Improving the energy dialogue in Canada (and beyond) through honest, non-partisan, and fact- based conversations. The energy conversation is personal: it’s in our homes, in our hands, and now, it’s in our ears. Power Struggle invites you to listen in on honest, non-partisan, and fact-based conversations between host Stewart Muir and the leaders and thinkers designing modern energy. Watch videos at https://www.youtube.com/@PowerStrugglePod
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Welcome to Hotel Pacifico. We’re your 5-star podcast destination for B.C. politicos. Hosted by Mike McDonald and Kate Hammer. With Geoff Meggs. #BCpoli #StrategySuite #MiniBar Hotel Pacifico is recorded on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.
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How Coal Powers Your Electric Car // Jean-Baptiste Fressoz
45:15
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45:15What if everything we believe about “clean energy” is built on a myth? French historian Jean-Baptiste Fressoz joins Power Struggle to challenge the dominant narrative of energy transition. From coal in electric cars to the illusion of hydrogen aircraft, Fressoz unpacks how modern societies haven’t replaced fossil fuels — they’ve layered more and mo…
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What to do with BC natural resources? ft. Stewart Muir
1:17:03
1:17:03
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1:17:03Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 Kate, Mike and Geoff welcome Stewart Muir, Founder and CEO of Resource Works, to the Hotel for a discussion on natural resource development and the policy pivots taking place with the new Mark Carney administration and David Eby go…
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How clean is your energy? // Jason Switzer
39:44
39:44
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39:44Can you work in oil and gas and still be an environmentalist? Jason Switzer says yes. In this episode, he joins host Stewart Muir to talk certified natural gas, ESG, Indigenous rights, and clean tech in Canada’s energy transition. Like what you heard? Give it a like 👍 Drop a comment 💬 Subscribe 🔔 for more real talk on modern energy. Send us a text …
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Multicultural Communications & Media with Jatinder Rai
1:17:16
1:17:16
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1:17:16Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 Kate, Mike and Geoff welcome Jatinder Rai, CEO of Response Advertising, to Hotel Pacifico to discuss BC’s growing diverse communities and how political and media strategies play out differently, including why the Conservatives have…
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Canada almost froze—here’s what saved it // Greg Caldwell
56:26
56:26
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56:26In January 2024, temperatures in Alberta dropped to -50°C. The electricity grid sent out alerts. Demand skyrocketed. So what kept homes warm? Stewart Muir is joined by Greg Caldwell, Director of Policy and Advocacy at ATCO Gas, for an inside look at the cold snap that put Canada's energy system to the test. They break down the physics of energy del…
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Western Alienation with Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes
1:07:43
1:07:43
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1:07:43Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week we've got a crossover pod of sorts, with the hosts of Alberta's "The Discourse" with Cheryl Oates and Erika Barootes, to discuss a serious and hot topic... Western Alienation. Consider it a second in a row #SuperStrategyS…
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Super Strategy Suite with Bob Dewar, Caroline Elliott and Brittney Kerr
1:07:43
1:07:43
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1:07:43Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Mike and Kate are away, so Geoff takes over the pod with all-star players! Joining Geoff is a panel of politicos for this post-election super strategy suite episode: Bob Dewar, Caroline Elliott and Brittney Kerr. They'll …
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100th Episode Post-Election Special with David Herle
1:10:31
1:10:31
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1:10:31Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Mike, Kate and Geoff welcome David Herle, host of The Herle Burly and Curse of Politics podcasts, to mark the 100th episode of Hotel Pacifico and dive into a discussion about the federal election. In the Strategy Suite, t…
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Is Canada Sleepwalking Into China's Trap | Election Special Ep.7
1:00:09
1:00:09
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1:00:09Canada desperately wants to diversify its export economy. Many believe expanding to other markets is critical to dealing with the new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump. But renowned journalist Terry Glavin cautions this shouldn’t mean we integrate with China. The more Canada associates economically with China, the more vulnerable and sub…
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Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from BC Dairy, and the NFP. SPECIAL POD: 🏨🌄 This Sunday at Hotel Pacifico Mike McDonald and Richard Zussman launch our "Battle for BC" segment with a riding by riding review of 2025 federal election. Mike and Richard will join us each Sunday during the federal election with a look at a new…
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"Poilievre was channeling Trump" with Don Davies + Caroline Elliott
1:17:04
1:17:04
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1:17:04Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Kate, Geoff, and Mike welcome five-term NDP MP Don Davies (Vancouver Kingsway) to Hotel Pacifico. Mr. Davies makes the case for the NDP amidst challenging poll results, and discusses how the NDP has influenced federal pol…
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Snubbing Canada’s Nose at Trump | Election Special Ep.6
51:18
51:18
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51:18Donald Trump didn’t start the problem. But Jack Mintz knows how to fix it. In the latest episode of the Power Struggle special election series, Mintz tells host Stewart Muir that Canada’s declining productivity started long before the US President’s new tariff war. The solution isn’t slapping the United States with counter-tariffs. The solution is …
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Battle for BC: Vancouver and North of Fraser Review
52:25
52:25
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52:25Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from BC Dairy, and the NFP. SPECIAL POD: 🏨🌄 This Sunday at Hotel Pacifico Mike McDonald and Richard Zussman launch our "Battle for BC" segment with a riding by riding review of 2025 federal election. Mike and Richard will join us each Sunday during the federal election with a look at a new…
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"Keep Connor McDavid on the Ice" /w former premier, Gordon Campbell + Marko Dekovic
1:19:29
1:19:29
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1:19:29Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Kate, Mike, and Geoff welcome the 34th Premier of British Columbia, Gordon Campbell. Gordon discusses the federal election, the US tariff dispute, how Canada needs to build on its strengths, and just get rid of those inte…
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How Trump's Threats Are Reshaping Canada's Energy Strategy | Election Special Ep.5
1:14:44
1:14:44
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1:14:44Monica Gattinger wants to know how. How will the federal Liberal and Conservative leaders fast-track the approval of energy projects? The projects that will reduce Canada’s reliance on US markets. Are Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre moving too fast and furiously in trying to respond to the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump? All to get vote…
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Battle for BC: Fraser Valley & Beyond Hope Review
49:02
49:02
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49:02Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from BC Dairy, and the NFP. SPECIAL POD: 🏨🌄 This Sunday at Hotel Pacifico Mike McDonald and Richard Zussman launch our "Battle for BC" segment with a riding by riding review of 2025 federal election. Mike and Richard will join us each Sunday during the federal election with a look at a new…
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🇨🇦 Christy Clark on Canada's Energy Future | Power Struggle Ep.4
1:06:20
1:06:20
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1:06:20In this episode of Power Struggle – Campaign Edition, former British Columbia Premier Christy Clark joins Stewart Muir to discuss how Canada can reclaim economic leadership in the world — and what the next Prime Minister must prioritize to get us there. From stalled LNG projects to the need for meaningful Indigenous partnerships and long-term regul…
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Election Polling with Greg Lyle + Guest Co-Host Aisha Estey
1:26:57
1:26:57
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1:26:57Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 Pollster Greg Lyle (Innovative Research Group) stops by Hotel Pacifico this week to discuss the federal race with Mike, Geoff, and guest co-host Aisha Estey. Greg drills down into the data about what’s driving the Liberal lead in t…
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Jason Kenney on Energy, Recovery, and Canada’s Resilience | Election Special Ep.3
57:50
57:50
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57:50In this episode of Power Struggle: Election Special, former Alberta Premier and federal cabinet minister Jason Kenney joins Stewart Muir to discuss Canada’s most pressing challenges — from addiction policy to energy infrastructure and national defense. Kenney contrasts Alberta’s recovery-focused approach to addiction with Vancouver’s harm reduction…
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Battle for BC: Suburban Battleground Review
46:34
46:34
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46:34Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from BC Dairy, and the NFP. SPECIAL POD: 🏨🌄 This Sunday at Hotel Pacifico Mike McDonald and Richard Zussman launch our "Battle for BC" segment with a riding by riding review of 2025 federal election. Mike and Richard will join us each Sunday during the federal election with a look at a new…
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"When Sh*t Really Hit The Fan" with Matt Stickney
1:17:06
1:17:06
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1:17:06Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes Matt Stickney, former Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Trudeau. A Surrey boy through and through, Matt discusses working in the PMO, bringing a suburban voice to the table, how premiers make their …
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Goodbye Silver Platter | Election Special Ep.2 with Brian Lee Crowley
1:05:32
1:05:32
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1:05:32Can Canada and the US together become the dominant global energy power? Economist Brian Lee Crowley thinks so. He explains how in the latest episode of Power Struggle. Brian says Canada has no choice but to deepen our economic relationship with the US. And despite what Donald Trump says, the Americans are just as dependent on Canada for many produc…
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Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from BC Dairy. SPECIAL POD: 🏨🌄 This Sunday at Hotel Pacifico Mike McDonald and Richard Zussman launch our "Battle for BC" segment with a riding by riding review of 2025 federal election. Mike and Richard will join us each Sunday during the federal election with a look at a new set of ridin…
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"A Chaotic and Dysfunctional System" with Allan Gregg + Caroline Elliott
1:26:36
1:26:36
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1:26:36Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes a legend and pioneer in Canadian polling and politics, Allan Gregg. We'll discuss all those things on the pod, and of course, the federal election. Today, Allan can found as a Principal at Earnscli…
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🇨🇦 Polls, Promises, and Politics | Election Special Ep.1 with John Ivison
49:52
49:52
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49:52Trump looms large over Canada’s 2024 federal election. With recent polling showing a dramatic surge for Mark Carney’s Liberal Party, Canadian voters face a critical decision: who can best navigate the existential economic threat posed by a potential second Trump presidency? Political journalist John Ivison joins Stewart Muir to offer sharp insights…
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Malcolm Macpherson shares his two-decade journey championing Indigenous economic sovereignty through energy law and explains how First Nations are redefining their role as "Resource Rulers" with constitutional rights that fundamentally shape Canada's resource development landscape. Follow us and our guest on social media: Stewart Muir on Linkedin M…
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"More to be Desired" with Áʼa꞉líya Warbus
1:22:14
1:22:14
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1:22:14Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes BC Conservative House Leader Áʼa꞉líya Warbus, MLA for Chilliwack-Cultus Lake to the pod. The political newcomer discusses her decision to enter politics last year, her parliamentary responsibilitie…
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"The Tariff War and Budgets" with Trevor Tombe
1:19:59
1:19:59
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1:19:59Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes economist Trevor Tombe to discuss the ongoing tariff war with the United States, as well as a deep look into the recent provincial budget in British Columbia. In the Strategy Suite, our hosts will …
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The Energy Lie Canadians Believe—And Why The World Disagrees // Shannon Joseph
58:01
58:01
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58:01Shannon Joseph once dreamed of being an astronaut, but ultimately chose to tackle humanity's most pressing challenges right here on Earth. With over 15 years of experience in energy, sustainability, and Indigenous relations, Shannon has shaped major federal policies like the Impact Assessment Act and the UNDRIP Act. As Chair of Energy for a Secure …
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Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico Mike McDonald and Geoff Meggs emerge from lockup to report on the BC Budget! Join Mike McDonald, Kate Hammer, and Geoff Meggs for insights and interviews covering the latest in B.C. politics. Thank you for …
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"Remove the partisan rhetoric" with former BC LG, Janet Austin
1:21:25
1:21:25
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1:21:25Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes back the 30th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Janet Austin! She served as LG from 2018-2025 and today shares with the podcast the ways she scenario planned through the political shifts as …
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Breaking the Energy Barrier and Rewiring the Future // Woochong Um & Isabel Beltrán of GEAPP
51:18
51:18
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51:18What if the biggest opportunity to solve climate change isn't where you think it is? While wealthy nations debate their climate goals, organizations like GEAPP are helping developing countries take bold steps to secure a cleaner, more independent energy future. Discover how the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) is tackling some o…
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"Consolidate and Moderate" with Jas Johal
1:19:23
1:19:23
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1:19:23Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes no stranger to media or politics, Jas Johal! Jas has had a long career in broadcasting and journalism, was also a former BC Liberal MLA, but has returned to his roots and is known currently as the …
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Powering Tomorrow with Canada’s Energy and Indigenous Strength // Heather Exner-Pirot
57:32
57:32
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57:32As a Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, and a special advisor to the Business Council of Canada, Heather breaks down the hard truths about Canada’s energy future. She wasn’t always in energy. In fact, her journey started in international development, working in places like Gu…
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"A centrist alternative" with Karin Kirkpatrick
1:20:03
1:20:03
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1:20:03Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes Karin Kirkpatrick, former Liberal MLA, former candidate for the BC United party, and eventual Independent candidate in the 2024 provincial election. She joins us for a conversation about rebuilding…
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America’s Energy Shake-Up and What Comes Next // Robert (RJ) Johnston
45:00
45:00
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45:00Are we in a Cold War where energy is the weapon? Is energy becoming the world’s most powerful strategic asset? As governments refocus on security and affordability, global energy policy is shifting fast. What does this mean for Canada, the US, and the world? Robert “RJ” Johnston is Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy a…
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"Working people up for grabs" with Sussanne Skidmore
1:15:08
1:15:08
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1:15:08Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes Sussanne Skidmore, president of the BC Federation of Labour, to explore BC's changing economy, tariff threats, and how the conservative movement in the US, UK, and Canada are attracting the support…
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Will Trump's Tariffs Break US-Canada Relations? // Joe Calnan
37:44
37:44
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37:44What happens when energy, security, and sustainability come together? Today Stewart sits down with Joe Calnan, energy security expert at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute and host of the Energy Security Cubed podcast. Together, they dive into the heart of what Power Struggle is truly all about: the energy trilemma of balancing affordability, re…
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"It's the economy stupid" with Laura Jones
1:07:51
1:07:51
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1:07:51Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico goes all in the Ragin' Cajun's maxim: "it's the economy stupid" as we explore ... the economy ... with Business Council of British Columbia president and CEO, Laura Jones! In the Strategy Suite, our hosts d…
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Doomberg tells all: The dirtiest secret of the modern economy
54:42
54:42
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54:42What does it take to turn a green chicken into a global voice in energy? We dive into the world of Doomberg—the #1 paid finance Substack tackling energy, geopolitics, and predictions of what's to come. Global energy dynamics are more than just economics; they intersect deeply with immigration and social tensions. Doomberg discusses how an energy-ri…
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"Sphere of Influence" with Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai
1:26:44
1:26:44
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1:26:44Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai to talk about Trump tariffs, his meeting with Don Jr., hooking up the Yukon to BC's electricity grid, and Yukon's abundance of critical minerals. In the Strategy Suite, th…
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"What the h*ll is a critical mineral anyway" with Michael Goehring
1:05:05
1:05:05
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1:05:05Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes Michael Goehring, President and CEO of the Mining Association of British Columbia, to answer: what the hell is a critical mineral anyway and why does it matter to the province? Join Mike McDonald, …
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"ChatGPT versus doctors" with Terry Lake
1:15:02
1:15:02
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1:15:02Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes former BC Liberal Party MLA and provincial minister, Terry Lake. They'll take on the discussion of health care in the province, our aging population, opioids and hard reduction, how ChatGPT can tak…
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Happy Holidays from Power Struggle! As developing nations grapple with rapid growth, we explore the dilemmas surrounding coal consumption and the implications for climate goals. Send us a text The energy conversation is polarizing. But the reality is multidimensional. Get the full story with host Stewart Muir. Reach out to us with thoughts, questio…
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Holiday Party with LG Austin, James Moore, Joy MacPhail, and Richard Zussman
1:11:33
1:11:33
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1:11:33Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC and Airbnb. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico hosts a year-end holiday party with special guests: The Honourable Janet Austin (Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia), James Moore (Conservative Member of Parliament from 2000 to 2015), Joy M…
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Harnessing Gaming and AI for Sustainability // Valentina Riggins
45:28
45:28
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45:28What if the future of energy innovation lies in gaming technology? In this episode of Power Struggle, we are joined by Valentina Riggins, Senior Vice President of Digital Consulting at Worley. Valentina provides an in-depth look into the challenges and opportunities within the energy industry, bridging the gap between traditional energy practices a…
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"Command performance" with Murray Rankin
1:20:48
1:20:48
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1:20:48Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC and Airbnb. 🏨🌄 This week Hotel Pacifico welcomes Murray Rankin, KC, recently retired from his roles as Minister of Indigenous Relations & Reconciliation and MLA for ‘Behind the Tweed Curtain’. Mike, Kate, and Geoff talk to Murray about…
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Can Canada afford to ignore U.S. energy needs? // Kent Fellows
54:43
54:43
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54:43Dr. Kent Fellows is an economist and assistant professor at the University of Calgary. With expertise in energy, infrastructure, and competition policy, Kent has advised provincial, federal, and international governments on major policy decisions. He’s also a Fellow at the City Hall Institute, contributing to cutting-edge research on energy and inf…
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"Cheaper energy and a new economy for Canada" with Merran Smith
1:01:27
1:01:27
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1:01:27Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC and Airbnb. 🏨🌄 Welcome to Hotel Pacifico. We’re your 5-star podcast destination for B.C. politicos. Join Mike McDonald, Kate Hammer, and Geoff Meggs for insights and interviews covering the latest in B.C. politics. Thank you for joinin…
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1
Housing Gatekeepers with Mayor Eric Woodward
1:14:10
1:14:10
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1:14:10Hotel Pacifico was created by Air Quotes Media with support from our presenting sponsor TELUS, as well as FortisBC and Airbnb. 🏨🌄 Welcome to Hotel Pacifico. We’re your 5-star podcast destination for B.C. politicos. Join Mike McDonald, Kate Hammer, and Geoff Meggs for insights and interviews covering the latest in B.C. politics. Thank you for joinin…
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