For too long, British Columbia—and frankly, Canada as a whole—has operated under a false dichotomy.
We have convinced ourselves that there are two distinct economies: the “old” economy of natural resources, where we hew wood and draw water, and the “new” economy of sparkling tech startups and digital innovation. We treat them as separate silos, often pitted against one another in political discourse and public perception.
But recently, on the Power Struggle podcast, I sat down with Nicole Brassard of Global Public Affairs to discuss why that separation is not only outdated but dangerous to our prosperity.
Our conversation centred on a reality that is becoming impossible to ignore: the future of our economy lies not in choosing one sector over the other, but in their deep, strategic convergence.
Breaking the silos
Brassard has a unique vantage point on this integration, and she was candid about the friction that still exists. Despite the obvious synergies—mining companies needing advanced automation, forestry giants relying on satellite data—we aren’t communicating our successes effectively.
“Maybe those stories aren’t being told in the way that they need to be to ensure that British Columbians and Victoria have a greater understanding of where that’s taking place and where we can be investing more in order to grow our economy,” she said.
This strikes a chord. We often see the resource sector fighting for social licence in one corner, while the tech sector fights for venture capital and talent in another. Brassard’s argument is that if we want Victoria—and indeed Ottawa—to understand the real engine of this province, we have to change the narrative.
The story isn’t about extraction versus innovation; it’s about extraction powered by innovation.
The ‘buddy system’ in Victoria
One of the most compelling parts of our discussion was about tactics. How do we get policymakers to truly listen?
Brassard suggests a powerful approach: the buddy system.
“Coming to the table with an AI company and a forestry company to sit down to explain to [the] government how this is working . . . is really impactful,” she told me.
Imagine the shift in perspective for a minister. Instead of a forestry executive explaining yield rates, they are flanked by a tech CEO explaining how AI is optimizing those yields to reduce carbon footprints. Suddenly, it is a unified front demonstrating how the resource sector is the primary customer and proving ground for Canadian technology.
The Carney doctrine and export ambitions
Our conversation naturally turned to the macro-economic picture, specifically the ambitious targets set by Prime Minister Mark Carney to double Canada’s exports to non-U.S. destinations over the next decade.
Brassard views Carney’s background as a central banker as a signal of seriousness.
“I think it’s entirely possible because that man would not have said that if he hadn’t already done the numbers and known that it was possible,” she said.
This isn’t just blind faith; it’s a recognition of the math. If we are to achieve that doubling, we cannot rely on selling the same things to the same people.
The critical mineral bridge
“We haven’t talked a lot about critical minerals today, but that’s a key piece,” Brassard noted. “An opportunity for us to really step up into the world stage and supply the world what it needs.”
Critical minerals are the bridge between our “old” and “new” economies. You cannot have an energy transition, electric vehicles or advanced battery storage without mining. The tech sector needs the minerals; the resource sector has the expertise to get them out of the ground.
While self-imposed hurdles have slowed progress over the last decade, Brassard senses a turning tide.
“I’m really looking forward to kind of opening the floodgates and allowing that development to happen in a sustainable way,” she said.
Looking East and West
If we are to meet the Prime Minister’s export targets, we have to look beyond our southern border. Brassard pointed out that the roadmap for diversification is already there, waiting to be used.
“When we’re having a hard time kind of reconciling how we’re going to double our non-U.S. exports, there are so many opportunities in our trade relationships east-west for us to strengthen those,” she said.
She highlighted Carney’s recent Asia-Pacific tour as a positive indicator, noting that we must also leverage our EU partnerships to facilitate greater trade.
From caps to accountability
Perhaps the most provocative part of our discussion centred on the shifting regulatory environment.
Addressing the criticism regarding the new government’s approach to climate policy—specifically the walking back of emissions caps put in place under the previous administration—Brassard sees a shift in responsibility rather than a retreat.
“I think we’ve seen a recognition from the federal government that says, ‘OK, we’ll take them away, but now it’s on you,’” she said.
This is the new wager. Can industry drive efficiency and reduce emissions without the heavy hand of federal caps?
“How can these projects move forward, and can industry move these projects forward, without the oil-and-gas caps and without emission caps?” Brassard asked. “Will that allow development to increase? I think so—but everybody’s watching now.”
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