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 Nation
• Catherine Pennington, KPMG
• Stephen Lee, Musqueam Capital Corp
• Jeff Mycock, West Fraser
• Bob Rennie, rennie Intelligence
• Hosted 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 Technologies
• Sue Paish, Digital
• Marc Low, KPMG
• Lisa Sparrow, Corix
• Wendy Hurlburt, Life Sciences BC
• Karn 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 Nation
• Mark Magnacca - Co-Chair, Canadian Indigenous Investment Summit
• JP Gladu - Principal, Mokwateh
• Glen Clark - Chair, BC Hydro
• Dallas Smith - President, Nanwakolas Council
• Mike 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.