Conversations That Matter

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 w

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 pa

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 o

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,

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

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-

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 permit

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 mi

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 mor

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 Ron

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 m

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 sc

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 Columb

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 b

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 t

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 pro

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 vi

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 ha

 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 gues

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 treatm