Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit Guest - Mark Liedemann

Conversations That Matter

#Stuart McNish, Veteran Canadian Newsman #Stuart McNish #Veteran Canadian Newsman #News #British Columbia #News Talk

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I think you could probably go back and track the stages of grief, probably that is what I went through. But I think if you do it right, you end up at acceptance. And that's where I ended up. And that's not to say that I've fully accepted the idea that the golden toad is extinct. Personally, I do still hold out hope that it could still be out there in those forests." - Trevor Ritland This conversation is with Trevor Ritland, who—along with his twin brother Kyle—authored The Golden Toad . The book chronicles their remarkable journey into Costa Rica’s cloud forest, once home to hundreds of brilliant golden toads that would emerge for just a few weeks each year—until, one day, they vanished without a trace. What began as a search for a lost species soon became something much more profound: a confrontation with ecological grief, a meditation on hope, and a powerful call to protect the natural world while we still can. Links: SpeciesUnite.com Kyle and Trevor: https://kyleandtrevor.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adventureterm/ Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/222249677-the-golden-toad Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Toad-Ecological-Mystery-Species/dp/163576996…

about a year ago 25:10

MP3•Episode home

Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit

Guest - Mark Liedemann

By Stuart McNish

The backbone of any complex society is its infrastructure. It is the glue that binds communities, provinces and countries together. The concept of infrastructure was central to Rome’s dominance for 500 years. Cody Gregory writes, “One of the key aspects of Roman society and development was its unprecedented utilization of roads, sewers and aqueducts.”

Here in British Columbia, it was the railway that brought us into Confederation and it was the development of hydroelectric power that catapulted the province forward economically. Mark Liedemann, the President and CEO of Infrastructure BC says, “We’re building on those legacy projects to ensure the province has the essential structures needed to thrive.”

In her letter to the Board of Infrastructure BC, Finance Minister Katrine Conroy says, “Government and public sector organizations must continue to advance results that people can see and feel in these key areas – strengthened health care, safer communities, attainable and secure housing, and a clean and fair economy that delivers affordability and prosperity.”

We invited Mark Liedemann to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the never ending work of planning and building the infrastructure the province requires.

You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/

Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

101 episodes

Conversations That Matter

Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit Guest - Mark Liedemann

Conversations That Matter

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published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit

Guest - Mark Liedemann

By Stuart McNish

We invited Mark Liedemann to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the never ending work of planning and building the infrastructure the province requires.

You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/

Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca

101 episodes

#Stuart McNish, Veteran Canadian Newsman #Stuart McNish #Veteran Canadian Newsman #News #British Columbia #News Talk

All episodes

Conversations That Matter

1
Ep 517 - A crisis of indecision in Canada Guest: Gavin Dew 26:50

40 weeks ago26:50

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Ep 517 - A crisis of indecision in Canada Guest: Gavin Dew By Stuart McNish On June 26th, Gavin Dew posted disappointing news on his LinkedIn profile. After four years of planning, fundraising, and negotiation with the City of Abbotsford, the Tech District project was pulling the plug. Dew says, “We couldn’t keep spending time and money without a clear signal from city council that this $5-billion private sector investment would be approved.” Dew said, “I know a lot of people are disappointed. I’m proud of the work we did to develop the project vision, invite people in, and build community support. And I’m obviously disappointed at this lost opportunity to deliver affordable housing, high quality education, and a hub for food innovation in Canada’s most productive agricultural jurisdiction.” Dew went on to say the lack of a clear signal from city council “is indicative of a crisis of indecision in Canada. We have become the land of the slow maybe, where process has become an end in itself, decisions are elusive, and leaders refuse to lead.” We invited Gavin Dew to join us for a Conversation That Matters about our inability to get to “yes” and what it is doing to our reputation as a place to innovate and grow. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep - 516 - Weaving Two Worlds Guests: Christy Smith - Michael McPhie 30:22

40 weeks ago30:22

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Ep - 516 - Weaving Two Worlds Guests: Christy Smith - Michael McPhie By Stuart McNish “The key to the Canadian economy is in the hands of First Nations,” says Christy Smith and Michael McPhie in their book, “Weaving Two Worlds,” a guide to economic reconciliation. According to Smith, “The intent of the book is to help First Nations, governments, and companies work together in the development of natural resources.” McPhie says, “We believe the resource sector and the people within it have a meaningful role to play in advancing reconciliation. Done right, the outcome will be greater social, environmental and economic well-being for all.” One court decision after another has been shaping the way Canada can and does develop its resources. According to Smith and McPhie, “Now is the time to create opportunities that provide First Nations access to the economic opportunities that will create ownership, employment, funds for education and will combat poverty. We invited Christy Smith and Michael McPhie to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the path forward, together. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 515 - Electronic Recycling Done Right Mohammad Doostmohammadi 23:56

45 weeks ago23:56

23:56

Ep 515 - Electronic Recycling Done Right Mohammad Doostmohammadi By Stuart McNish “There are six elements that play a key role in optimizing fuel and chemical production,” says Mohammad Doostmohammdi of pH7. “Without them, green hydrogen, low-carbon steel, biofuels and other climate technologies are not possible.” Those six elements are platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium – and they are among the rarest on earth. While challenging to identify ore bodies with mineable resources, there is an emerging opportunity in recovery. “There are 17.4 million troy ounces of these elements that have already been mined and are available to be recovered from catalytic converters, mobile phones, computer disks and aircraft turbines.” Until now, the process of recovering these elements was uneconomical. Doostmohammdi says, “These challenges notwithstanding, several factors have combined to spotlight their growing importance.” We invited Mohammad Doostmohammdi to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the process his team has developed that reduces costs and increases productivity in the realm of critical mineral recovery. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 514 - Real Estate Lessons from Singapore Guest: Ernst Lang 25:40

45 weeks ago25:40

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Ep 514 - Real Estate Lessons from Singapore Guest: Ernst Lang By Stuart McNish “We can learn a few things from Singapore,” says Ernst Lang, the founder and CEO of Promerita Group. “Singapore has been getting housing right for many decades. In fact, it has found a way to make most of its housing affordable whilst also protecting the value of privately owned homes.” According to a report by the Urban Land Institute, “private homes in Singapore are the most expensive in Asia” with an average value of $1.7 million US. However, the ULI report states that public housing in Singapore is the “most attainable” when it comes to home ownership – 90 percent of the people in the country own their home. Lang says, “Even more remarkable is the cost in relation to median annual income. In Singapore, the median home price to income ratio is 5. In Vancouver, according to Rates.ca, the average home price is 249% more than an average household can afford.” How and what are they doing in Singapore that we can learn from? We invited Ernst Lang of Promerita to join us for a Conversation That Matters about Singapore’s housing market and what lessons we could apply here. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 513 - British Columbia’s Lacklustre Prosperity Guest: David Williams 25:18

45 weeks ago25:18

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Ep 513 - British Columbia’s Lacklustre Prosperity Guest: David Williams By Stuart McNish According to the 2024 British Columbia Prosperity Index, “BC places 11th out of 21 peer jurisdictions for overall prosperity.” The study was developed with the Centre for the Study of Living Standards, which compares BC’s performance on a range of economic, business, social and environmental indicators. David Williams says, “There is no medal for 11th place and for good reason. This matters for young families and people aspiring to build a future in this province. Prosperity is crucial.” The report is filled with disheartening numbers about BC’s place on the Prosperity Index. The Index reports that British Columbia is “11th of 21 jurisdictions in Business Well-Being, 15th in Economic Well-Being, 7th in Societal Well-Being, 12th in Labour Productivity, 13th in Innovation Ranking, 13th in Income Inequality and 18th for Housing Affordability.” We invited David Williams, the Vice President of Policy at the Business Council of British Columbia, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the factors that are driving down prosperity in BC and what we can do to reverse this trend. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 512 - To the Edge of Death and Back Guest: Paul Dragan 23:46

45 weeks ago23:46

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July 12, 2024 Ep 512 - To the Edge of Death and Back Guest: Paul Dragan By Stuart McNish Ten years ago on June 10, 2014, Paul Dragan sat down to enjoy a cup of coffee across the street from his business, Reckless Bikes. He took a sip and as he looked up, a heavyset man wearing a bicycle helmet came around the corner, pulled out a gun and shot Paul in the chest. He landed on the ground, blood pouring out of his chest. “Were it not for a series of remarkable events, I’d be dead,” says Dragan. “A doctor was standing feet away at the time I was shot. An ambulance miracle – Vancouver Hospital was minutes away and 14 minutes later, I was in the emergency room with my life in the hands of a surgeon who was not going to let me die.” Six days later Dragan woke up in a hospital bed, his wife and son next to him. For six days, they’ve been racked with the fear that Paul would die. “Classically,” says Dragan, “my first words were, ‘Where am I and what happened?’ I had no idea. I don’t even recall being shot or anything else from that morning.” We invited Paul Dragan to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his incredible journey to the darkness of death and back. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 511 - Drug Free Kids Guest: Chantal Vallerand 23:39

1 year ago23:39

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Ep 511 - Drug Free Kids Guest: Chantal Vallerand By Stuart McNish On Dec 8th, 2022, Jennifer Whiteside was appointed Minister for Mental Health and Addictions. At the time she said, “The Premier has asked me to prioritize accelerating BC’s response to the illicit drug toxicity crisis. The Premier has also asked me to expand new complex care, treatment, recovery, detox and after-care facilities across the province.” Months later, the BC Centre for Disease Control released its report showing that in 2022, overdoses from opioids and illicit drugs were now the leading cause of death for youth 10 to 18 years old. The Minister issued a statement saying, “The toxic drug crisis continues to have a devastating impact on families and communities in B.C., and the impact on children, youth is heartbreaking,” These are hollow words to Garth Mullins, an organizer with the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, who said, “It seems to me that the Minister’s job is to be the official mourner – someone who is there to cry publicly about the mass deaths but isn’t empowered.” So where does a family turn when they need help? Chantal Vallerand, the Executive Director at Drug Free Kids Canada, says, “We know how difficult it is for families. Most don’t know the boundaries of what they can and cannot say or do. We created Drug Free Kids to help parents facing the life and death reality of drugs where there is no margin for error.” We invited Chantal Vallerand of Drug Free Kids to join us for a Conversation That Matters about resources and strategies that can and do help families address the growing drug crisis in Canada. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 510 - Post-Pandemic Leadership Guest: Ron Bremner 26:00

1 year ago26:00

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Ep 510 - Post-Pandemic Leadership Guest: Ron Bremner By Stuart McNish COVID-19 disrupted supply lines and our lives. Now that the lockdowns are over, the lingering impact of the dramatic shifts in the workplace remain. During the pandemic, work from home became the rule. Many employees seized the opportunity and not only thrived, but they moved away – far away, so far that coming into the office became a remote possibility. “The work from home practice was needed during the pandemic; now it poses a new challenge,” says executive coach Ron Bremner. “Going forward, remote work will fracture company culture. For leaders… the new norm will be to manage in a state of chaos where they will need to be remarkably innovative as they strive to create safe, productive and effective workplaces.” “[The] key to navigating the changing dynamics of a disassociated workplace,” says Bremner, “will be to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset” – a mindset of constant adaptation and continual improvement. We invited Ron Bremner to join us for a Conversation That Matters about post-pandemic leadership. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 509 - Meet the BC Conservative Leader Guest: John Rustad 26:42

1 year ago26:42

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Ep 509 - Meet the BC Conservative Leader Guest: John Rustad By Stuart McNish It’s been two years since John Rustad parted ways with the BC United Party over differences about climate change science. Regarding the reason for his removal from the party, Kevin Falcon is quoted as saying, “Climate change is one of the most critical threats facing our future.” And he added that Rustad “does not speak on behalf of [the] caucus on this issue.” Six months later, John Rustad took over the leadership of the BC Conservative Party. At the time, the party was without a sitting member of the legislature. Today, there are four. Rustad and the BC Conservative party’s rankings are soaring in the polls. Who is John Rustad and what is his vision for British Columbia, should he do the seemingly impossible and win the next election? We invited John Rustad to join us for a Conversation That Matters about his agenda for British Columbia. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 508 - Generously Giving Guest: Megan Owen-Evans 25:58

1 year ago25:58

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Ep 508 - Generously Giving Guest: Megan Owen-Evans By Stuart McNish In the book “ Why Good Things Happen to Good People,” Stephen Post writes that “giving to others” has been shown to increase health benefits. A separate study by Michael Norton from Harvard Business School revealed that “people are happier when they spend money on others versus themselves.” Megan Owen-Evans went far beyond the giving of money – she donated a kidney and part of her liver to two different anonymous recipients. “Donating a kidney or a part of your liver is an enormous undertaking,” says Owen-Evans. “Not only do you need to take time for the surgery and recovery, [but] you also undergo a plethora of tests that consume vast amounts of time” – time that takes the donor away from work and family. “The cost in lost salary is significant.” Fully aware of the impact on donors, Owen-Evans set out to change the financial impact on these generous souls who give of themselves. As President of Neptune Terminals, Owen-Evans established a new policy: “paid time off for donors.” It's a concept that is gaining support from other major employers in British Columbia, such as Beedie Development and the David Foster Foundation. We invited Megan Owen-Evans to join us for a Conversation That Matters about corporate giving that supports employees and offers the gift of life to people in desperate need. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 507 - A Bleak Market for EVs Guest: Adam Pankratz 26:54

1 year ago26:54

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Ep 507 - A Bleak Market for EVs Guest: Adam Pankratz By Stuart McNish “Little did we know how fast the free market would slap the electric vehicle mandate back to reality, while Canadian taxpayers continue to subsidize green fantasies,” says Adam Pankratz, a lecturer at the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business . The “slap” is in reference to plummeting sales of electric vehicles in North America. Pankratz says, “The signs emerged in September 2023 when Volkswagen announced it was ‘cutting EV output’ due to low demand and in November, Ford announced it would ‘be scaling back’ EV battery production due to lackluster demand.” As the new year emerged, EV news stayed on the same trendline. Pankratz said, “General Motors, Mercedes Benz and even Tesla warned EV sales were projected to be significantly lower than predicted.” Add in Hertz’s decision to sell off most of its EVs and the message is clear – the market is cool on electric cars. We invited Adam Pankratz to join us for a Conversation That Matters on the trajectory of electric vehicle sales and what that says about government directives versus market forces. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us June 18 for Conversations Live - Food Security…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 506 - Will AI produce a state of Deep Utopia? Guest: Nick Bostrom 26:50

1 year ago26:50

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Ep 506 - Will AI produce a state of Deep Utopia? Guest: Nick Bostrom By Stuart McNish In his new book “Deep Utopia: Life and Meaning in a Solved World,” philosopher Nick Bostrom ponders what life could be like in a “solved world” – a world where everything works and works better than if human hands got in the way. “What then?” asks Bostrom, is the reason to work? “Is it to earn extra income or because working is an intrinsically valued activity?” Bostrom is the head of the Future of Humanity Institute at Oxford and a philosopher with a background in theoretical physics, computational neuroscience, logic, and artificial intelligence. He has been called the “Superintelligent Swede” because of the deep philosophical work he undertakes as he examines the trajectory of human life at the intersection of destruction and possibility. Bostrum says, “If artificial intelligence can be achieved, it would be an event of unparalleled consequence – perhaps even a rupture to the fabric of history” – a rupture, Bostrom says, “will change the course of human history but is it the end of human history?” We invited Nick Bostrom to join us for a Conversation That Matters about our flirtatious and tempestuous relationship with the evolution of intelligence. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us June 18 for Conversations Live - Food Sustainability…

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Ep 505 - Has the Floatel Sunk? Guest: Christine Kennedy 24:13

1 year ago24:13

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Ep 505 - Has the Floatel Sunk? Guest: Christine Kennedy By Stuart McNish The District of Squamish denied Woodfibre LNG’s application for a temporary use permit for its Bridgemans “floatel,” citing concerns over safety, environmental, and community impacts. Council also cited a lack of information from the company as its reasons for saying no to the refurbished cruise ship that is intended to act as a floating workforce accommodation. “[It’s] hard to comprehend,” said Christine Kennedy, the President of Woodfibre LNG. “The District has asked repeatedly since 2019 – to the company and to regulators – that the project workforce be housed outside of Squamish, which is exactly what the floatel delivers.” Kennedy goes on to say, “A councillor suggested that there are better solutions than a floatel. Housing options were considered and discussed with the District over a five-year engagement process, during which the District repeatedly asked the company and regulators to house non-local workers outside the community due to low vacancy rates in Squamish. Woodfibre LNG responded with the floatel. If Council had better ideas, they had five years to bring those forward.” On Tuesday May 21, Squamish Council decided to reconsider its decision and has postponed a final vote until June 4th. We invited Christine Kennedy to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the process the company followed in the development of the floatel and what this potential rejection means to the project and to BC’s investment reputation. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us June 18 for Conversations Live - Food Security…

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Ep 504 - Vancouver: Beautiful, yes – but! Guest: Bridgitte Anderson 24:01

1 year ago24:01

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Ep 504 - Vancouver: Beautiful, yes – but! Guest: Bridgitte Anderson By Stuart McNish No doubt about it: Vancouver is beautiful. It’s beautiful to visit, it’s a beautiful place to study, and it’s a beautiful city to retire in. “But,” says Bridgitte Anderson, the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, “it’s not so beautiful of a place to build a robust economy.” In fact, according to a new report commissioned by GVBOT, “the region’s economic size and mix under-performs when it comes to creating high-paid jobs or high-performing companies.” Compared to 20 other “high quality mid-sized city-regions, spanning 9 pillars across economy, liveability and infrastructure and sustainability, Vancouver is well below par.” Anderson says. “Vancouver ranked 14 among the 20 cities for prosperity factors.” Looking ahead, Anderson says, “The region has to address its underlying weaknesses soon if we hope to stay competitive.” Central to our ability to compete is Vancouver’s beautiful geography, an area that is confined by sea and mountains. Anderson says, “The upshot is that we have to innovate more deeply to stimulate housing, job and economic development.” We invited Bridgitte Anderson, the CEO of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, to join us as a guest on Conversations That Matter about where our attention needs to turn to close our productivity and prosperity gap. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 503 - Canada’s Sagging Productivity Guest: Jock Finlayson 24:27

1 year ago24:27

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Ep 503 - Canada’s Sagging Productivity Guest: Jock Finlayson By Stuart McNish On March 26th, 2024, the Bank of Canada issued a report titled “Time to Break the Glass: Fixing Canada’s Productivity Problem.” Senior Deputy Governor Carolyn Rogers said at a speech in Halifax, “Productivity is a way to inoculate the economy against inflation.” The question ahead is, why has Canadian productivity sagged and how can it be turned around? Jock Finlayson, the Chief Economist at the Independent Contractors of BC, says, “Canada needs to reorient policy to focus squarely on improving productivity and real incomes per capita – both of which are stagnant and falling.” We invited Jock Finlayson to join us for a Conversation That Matters about Canada’s productivity crisis and why it matters. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 502 - Is Peace Possible in Gaza? Gidi Grinstein 29:21

1 year ago29:21

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Ep 502 - Is Peace Possible in Gaza? Gidi Grinstein By Stuart McNish At the time of the recording of this interview, the war in Gaza raged on. Since Oct 7, when more than 1139 Israelis had been killed and another 240 taken hostage, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas. The atrocities of that day also severely challenged Israeli’s sense of compassion for Palestinians. In Palestine, the death toll is horrifying – more than 30,000 Palestinians are believed to have died and another 72,000 have been injured. The war and humanitarian crisis that has resulted has brought calls from around the world for a ceasefire. The government of Benjamin Netanyahu shows little interest in heeding those calls. The level of hate and anger that existed before Oct 7 continues to rise, which leads to the longer term question: can peace ever be achieved? Gidi Grinstein, the founder of Reut Institute in Tel Aviv, says, “Maybe but the conditions have to be ripe.” He continues, “It won’t be easy; millions of Israelis and Palestinians do not want to live in the same country, much less a shared society.” We invited Gidi Grinstein, the co-author of (IN) SIGHTS, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about possible paths forward for Israel and Palestine. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

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Ep 498 - How Canada Saved Me Guest - Sasha Luchkov 23:37

1 year ago23:37

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Ep 498 - How Canada Saved Me Guest - Sasha Luchkov By Stuart McNish On February 24th, 2022, in the dark of the night in Mukachevo, Ukraine, Sasha Luchkov woke to the news that his country was under attack. Sasha, a piano protege at the age of 17, was already an accomplished pianist. He had recently placed second in the Scherzo International piano competition, where he performed Beethoven’s Sonata #17. Luchkov also performed at the Horowitz International piano competition and the Perugia MusicFest. When the war intensified, Luchkov says, “I was in fear of my life and I fled from Ukraine – first to Italy and with the help of Thrive Refuge, I made my way to Canada, which accepted me as a refugee.” Luchkov says, “Canada and Canadians have been remarkably kind and helpful to me.” Through Thrive Refuge, Sasha was able to complete his high school education and is now attending UBC’s School of Music, studying under the direction of Dr. David Fung. On April the 12th, Sasha is performing at the Chan Centre for the Performing Arts in the Concert for Peace to help raise funds to support Thrive Refuge’s Fine Arts Bursary. Sasha Luchov joins us for a Conversation That Matters about his journey to finding a second chance in Canada. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us April 23 rd for Conversations Live - One on One with Premier Edy…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 497 - Climate Action: The Net Zero Economy Guest - John Stackhouse 26:54

1 year ago26:54

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Ep 497 - Climate Action: The Net Zero Economy Guest - John Stackhouse By Stuart McNish “Population and economic growth spell a demand for much more energy,” states the opening paragraph of RBC’s Climate Action Institute report. The Institute is honest in its assessment of the path forward to a Net Zero economy. The bank’s John Stackhouse says, “Climate pressures spell an imperative for a different mix of energy sources.” Looking forward, the global population is forecast to exceed 9 billion by approximately 2040. “Can the world population power itself into a new age of sustainable growth?” askes the report. It goes on to ask, “Can Canada, a global leader in energy, create new technologies, realize new opportunities and create value in a Net Zero economy?” We invited RBC’s Head of Thought Leadership, John Stackhouse, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the highlights of the research the report lays out, its six major conclusions, and the path forward. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us April 2 for Conversations Live - Energy and the Environment…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 496 - Ballooning Public Service Guest - Renaud Brossard 23:20

1 year ago23:20

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Ep 496 - Ballooning Public Service Guest - Renaud Brossard By Stuart McNish According to the Montreal Economic Institute, Justin Trudeau ranks first among Canadian Prime Ministers over the past 40 years when it comes to the expansion in the size of the civil service. In a recent study, MEI notes that “over the past few decades, the number of employees in the federal public service has fluctuated somewhat under the mandate of successive governments under Justin Trudeau's current government. However, we are witnessing a truly unprocessed identity expansion.” Renaud Brossard speaks on behalf of MEI and he says, “An expanding public service has consequences that adversely affect the economy, including undue competition with the private sector for employees. And that, in turn, exacerbates the already challenging talent market.” The report goes on to show the increase on a percentage basis from Prime Ministers Mulroney to Trudeau; Mulroney and Chrétien both oversaw about 10% reduction. Martin and Harper also decreased the number of civil servants, but to a lesser extent. Prime Minister Trudeau's increase is a whopping 25%. We invited Renaud Brossard of MEI to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the report and why a rapidly expanding civil service is a cause for concern. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us April 2 for Conversations Live - Energy and the Environment…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 495 - Child Sex Trafficking Guest - Cathy Peters 24:02

1 year ago24:02

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Ep 495 - Child Sex Trafficking Guest - Cathy Peters By Stuart McNish National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada is February 22nd. It was instituted as part of the government’s commitment to fighting human trafficking. The point was to “raise awareness of the magnitude of modern day slavery in Canada and abroad and to take steps to combat human trafficking.” In her book, “Child Sex Trafficking in Canada,” Cathy Peters says, “This book should never have been written. But here we are. Society and culture have come to a point where the most vulnerable are not being protected.” Peters goes on to say, “As a society we have a moral obligation to address sexual exploitation immediately, resolutely and robustly.” Today’s children are targeted in ways that you have little awareness of and from around the world. These children are marginalized, vulnerable, and at risk. Peters says, “They are unaware of the insidious, coercive, and manipulative tactics of the sex industry.” We invited one of Canada’s leading advocates on behalf of vulnerable children, Cathy Peters, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about what we all need to know about child sex trafficking and how to stop it. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 494 - Canada and China: What Happened? Guest - Dr Paul Evans 24:05

1 year ago24:05

24:05

Ep 494 - Canada and China: What Happened? Guest - Dr Paul Evans By Stuart McNish In 1970, Canada led the Western world by recognizing China. According to Paul Evans in his book, “Engaging China,” the Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Trudeau “believed that many of the world’s major issues ‘will not be resolved completely or in any lasting way unless and until an accommodation has been reached with the Chinese nation.’” Over the course of the next 50 years, the Chinese economy and its clout grew from 1.7 percent of global GDP to more than 17.3%. China went from one of the poorest countries on earth to one of the most powerful economies. Through that growth, China invested heavily in Canadian energy and technology companies. Then at the start of this century, the relationship between Canada and China started shifting. China started to flex its muscles and Canada failed to realize it was no longer the dominant member of this relationship. China grew tired of being told what and how to manage its affairs. Enter Xi Jinping, who had no patience for moralizing and virtue signalling. Canada woke up to China’s influence and the influencing tactics at home and abroad. Over the past five years, the relationship has soured. We invited Paul Evans, Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia, to join us for a Conversation That Matters on what happened between Canada and China and what is happening between us and India. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 493 - A Call to Purpose Guest - Mike Rowlands 24:04

1 year ago24:04

24:04

Ep 493 - A Call to Purpose Guest - Mike Rowlands “Redefining success for the purpose economy,” Mike Rowlands says, “is to become a part of the rapidly growing movement toward social purpose in business. The social purpose focus creates healthier communities, restoration of our shared environment and better outcomes for companies’ staff, customers and other stakeholders.” Rowlands says the path to developing this framework “emerged from our work with the nonprofit sector – a sector that required new brand strategies that enriched and enhanced their organizations' messaging.” The next step on the path to a social purpose framework was the development of “Theory of Change,” which is a methodology to set out intended social change outcomes.” We invited Mike Rowlands, the CEO and President at Junxion, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about social purpose and how it focuses businesses to accept responsibility for outputs, outcomes and building a better world by being in business. By Stuart McNish Researchers at Simon Fraser University and BC Cancer have pinpointed specific physiological traits that they say “can You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 492 - The Fountain of Youth Guest - Angela Brooks-Wilson 25:10

1 year ago25:10

25:10

Ep 492 - The Fountain of Youth Guest - Angela Brooks-Wilson By Stuart McNish Researchers at Simon Fraser University and BC Cancer have pinpointed specific physiological traits that they say “can help people live longer, healthier lives.” According to a recent study published in GeroScience, the healthiest, older adults live in a “sweet spot,” where more than 100 different physiological traits interact, and that dynamic interaction makes them healthier than their counterparts. Key to living in the “sweet spot” is homeostasis, which is a collection of mechanisms that your body uses to maintain constancy in blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and body temperature. The more consistent your body is, the healthier you are. Deviations from optimal ranges of vitamin D, calcium, glucose and other mechanisms lead to a higher risk of mortality. We invited Angela Brooks-Wilson, a co-author of the report, to join us for a Conversation That Matters about what we now know about the “sweet spot” of health and how this knowledge may equip you to live longer and healthier. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 491 - The Claims of Life Guest - Diana Chapman Walsh 26:34

1 year ago26:34

26:34

Ep 491 - The Claims of Life Guest - Diana Chapman Walsh By Stuart McNish The Claims of Life , a new book by Diana Chapman Walsh, traces the emergence of a young woman who set out believing she wasn’t particularly smart but went on to meet multiple tests of leadership in the American academy – a place where everyone wants to be heard and no one wants a boss. The Claims of Life offers readers an unusually intimate view of a trustworthy leadership that begins and ends in self-knowledge. During a transformative fourteen-year Wellesley College presidency, Walsh advanced women’s authority, compassionate governance, and self-reinvention. After Wellesley, Walsh’s interests took her to the boards of five national nonprofits, galvanizing change. She kept counsel with Nobel laureates, feminist icons, and the Dalai Lama, seeking solutions to the world’s biggest challenge: preserving our planet. We invited Diana Chapman Walsh to join us for a Conversation That Matters about a life of openness and endless possibilities. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit Guest - Mark Liedemann 25:10

1 year ago25:10

25:10

Ep 49o - Addressing the Infrastructure Deficit Guest - Mark Liedemann By Stuart McNish The backbone of any complex society is its infrastructure. It is the glue that binds communities, provinces and countries together. The concept of infrastructure was central to Rome’s dominance for 500 years. Cody Gregory writes, “One of the key aspects of Roman society and development was its unprecedented utilization of roads, sewers and aqueducts.” Here in British Columbia, it was the railway that brought us into Confederation and it was the development of hydroelectric power that catapulted the province forward economically. Mark Liedemann, the President and CEO of Infrastructure BC says, “We’re building on those legacy projects to ensure the province has the essential structures needed to thrive.” In her letter to the Board of Infrastructure BC, Finance Minister Katrine Conroy says, “Government and public sector organizations must continue to advance results that people can see and feel in these key areas – strengthened health care, safer communities, attainable and secure housing, and a clean and fair economy that delivers affordability and prosperity.” We invited Mark Liedemann to join us for a Conversation That Matters about the never ending work of planning and building the infrastructure the province requires. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 489 - The Path to Urban Net Zero Guest - Jeanette Jackson 24:17

1 year ago24:17

24:17

Ep 489 - The Path to Urban Net Zero Guest - Jeanette Jackson In June of 2021, Canada – along with the other G7 countries – committed to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It is an audacious goal, one that affords Canada with an opportunity to play a leadership role and become the first of the G7 to reach net-zero emissions. It’s a long way from where we are at the moment. Currently, says Jeanette Jackson of Foresight, “we’re in last place, which accelerates our need to step up the pace and position Canada as a force of nature on the path to net zero.” Over the past decade, Foresight has worked relentlessly toward making net-zero a reality. Foresight has a 10-point approach to accelerate research and development in clean tech, build regional clusters and host events. Jackson says, “We’re creating the ecosystem that fosters investment in world leading companies that are serving a social purpose, that being achieving net zero by virtue of the products and services they produce and provide.” On February 6, Foresight is hosting “CityAge Vancouver: The Urban Zero Challenge.” We invited Jeanette Jackson to join us for Conversation That Matters about the opportunities and challenges ahead for us on our path to greenhouse gas reduction. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 488 - A Ministry of Entrepreneurialism Guest: Naseem Javed 23:00

1 year ago23:00

23:00

Ep 488 - A Ministry of Entrepreneurialism Guest: Naseem Javed “The world, and in particular Canada, needs to embrace entrepreneurialism as a new frontier to resuscitate our gasping economy,” says Naseen Javed, the CEO and founder of Expothon. “We need a new Ministry of Entrepreneurialism that can ignite an economic revolution.” Javed says, “This new Ministry will only work if it is managed by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs. Bureaucrats, academics, and economists live in a world where their theories don’t survive contact with the real world. When you put them in charge of entrepreneurship, they pour sand in the gears of innovation, business agility, and the magic small and medium business create in solving the world’s challenges.” The potential is enormous. Canada has an opportunity to embrace this concept, says Javed. “We are a knowledge-based country. If we seize the moment and create a legislative and tax environment that fosters rather than hinders entrepreneurs, we can turn around Canada’s sagging per capita GDP and boost the economy.” We invited Naseem Javed to join us for a Conversation That Matters about unleashing the power of entrepreneurship in an effort to turn around Canada’s sinking economy. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us Feb 6 for Conversations Live - Lethal Exports…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 487 - The Greatest Gift of All Guest: Paul Sitnam 25:16

1 year ago25:16

25:16

Ep 487 - The Greatest Gift of All Guest: Paul Sitnam By Stuart McNish “Impact investing is an investment strategy that aims to generate specific beneficial social or environmental effects in addition to financial gains,” according to Investopedia. It is upheld as a societal good, but it does not include devoting your life to helping others. “The greatest gift of giving possible is your life’s work,” says Paul Sitnam. He is a living example having done just that for the past 40 years. Sitnam dedicated his life to international humanitarian work in Africa, the South Pacific and the Middle East. His service to others, he says, has “allowed me to work with people in need of a hand up, rather than a handout. I worked with people to help them recover from disasters that shook their confidence.” Sitnam says, “I quickly dispelled myself of the notion that I was going to save the world. I just tried to do the best I could with the situation I found myself in and the resources available.” He goes on to speak to the power of empathy over sympathy. “Humanitarian work,” he says, “must facilitate victims of a disaster in a manner that allows them to regain their dignity. They need to be treated as much as possible as partners rather than as vulnerable people or beneficiaries. No one likes to be thought of – and treated – as a beggar.” We invited Paul Sitnam to join us for a Conversation That Matters about making a difference by being where assistance is needed. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us Feb 6 for Conversations Live - Lethal Exports…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 486 - Can First Nations Save Canada’s Economy? Guest: Chris Sankey 24:39

1 year ago24:39

24:39

Ep 486 - Can First Nations Save Canada’s Economy? Guest: Chris Sankey By Stuart McNish “Canada’s per capita growth has been negative three out of the last four quarters,” says Perrin Beatty, the President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. He adds, “Canada needs to do more to attract investment” – a sentiment that was recently shared by a panel of experts for “Conversations Live” about economic reconciliation. Haisla Chief Counselor Crystal Smith said, “First Nations hold the key to the country’s economic future.” It is a belief held by Indigenous businessman Chris Sankey, who says that “we can’t afford to obstruct BC’s energy sector any longer.” In an op-ed for the Vancouver Sun, Sankey said, “The chilling effect on the investment landscape of our region and of Canada in general has been terrible.” Moving forward, Sankey is looking to LNG to generate jobs and economic growth. He says, “More than a billion dollars in indigenous procurement spending and benefits have already been negotiated with Coastal GasLink, Kitimat LNG and Woodfibre LNG. And should the Haisla make a final investment decision on Cedar LNG, the opportunities will continue to grow for everyone – not just First Nations. Everyone.” We invited Chris Sankey to join us for a Conversation That Matters about economic reconciliation and how it can reverse Canada’s sinking attractiveness to investors. You can see the interview here https://www.conversationsthatmatter.ca/ Learn More about our guests career at careersthatmatter.ca Join us Feb 6 for Conversations Live - Lethal Exports…

Conversations That Matter

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Ep 485 - The interconnectedness of all things Guest: Wade Davis 23:30

2 years ago23:30