cortex. He says, “It dulls that part of our brain that is always trying to control things, that's looking for threats, that trying to remain logical. And when the prefrontal cortex is disarmed, we relax with each other, we let go enough to trust and share.” In other words, alcohol has and continues to play an important role in people getting together socially, diplomatically, in business, and romantically.   We invited Dr. Edward Slingerland, the author of “Drunk,” to join us for a Conversation That Matters about how responsible consumption of fermented beverages has multiple benefits.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 594 - Why do some children get sick? Guest: Dr. Stuart Turvey, British Columbia Children's Hospital By Stuart McNish   “Why do some healthy children succumb to overwhelming bacterial infection while others survive or not become infected at all?” asks Dr. Stuart Turvey of British Columbia Children's Hospital and the University of BC's Faculty of Medicine. “Why do some children suffer crippling juvenile arthritis or life-threatening asthma?”   For the past 16 years, Turvey and a team of researchers have been asking and answering these questions through the national CHILD Birth Cohort study, starting with a population of children with a defined infectious or inflammatory disease phenotype.    Turvey says, “The knowledge generated by this approach will aid in diagnosis and highlight mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and ultimately identify novel treatments.”   We invited Dr Stuart Turvey of BC Children's Hospital to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the benefits that his research is delivering to children's health.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 593 - Conservative Party of BC: Running for Leadership Guest: Yuri Fulmer By Stuart McNish   The race for Conservative Party of BC leader is on. “British Columbia stands at a crossroads,” says Yuri Fulmer, who was the first to put his name forward for the job. “After years of mismanagement and policies that have failed working families, it's time for a new direction,” states his leadership campaign website.   Fulmer was born in Australia and moved to BC after a backpacking trip. He says, “I fell in love with the gentle and equitable ethos of Canada.” He stayed and went to work at an A&W. By the time he was 22, he bought his first franchise and started to build a business portfolio. He went on to purchase the Mr Mike's Steakhouse and Bar.   Fulmer's company byline is “Business Nicely Done.” And it is clear his political lens is business-focused. His political chops are thinner – he ran in the last provincial election in West Vancouver - Sea to Sky, where he lost to the Green Party candidate. “A learning experience to be sure,” says Fulmer.   We invited Yuri Fulmer to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his bid to lead the Conservative Party of BC and lead the party into the next provincial election.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 592 - Canadian Dental Plan: Is it Working? Guest: Dr. Bruce Ward, President of the Canadian Dental Association By Stuart McNish   “The Canadian Dental Care Plan is working – sorta,” says Dr. Bruce Ward, the President of the Canadian Dental Association. Ward goes on to say, “As of the end of 2025, more than 5.5 million people were approved for coverage. However, not all of them have received care.” According to government figures, 3.5 million people have seen a dentist. The number of people approved is growing and is expected to reach 9 million.   It's not free dental care, as was first promoted by the government. “One of the interesting challenges dentists face are patients who are shocked to learn the plan only covers a portion of the cost,” says Ward. “That confusion has led to a number of uncomfortable conversations for dentists who rather than care for a patient are taking valuable time to outline the rules of the plan.”   While the program has been embraced by dentists across the country, there have been growing pains. “Not all dentists have signed on because of issues around pre-authorization, fees, and the amount of administrative work,” says Ward. Even with the drawbacks, according to a 2025 survey by the Canadian Dental Association, “patients report satisfaction and positive experiences. The number of Canadians with a dentist, as a result, has increased to 71% [and] up to 63% a year earlier.”   We invited Dr. Bruce Ward, President of the Canadian Dental Association, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the Dental Care Plan, how it's working and if it will stay.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 591 - Save British Columbia's Restaurants Guest: Ian Tostenson By Stuart McNish   “Restaurants are at the heart of every community in [British Columbia] and almost 50% of them are struggling,” says Ian Tostenson, the President of the Restaurant and Foodservices Association. “Food, labour, and rent costs are rising and customer traffic is down.” It's a trend that has been gaining momentum since COVID and the BCGEU strike that closed down liquor stores and pushed many operators to the brink of bankruptcy. Tostenson says, “The strike was particularly difficult because it came at a time when provincial employment regulations were already forcing restaurant operators to cut back on employment.” According to Douglas Magazine, the industry dropped 10,800 positions between September 2023 and the end of 2024. “70% of restaurants in the province have seen a drop in customers and profitability is down for a mind numbing 81% of restaurants,” says Tostenson, who is calling on the government to reduce payroll taxes, encourage the federal government to do the same, return all or part of WorkSafeBC's $2.1 billion surplus to employers, and implement Save BC Restaurants' main issues.  We invited Ian Tostenson of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the state of the province's food services sector. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 590 -  The Social Media Warning Paradox Guest: Iman Goodarzi By Stuart McNish “How much time do you spend on social media? Be honest now, because the answer will surprise you,” says Yash Gupta of Lognormal Analytics. “Social media hooks the average person for at least 5 hours a day.” And everything you do is being recorded and analyzed. Algorithms retrieve psychographics from your online purchases, reviews, likes, shares, comments, emails, blog posts, tweets, posts saved, and more – all powered by A.I. “It's easy to understand the urge to slap a warning label on social media,” says Iman Goodarzi, a public scholar and PhD candidate in marketing at Concordia University's John Molson School of Business. “The challenge,” Goodarzi points out, “unlike cigarettes or alcohol – which contain specific chemical payloads – social media is far more complex, coupled with a series of dopamine hits. It is a mirror of society. It's a dynamic algorithm-driven marketplace and a void all at the same time.” Goodarzi is responding to calls by the U.S. Surgeon General, the Governor of New York and Quebec's all-party legislative committee's report on screen time. In Quebec, the all-party committee recommends: “No screen time for children under two, one hour a day for children two to five, and no more than two hours for children six to 12” – a recommendation that Goodarzi says “is well-meaning but won't work because it suggests overuse is mainly a youth problem.” We invited Iman Goodarzi of Concordia University to join us for a Conversation That Matters on practical ways to use, understand, and curtail the mental health threats that social media presents. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 589 -  Taking Care of Men Guest: Kenton Boston, Canadian Men's Health Foundation By Stuart McNish   “Health is complex and men's health is complicated by a variety of factors that include biology, behavioral choices, and peer pressure,” says Kenton Boston, the President of the Canadian Men's Health Foundation. According to Boston, one of the biggest challenges is a stoic mentality. He says, “‘Suck it up' is a phrase all too familiar to men and it can lead to severe mental and physical health challenges.”   Despite decades of efforts to change the “suck it up” narrative, stereotypes persist. Boston says, “Breaking down resistance to seeking help requires a patient consistent message – a message confirming men and their health matter to the people who love them.”   Heart disease, cancer, and a host of other major organ issues are concerns for both women and men. Boston notes, “However, for men, mental health and suicide are two major concerns men tend to face alone.” Stigma, judgement, masculinity norms, denial, and a lack of male-friendly healthcare are cited as reasons why men prefer to keep their mouths shut about their health.   We invited Kenton Boston of the Canadian Men's Health Foundation to join us for a Conversation That Matters about men and their well-being.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 588 -  What to Do When You Grow Up Guest: Diana MacKay By Stuart McNish “Long gone are the days of working for the firm and retiring with a watch as a parting gift,” says Diana MacKay. “The world is careening forward at breakneck speed.” She continues, “Sometimes we are lucky enough to be holding the harness firmly and riding along – even steering things. But more likely, we're hanging on.”  In the 1970s, Alvin Toffler and Adelaide Farrel wrote “Future Shock,” a book that stated there is “too much change in too short a period of time” and that rate of change would accelerate. “Accelerate, it has,” says MacKay. “Informaiton overload, social media, and a sense of instability due to rapid change has left young people feeling disconnected and disoriented, especially when it comes to their careers.” A professional antidote to the speed of change may be to avoid specialization and embrace a generalist approach. “Specialists remain essential, but generalists are vital translators, interpreters, and connectors in times of turbulence. And being a generalist can be a lot of fun too. As we collectively plow forward, this may be the norm for a lot of young people moving through an unpredictable future.” We invited Diana MacKay to join us for a conversation about navigating wild career swings, and how that diversity of experience enables valuable insights that organizations can also embrace and leverage change and uncertainty. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 586 - Trees, Genomics, and Climate Guest: Dr. Sally Aitken, University of British Columbia and AdapTree project By Stuart McNish   According to a 2015 Nature report, there are more than 3 trillion trees on Earth. “Trees are amazing. They're the lungs of the Earth and home to millions of organisms, fungi, and animals,” says Sally Aitken at the University of British Columbia's Forestry Department and lead of the AdapTree project. “Without a doubt: one of the most successful species on Earth.” Aitken also warns, “They are a species under threat due to rapid environmental changes.”   The biggest challenge for trees is the rate of change. “For time immemorial, trees have adapted to a changing environment and they continue to do so,” says Aitken.  The objective of the AdapTree project is to address that pace of change by identifying alleles in douglas fir, spruce, western larch, jack pine, and lodgepole pine trees that have adapted to a variety of environments.   Using genetic tools, the team at AdapTree works with a variety of stakeholders within forestry to identify strains of species that will survive in regions where environmental conditions are changing. The long term goal is to ensure the health of the trees and forests using sophisticated genome-based intelligence.   We invited Dr. Sally Aitken of the Department of Forest and Conservation Sciences at UBC to join us for a Conversation That Matters about working with our trees to ensure they have long and healthy lives.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 585 - The Cowichan Case and Your Property Rights Guest: Radha Curpen & Robin Junger By Stuart McNish Cowichan Tribes v. Canada has rapidly become the most significant land title case in Canada – and possibly in Canadian history. It has sparked intense and competing arguments in private, in public, and in the Legislative Assembly in Victoria. Premier Eby was grilled mercilessly about his defence of private property rights, his government's slow response to file a stay, and what the decision means to homeowners.   Tensions flowing from the decision reflect the need to recognize that, while indigenous Nations are entitled to seek recognition of their constitutionally protected rights, there is also a need for fee-simple owners to maintain certainty in title. Central to this tension is the law does not allow for aboriginal title and fee-simple to co-exist on territory under First Nations ownership.   During the case, the impact on private property rights was recognized, to which the court invited the parties to inform fee-simple land owners to be notified. All parties decided not to inform private land owners.    We invited Radha Curpen and Robin Junger of McMillan LLP to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the Cowichan case and its implications to landowners in Richmond and the entire province of British Columbia.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 584 - Ocean Wise Guest: Lasse Gustavsson By Stuart McNish   The Earth's oceans add up to 71% of the surface of the planet and contain 96% of the water on this precious blue marble in space. The ocean produces 60% of the oxygen we need to be able to breathe. “The oceans are our greatest natural resource,” says Lasse Gustovsson, the CEO of Ocean Wise, “and they are at risk due to human activity.”   According to data collected by the Argo Network – a program utilizing over 4,000 robotic floats moving around the globe riding the currents and sinking to depths of 2,000 meters, rising to the surface, and beaming back valuable data that scientists are using to monitor the heart of the world's climate system – the ocean is heating up.   Gustovsson says, “The data shows temperatures are up by more than 1 degree Celsius over the past 145 years.” The oceans are warming because they absorb more than 90% of excess energy trapped by greenhouse gases. “In the process of absorbing that energy, the acidification level of ocean waters is also rising,” says Gustavsson.   We invited Lasse Gustavsson, the CEO of Ocean Wise, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the vital role the ocean plays in our survival, the risks the world's oceans face, and how we can mitigate those harms.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 583 - Re-engineering the human body for space travel Guest: Christopher E. Mason By Stuart McNish “To boldly go where no one has gone before” – the phrase was inspired by a 1958 White House pamphlet called "Introduction to Outer Space,” which highlighted humanity's inherent urge to explore the unknown. It also was the opening to the monologue for Star Trek, where Captain James T. Kirk goes on to say, “These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise. Its five year mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations.”   As an aspiration, it drives the space programs of many countries and a growing number of companies. Here's the challenge, says Dr Christopher E. Mason. “While we can build machines that can survive in space, the human body was not made for space – at least not yet.” Dr. Mason is the principal investigator of the NASA Twins study, where ten separate teams studied an astronaut and his identical twin.   Dr. Mason says, “We observed the physiological, molecular, and cognitive changes that happened to Scott Kelly, who spent a year in space. We monitored the changes in his body compared to his identical twin Mark, who stayed on Earth. From that study, we're working to mitigate stresses, changes, and new diseases the body may encounter during long-term space flight. This work is the foundation of a 500-year plan to reengineer biology so that life can be possible on other planets.”   We invited Dr. Christopher E. Mason, the Genome BC 2025 Don Rix Distinguished Keynote Speaker, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the human body and its ability to adapt to long term voyages to the final frontier. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 582 -  Building for Growth Guest: Susannah Pierce By Stuart McNish   In early 2025, the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade held a conference titled, “Building for Growth: Driving Investment in BC's Future,” which had a stated goal of “promoting and championing private sector capital investment in our major projects across [British Columbia]'s economy” – projects that the Board of Trade states “account for over $230 billion in direct investment.”   The day-long event focused on three essential steps needed to send a signal to the world that BC is open for business and welcomes investment. The report generated from the findings of the event did send a message to both the provincial and federal governments: “ 1. Create a Fast and Competitive Permitting Process; 2. Accelerate Indigenous Participation in Collaboration with Business Community; 3. Develop Robust Industrial Policy that Attracts Investment These projects.”   With the introduction of Bill C-5 federally and Bills 14 and 15 provincially, both levels of government have taken steps to speed up the permitting process. Interestingly, the passage of those bills was done without consultation from First Nations – a move that was quickly downplayed as both levels of government reached out to First Nations leaders to work together.   The question remains: will new policies that attract investment be introduced and will those measures repair BC and Canada's reputation as being an anti-resource development environment?    We invited Susannah Pierce, the past CEO of Shell Canada, who led the LNG Canada Phase I project from concept to implementation, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about BC's ability to once again attract foreign direct investment to the province.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 581 - Invest or Save? Guest: Pam McDonald & Colin Whelan By Stuart McNish   “To invest or to save? That is the question,” says Pam McDonald, the Director of Communications and Education with the British Columbia Securities Commission. “With interest rates on savings accounts so low, more and more people are looking to invest in stocks, bonds and other securities,” continues McDonald. The challenge for those entering the market is how to navigate a complex investment environment, especially if they are endeavouring to do it themselves.   “Investment accounts, RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, Retirement Income Funds, First Home Savings Accounts, [and] Registered Disability Savings Plans are all options available to anyone who looks to increase the value of their financial portfolio," says McDonald.  The challenge for new and even seasoned investors is choosing the right investment vehicle.   Colin Whelan of Innovative Research says, “People worry [about] getting it wrong; after all, it is their money. Add in ‘do-it-yourself investing,' [and] it's scary. Our polls show new investors are worried.” Whelan says, “More than ever, investor education is a protective shield and it helps in achieving better financial results.”   We invited Pam McDonald and Colin Whelan to join us for a Conversation That Matters about healthy and successful investing in an increasingly dangerous world.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 580 - Unmanageable Permitting Processes Guest: Todd Yuen By Stuart McNish   A robust industrial property sector is vital to the economy. According to a Metro Vancouver study, “Industrial lands serve various purposes, such as warehousing, manufacturing, and supporting emerging technology businesses. They provide essential employment opportunities and contribute to supply chains.” In other words, they are vital to economic growth.   Here's the challenge, says Todd Yuen of Beddie Industrial. “There's a critical shortage of industrial lands in Metro Vancouver and we're losing businesses and their employees to Alberta and other jurisdictions.” The reasons for the shortages are complex, according to the InterVISTAS report, which include “constrained land supply, complex jurisdictional overlaps, and a need to review the development process.”   Yuen says, “To give you an example of the unmanageable permitting process, we just put a new site on the market after seven years of approvals. The wheels within the permitting process turn so slow they create an air of anti-progress."   We invited Todd Yuen, the President of Beedie Industrial, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the need to build industrial facilities, the impediments to doing so, and the consequences of inaction. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 579 - Labour Negotiations & Job Action Guest: Kevin Howlett By Stuart McNish   Canada Post is in the midst of job action by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers. They're not on a full strike; instead, they're still delivering mail but not all of it. On September the 15th, the Union implemented a national ban on delivering flyers and neighbourhood mail. This followed an overtime ban in May.   Air Canada just concluded negotiations with flight attendants. After a three day work stoppage that wreaked havoc on the airline and passengers, the attendants were ordered back to work but the union ignored the order, negotiations resumed, and they went back to work. Weeks later, union members rejected the company's offer by 99.1% but they also kept working.    In British Columbia, the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU)  initiated job action aimed at gaining an 8.25% wage increase over two years. The union's website says, “We escalated job action in several key areas: Public service workers who support B.C. 's mining operations joined the strike. An overtime ban was announced in corrections and sheriff services. As the strike carried on, BC Liquor Store Workers walked off the job and as the job action continued into week eight, 25,000 of the 34,000 Union Members in government jobs were on strike. At the time of recording this interview, there is job action but not a full-out strike.   We invited human resource specialist Kevin Howlett to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the changing nature of labour negotiations and job action.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 578 - Canada - UK Trade Guest: Thomas Codrington By Stuart McNish   On September the 9th, British-owned Anglo American announced it was merging with Teck to “form a leading global critical minerals champion headquartered in Canada.” Teck CEO Jonathan Price said, “This transition will create significant economic opportunity in Canada while positioning Anglo Teck to deliver sustainable, long-term value for shareholders and all stakeholders.”   It is one of a number of investments and trade deals that have been underway between British Columbia and Britain over the past 5 years. “We're working to build even stronger relationships with Canada and British Columbia,” says Thomas Codrington, the British Consul General to British Columbia.   Total trade between the UK and Canada is on the rise, thanks to the UK's response to leaving the EU. In 2020, Canada and the UK signed the Trade Continuity Agreement and it serves as a showcase of the value of diversifying trading relationships. As a result, trade is up by more than 50 percent between 2016 and the first quarter of 2025.   We invited Thomas Codrington, the British Consul-General in Vancouver, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the potential and benefits of increased trade between the UK and British Columbia. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Protecting Democracy Guest: Lech Walesa By Stuart McNish   On December 13th, 1981, the government of Poland declared martial law. It outlawed the Solidarity Federation of Unions and threw its leader Lech Walesa in jail. He was detained for a year before being released. Once out, he continued the fight against the oppressive rule of the Polish government. Walesa was forced underground to continue to protest against the harsh economic conditions in Poland.    In 1988, labour unrest led by Walesa forced the government to restore Solidarity's legal status and to sanction free elections for a limited number of seats. Solidarity won an overwhelming majority of seats. Walesa went on to become the first democratically elected President of the country.   Walesa was a towering international figure who stared down the barrel of a gun and demanded an end to the communist rule in Poland. Former Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said, “Solidarity and Walesa were the spark that lit the fuse which ultimately brought down what Ronald Reagan called the ‘Evil Empire' of Soviet Communism.”   We invited Lech Walesa, who is on a speaking tour in North America (including Vancouver), to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the current prospects for peace, leadership, democracy, and the challenges facing the world today.   Lech Walesa is currently in Canada for a speaking tour.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 576 - How to be a Dude in the 21st Century Guest: Alex Cordero By Stuart McNish   “Massive changes are underway in society that are improving the lives of most people. Those same changes are having a growing impact on young men who are wrestling with what masculinity means,” says Alex Cordero, the author of “How to be a Dude in the 21st Century.” Cordero says, “Boys are struggling to understand masculinity versus toxic masculinity and I wrote this book to help them navigate their way forward.”   In a 2024 article in Psychology Today, neurosurgeon, teacher, and author Gary R. Simonds, MD, says, “Men are falling behind. Dramatically. They risk unemployability and irrelevancy in our ever-modernizing society. The gap between female and male academic performance is substantial and widening, and will soon translate into a similar gap in graduate degrees, employment opportunities, career success, and earnings.”   Cordero agrees: The loss of motivation in young men is clear. We're seeing a rising number of young men who feel disconnected. They're idle and, in many cases, ignorant. This leaves them vulnerable to respond with fear, disappointment, frustration, and embarrassment.”   We invited author Alex Cordero to join us for a Conversation That Matters about working to ensure boys grow into men who are motivated contributors to our changing society and workplaces.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Doing Business in British Columbia? Yes, but… Guest: Brad Liski By Stuart McNish   British Columbia is a wonderful jurisdiction to start a business. “Small businesses benefit from a number of programs that get the wheels turning,” says Brad Liski of Tru Earth. The company is addressing the environmental impact of 30 billion loads of laundry annually around the world. “We founded the company out of a desire to change the world and Tru Earth is doing that, one laundry load at a time,” says Liski.   The co-founder says, “I've started 26 companies and Tru Earth is the first one that wakes me up in the morning excited to make a difference.” The company focused first on reducing the amount of plastic used in packaging laundry detergent. It then focused on reducing an entire jug of soap into a strip about the size of a business card. They tested the idea and it was an instant success.   The company quickly grew and, in doing so, it ran into a series of government rules and regulations that thwarted its ability to scale up in British Columbia. “We've had to move much of our manufacturing to other provinces as a result,” says Liski. It was something that he says he didn't want to do, but the economics of growing in BC worked against the company.   We invited Brad Liski of Tru Earth to join us for a Conversation That Matters about a path forward that will support mid-market companies to grow and prosper in British Columbia.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

France and Canada Lean In on Trade Guest: Nicolas Baudouin By Stuart McNish   The US tariffs are officially in place and Canada was hit hard. The rhetoric leading up to the imposition of the tariffs focused on a need to develop new trading relationships and expand existing ones. Canada and France have a trading history that goes back hundreds of years. Then in 2016, Canada signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with the European Union.   The signing of the agreement opened up greater tariff-free access to France and EU countries. According to the Jean Monnet Network at Carleton University, “trade between Canada and the EU has seen an exponential growth since CETA was implemented.” According to the report, France was the number four trading partner, valued at over $4.4 billion dollars trade in 2021.   “Now is the time to seize on strengthening and building on our trading relationship between British Columbia, Canada, and France,” says Nicolas Baudouin, the French Consul General in British Columbia. “The opportunities are vast and go beyond agri-tech, high value food, and aeronautices,” says Baudouin.   We invited Consul General Nicolas Baudouin of France to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the opportunities and the challenges of increasing trade with one of our oldest international partners.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

The 3% GDP Challenge Guest: Bridgitte Anderson By Stuart McNish   “Whether it's the rising cost of housing, unaffordable grocery bills, or an increasingly heavy tax burden, too many British Columbians feel the economy is not working for them,” says Bridgette Anderson, the CEO and President of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Earlier this year as the threat of American tariffs loomed, the Board called on the provincial government to focus on growing the British Columbia economy by 3 percent.   “To build a future worthy of our aspirations and one we can be proud to pass on to the next generation, British Columbia must pursue policies that will boost our economic growth and raise our collective standard of living,” says Anderson. The Board projects that by growing the provincial GDP by 3 percent, the economy will grow, government revenues will increase, and the standard of living for all British Columbia residents will improve.   Anderson says, “We project that a boost of 3 percent will raise personal GDP by $9,000 and will add an additional $4.0 billion dollars to government revenues by 2030.” The challenge comes at a time when the provincial debt and deficit are at all-time highs. The province optimistically projects GDP growth of 1.8 percent, a figure that TD Economics challenges. TD projects a 1.5 percent growth for this year and falling to 1.3 percent next year.   We invited Bridgitte Anderson of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the “Challenge” – the challenges and the opportunities to grow BC's economy.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

British Columbia Forestry on its Knees Guest: Kim Haakstad By Stuart McNish   Independent of Trump's tariffs, the US Department of Commerce increased its duty on Canadian softwood lumber from 14 to 35 percent. Kim Haakstad, the President of the BC Council of Forest Industries, says, “It's a blow to an industry in trouble.” The war in the woods in the early 1990s led to the Forest Practices Code, which led to ongoing changes in legislation that hampered the industry and has seen more than 40,000 jobs disappear.   The reasons the forestry sector is on its knees have more to do with regulations and approval processes that undermine the economics of forestry. Haakstad says, “Wood availability is at historic lows, permitting systems are gridlocked, and investment is retreating in the face of prolonged uncertainty. The risk is not a gradual decline – it's accelerating closures, job losses, and the permanent erosion of the forest industry.”   Despite promises from the Premier and the Minister of Forests to restore the sector by increasing annual cuts to 45 million cubic metres, Haakstad says that “we need pragmatic actions” that will streamline the issues that are choking the industry.   We invited Kim Haakstad, the President and CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about saving the once mighty forestry sector.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

The Sensible Environmentalist Guest: Mark Jaccard By Stuart McNish   “We are all capable of believing things we know to be untrue…the only check on it is that sooner or later, a false belief bumps up against solid reality, usually on a battlefield,” wrote George Orwell. It's a quote that opens Mark Jaccard's book, “The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress.”   “The conversation about energy production in Canada is in transition and we need to  focus on the truth rather than the myths,” says Mark Jaccard, the Chair and CEO of the British Columbia Utilities Commission. His concerns about truth and myth come as a reversal of political policies led to the freezing or elimination of the carbon tax federally and provincially.    “Societal interest in climate change is cyclical,” says Jaccard. He continues, “So, too, is political interest.” The realities of carbon concentration increases and the impacts of it run headlong into competing political and economic interests – myths propagated by climate activists and industry public relations campaigns cloud the debate with exaggerations that inhibit meaningful measures to meet climate and economic challenges.   We invited Mark Jaccard, the author of “The Citizen's Guide to Climate Success: Overcoming Myths that Hinder Progress” and the Chair and CEO of the BC Utilities Commission, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about finding a path to open dialogue and realistic strategies to address our climate challenges.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Skills and Trades in an A.I. World Guest: Ajay Patel, President of Vancouver Community College By Stuart McNish   As the world learns to adjust to and adapt to artificial intelligence, one of the key questions parents and those entering the workforce are asking themselves is, “What professions will survive? In other words, what should I study to ensure I can be assured work now and into the future?” Ajay Patel, the President of Vancouver Community College answers: “Skills and trades. A.I. can't mimic the uniquely human skills needed for, in these fields.”   As the world adjusts to the role of A.I. in the workplace, Vancouver Community College has pivoted to integrating its course load to ensure students are equipped to utilize A.I. in careers that need human skills, dexterity, and judgement. “We're not afraid of A.I.,” says Patel. “We're embracing it and ensuring our students are the best equipped to meet the needs of the market.”   We invited Ajay Patel to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the vital role community colleges are filling in equipping the workforce of the future.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Fentanyl: No One is Immune Guest: Kevin deBruyckere, former head of federal policing in British Columbia By Stuart McNish   “In 2013, in my role as Head of Federal Policing in British Columbia, I started to see an increase in drug-related deaths attributed to a powder form of fentanyl being delivered by mail,” says Kevin deBruyckere. “On May 23rd 2014, it hit home for my family – my 22-year-old son lost his life and our family became a victim of the fentanyl epidemic.”   Over the next decade, more than 16,000 people have lost their lives due to overdoses in British Columbia. Vancouver is at the epicentre of this epidemic. “Unless there is a significant reframing of response to the drug crisis, we can't beat it. It's not a law enforcement challenge or issue only – it's much larger than that,” says deBruyckere.   “This is a public health issue; it's a housing issue; it's an educational issue; it's a prevention issue,” says deBruychkere. The costs to take on the drug epidemic are significant. The costs of not having a coordinated long-term strategy are much larger. “People are dying, families are being destroyed, and all of society is paying a price,” says deBruyckere.   We invited Kevin deBruyckere to join us for a Conversation That Matters about fentanyl and the devastating impact it is having.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

 C-5: Build, Baby, Build! Guest: Radha Curpen, McMillan LLP By Stuart McNish   In an odd way, it's as though Prime Minister Mark Carney has borrowed a card from President Donald Trump when he pushed through Bill C-5. The Prime Minister announced the concept of the bill on June 6 and twenty days later, it passed in the House and Senate. That's lightyears faster than the U.S. President's passing of his “Big Beautiful Bill.”   Bill C-5 has been framed as a national plan to “remove federal barriers to interprovincial trade and improve labour mobility.” Radha Curpen of McMillan LLP says, “Bill C-5 also sends a signal that Canada is open for business. It is a bill designed to improve efficiencies in approval processes. The biggest question is, will it also respect indigenous rights?”   We invited Radha Curpen of McMillan LLP to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the upsides and the concerns about Bill C-5.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Repurposing the Site C Work Camp Guest: Mukhtar Latif, CEO of Pomegranate Housing Consultancy By Stuart McNish   “We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create Canada's premier centre for excellence in mental health and addictions in [British Columbia]'s northeast,” says Mukhtar Latif of Pomegranate Housing Consultancy. The North Wind Wellness Centre Society and Treaty 8 First Nations have put forward a plan to repurpose the Site C workers' camp into a permanent asset that will deliver transformational healthcare services.   The worker accommodation facility was built to house 1,600 workers and it came with a wide range of services and utilities.  Now that the work of building the dam is complete, the site is about to be decommissioned. “This facility will address a more than 6 month waitlist for people needing treatment in Northern BC,” says Latif.   If successful in their bid to have BC Hydro endorse the plan to repurpose the site, the benefits are multidimensional. “The centre will generate new treatments and best practices, train more than 200 people in critical healthcare roles, [and] save the healthcare system more than $30 million,” says Latif.   We invited Mukhtar Latif to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the innovative plan to reuse the Site C workcamp as a place of healing.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

 Tech Entrepreneurship in British Columbia Guest: Shawn Johnston By Stuart McNish   In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the journey of building a tech company from scratch in British Columbia can be both exhilarating and daunting. Shawn Johnston, a serial tech company founder, knows the ups and downs better than anyone. “I've had my face pressed against the glass more than once. That's when you stare into the financial abyss and can't see a way out, but then you do.”   Survival in the hostile world of start-ups and, in particular, tech start-ups demand an ability to focus, refocus, and refocus again and again and again. “Since 2010, I've had to reinvent myself so many times I can't recall all the ways I've had to do it,” says Johnston. “I redefined and refocused so many times because it's the only way to find the path forward. You simply have to stay on task and never give up.”   The founder of Forge and Smith, a web design and web design agency, saw a new opportunity and launched another new company, Refoundry, a low-code themeless site builder for Wordpress. Johnston says, “I saw a need and decided I could fill it for companies that needed a faster [and] lower-cost path for their customer's presence, and it's a hit!”   We invited Shawn Johnston of Refoundry to join us for a Conversation That Matters about how you find the inner strength and discipline to keep going in the world of tech entrepreneurialism.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

The Odds of You Being You Guest: Ali Binazir By Stuart McNish   About four and a half billion years ago, Earth's Hadean eon was undergoing significant geological and chemical changes. Evidence suggests that the Earth's first crust was forming and the beginnings of life were lining up. Fast-forward 3.8 billion years and biological life started to emerge shortly after the formation of the oceans.   It was a turbulent time in Earth's history and the evidence suggests that human intelligence emerged a few million years ago. “If you consider everything that had to happen to allow for human life to emerge from the biological soup, the odds worked against it ever happening,” says Dr. Ali Binazir, the author of “Are you a Miracle? On the Probability of You Being Born” and “Five Hidden Love Questions.”   Now add in the odds of you being born you – not your brother, not your sister, not your cousin. You.  Binazir says, “When you factor in the 155,000 generations of your family that preceded you, the odds are one in 400 quadrillion against you being born [as] you.” In other words, you are a miracle.   We invited Dr. Ali Binazir to join us for a Conversation That Matters about embracing the magic and miracle of being born you.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Mark Carney so far Guest: Don Stickney By Stuart McNish   On April 28, 2025, Mark Carney won enough seats to claim victory and form government. He's three seats short of a majority government in a parliament that won't defeat him. There is no coalition that will rise up and pass a motion of non-confidence. He immediately went to work as a Prime Minister with confidence that he could rule with authority – and he has done so.   Much to the surprise of many, he quickly cherry-picked the Conservative Party's platform, incorporated it with his vision, and went to work. Don Stickney, the founder of Playbook, was in Ottawa recently and wrote, “I went in assuming the usual political conversations and measured optimism. Instead, I found myself connecting with Canadians from across the country who were genuinely energized about what is happening right now – premiers collaborating across party lines, federal leadership stepping up on a focused economic strategy, and nearly universal support for increased defense spending.”   Stickney says, “Six months ago, I would never have predicted any of these outcomes. The political landscape felt fragmented, the economic challenges overwhelming, and consensus on major issues seemed impossible.”    We invited Don Stickney to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the unexpected mindset and action changes he witnessed on Parliament Hill. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 563 - Why Happiness Matters Guest: John Helliwell By Stuart McNish   “Don't Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin hit the charts in 1988 and it soared to number one on the Billboard charts. It was the first a-cappella song to hit number one. Why? “Because it struck a chord with people; it lifted their spirits and got them bopping along,” says John F. Helliwell, the author of the World Happiness Report.   Helliwell says, “Happiness is an enduring state of mind that consists of the capacity to experience pleasure on a daily life basis, coupled with the ability to enrich one's life and the lives of others.” Generosity is one of the six elements of a happy life, Helliwell says. “The others include a sense of purpose, a positive mind set, physical and financial well-being, along with positive relationships.”   The good news is, should you take the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire and not be happy with the outcome, it is within your power to make changes that can improve your happiness quotatant. Helliwell says, “It starts with wanting to make a change and that starts the process of re-wiring your brain. A daily commitment to looking for the upside has huge upsides in mind set and health.”   We invited John F. Helliwell to join us for a Conversation That Matters about why happiness matters in the moment and over the course of your life.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Indigenous Tourism's Many Benefits Guest: Chyanne Trenholm, Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours By Stuart McNish   “It is challenging to know how the tourism industry in British Columbia is going to be affected by ‘elbows up' nationalism,” says Chyanne Trenholm of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours, a First Nations tourism operator. “I can tell you we are seeing an increase in interest and in bookings. Just how much business will be up this summer, it's too early to tell. But business is up.”   A move to unique tourism experiences, such as indigenous wilderness adventures, is in line with changes in sustainable and culturally authentic vacations. Trenholm says, “The Homalco First Nations take visitors on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. They see grizz salmon fishing and orcas breaching right in front of their eyes as an eagle flies overhead. It's breathtaking.”   The benefits of indigenous tourism include cultural preservation, reconciliation, and jobs. Trenholm says, “More than 7,400 people are working in direct full-time indigenous tourism jobs. The sector generates more than $700 million in direct economic output.”   We invited Chyanne Trenholm of Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours to join us for a Conversation That Matters about indigenous tourism and its benefits to British Columbia.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 561 - Indigenous Rights in One Minute Guest: Bruce McIvor By Stuart McNish   “Over the 27 years since the Delgamuukw decision, the relationship between First Nations and the Government of Canada has changed – in some ways significantly. In others, not so much,” says Bruce McIvor, the author of "Indigenous Rights in One Minute.” The legal relationship took another step forward following the Haida decision in 2004. That decision led to changes in the way resource and infrastructure projects are approved and built.   The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was another milestone: first as a healing journey and second in establishing a record of indigenous history in Canada. The TRC recorded the mistreatment and trampling of rights of First Nations people and shared those stories with the entire country. The Commission heard testimony from 6,500 witnesses, which culminated in a call to 94 actions to further facilitate reconciliation.   Understanding and appreciating the unique legal and societal circumstances indigenous people lived under and endured for more than 150 years is challenging. Bruce McIvor says, “A big part of reconciliation is calling out misinformation and lies, getting to the truth so that we can have honest conversations. That was my motivation to write the book.”   We invited Bruce McIvor to join us for a Conversation That Matters about what we all need to know in order to talk about reconciliation.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 560 - Brian's Fight for Canadian Healthcare Guest: Dr Brian Day By Stuart McNish   “Outdated policy decisions, made more than a third of a century ago, helped create our expensive, ineffective and inequitable Medicare scheme,” says Dr. Brian Day. For thirty years, Dr. Day has been challenging Canada's healthcare system, prodding it to be better and meet the needs of patients.   In 1996, Day took a bold leap – one born out of frustration with the shortcomings of our healthcare system. He opened the Cambie Surgery Centre, a private surgical clinic that has grown to perform up to 5,000 procedures a year. “For that,” says Day, “despite reducing health care costs and waiting lists, we became a target of the Government of British Columbia. The BC Government set out to shut us down.”   The Government's action resulted in a 13-year legal battle – a battle Dr. Day lost. And a battle he outlines in his new book, “My Fight for Canadian Healthcare” – a journey he says takes the reader “through a failing system that has deviated from its intended purpose, ensnaring patients in long cycles of waiting and suffering.”   We invited Dr. Brian Day to join us for a Conversation That Matters about our healthcare system and where to go from here.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 559 - Food Insecurity in Canada Guest: Sylvain Charlebois By Stuart McNish   “Canadians are spending less on food today than they did last year,” says Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, one of the authors of the Canadian Food Sentiment Index. “Close to 50% of respondents to our survey report they are paying significantly more for food, leading to widespread concern about food inflation and security.”   The increases have led to changes in the way people are buying food; they're paying more attention to how it's grown and where it comes from. Charlebois says, “It adds up to consumers becoming more frugal because they've reached their limit. Household budgets are strained and food is something they can look to cut back on or find less expensive options.”   Prime minister Mark Carney has made a commitment to investing in food production, processing, and innovation. According to Charlebois, “The most important thing he can do in the immediate future is to remove the carbon tax on agricultural products and production. If he doesn't, food prices are going to continue to rise.”   We invited Dr. Sylvain Charlebois to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the complex world of food production, security, and affordability. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 558 - Canada's Real Estate Crisis Continues Guest: Michael Geller By Stuart McNish   “The real estate crisis continues,” says Michael Geller. “The prime minister has made it one of his key priorities; he's said he wants to double annual housing production by getting into the business of building.” One of his first moves was to appoint former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson to cabinet as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada.   “He's an interesting choice for that role,” says Geller. “His record on housing when he was the mayor is spotty. He's often blamed unfairly for dramatic increases in housing prices.” After being appointed Minister, Mr. Robertson was asked if housing prices should be lower. He flatly stated no. The prime minister quickly jumped in to say it is not a “yes or no” question.   “I agree with the Prime Minister; it is not a yes or no question,” Geller says. “It's remarkably complicated. Much of what the PM is proposing has merit. But the question is, what exactly is needed to tackle the housing issues?”   We invited Michael Geller to join us for a Conversation That Matters about Canada's woes and how we're going to tackle them.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

Ep 557 - State of Downtown Vancouver Guest: Jane Talbot, CEO of Downtown Van By Stuart McNish   “Downtown Vancouver is a unique place!” says Jane Talbot, CEO of Downtown Van. “It's literally surrounded by water, home to just over 140,000 people, 8,000 businesses and 1,000 storefront businesses, 130,000 people working, the centre of tourist activity, a world of culinary delights and on and on.,” It's a vibrant and dense place.   In Downtown Van's recently-published “State of Downtown 2025,” it is clear there are shifts underway. Office vacancies have fluctuated and sit at about 12% unoccupied; local visits into the city are down; retail visits on Granville and Robson Streets are up, but down on Alberni and West Hastings.   “It's important to recognize that Downtown Vancouver is a remarkable jurisdiction,” says Talbot, “and at Downtown Van, we continually advocate and innovate to ensure it remains vibrant and resilient.”   We invited Jane Talbot, the CEO of Downtown Van, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the state of downtown Vancouver now and into the future.   You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/   Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca