British Columbia wants critical minerals, economic growth, and energy security – yet behind closed doors, exploration companies are asking a harder question: Is BC becoming too difficult to invest in? In this 15th episode of Markets and Leaders, host Lyndsay Malchuk sits down with Todd Stone, President & CEO of the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) and former BC cabinet minister. Todd brings a unique insider perspective on the growing gap between political ambition and operational reality. They dig into the real mood of investors, the long permitting delays, the silent retreat of capital, and the policy contradictions that have locked up over 50% of BC’s land mass from responsible exploration. Todd shares why Canada’s economic sovereignty, national security, and future leadership in AI and quantum all start with exploration – and why getting the policy right today will determine whether BC captures $90 billion in mining investment or watches capital move elsewhere. If you want to understand what’s really happening on the ground in one of the world’s most resource-rich regions, this is the conversation to watch.