The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern

If $130,000 is the new poverty line… what does that make you?In this episode of Classonomics, we tackle the viral argument that the middle class isn't struggling — it's being mismeasured. On paper, incomes are up and unemployment is low. So why does it feel harder than ever to afford a home, raise kids, or even stand still? We break down the hidden costs of economic participation, from housing and childcare to smartphones and “technological coercion”. We also examine the rise of the two-income trap that quietly reset the price of middle-class life. Are millennials truly worse off than their parents? Is inflation data masking reality? And was the 80s and 90s middle class partly a sitcom illusion? If you've ever felt “middle class” in theory but squeezed in practice, this episode explains why.Chapters:0:00 – Introduction: Welcome to Classonomics0:39 –  Why 90s “Struggling” TV Families Look Wealthy Today02:03 – Is $130k the New Poverty Line?04:52 – Technological Coercion: From Luxury to Necessity09:08 – Why Inflation Stats are Misleading: Better vs. Cheaper11:03 – The Two-Income Trap: From Option to Obligation14:54 – The Nostalgia Gap: Are We Remembering the 80s Correctly?17:20 – The Reality of Generational Downward MobilityResearch links:Part 1: My Life Is a LieHow a Broken Benchmark Quietly Broke Americahttps://www.yesigiveafig.com/p/part-1-my-life-is-a-lieCory Doctorow https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittificationhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_DoctorowHedonic adjustmentshttps://www.npr.org/2022/11/10/1135849519/hedonic-adjustment-how-to-measure-pleasureCredits:Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatthttps://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Why is it so hard to make friends once you leave school? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt dive into the "Loneliness Epidemic" and the disappearing concept of the Third Place – those vital social hubs that aren't home (the first place) or work (the second place).From the 1980s mall culture and bowling alleys to the modern era of "convenience-first" coffee shops and endless doomscrolling, we explore why 60% of Canadians feel disconnected from their communities. We also break down the surprising 2025 StatCan data showing that young people (15–24) are significantly lonelier than seniors.In this episode, we discuss:The Zoning Crisis: Why it's literally illegal to build a walkable pub or café in most North American suburbs.The Death of the Comfy Chair: How rising land costs forced businesses to prioritize drive-thrus over community "hangouts."Weak Social Ties: Why interacting with people outside your "bubble" is essential for democracy, your mental health, and your career.Practical Advice: Cara shares her (slightly terrifying) tips for meeting neighbours, and Mike discusses how rec sports saved his social life. Chapters:00:00 The Connectivity Paradox: Why we're lonelier than ever01:40 Youth are lonelier than seniors03:10 The "Doom Scrolling" effect on community connection04:10 What is a "Third Place"? (And why you need one)05:20 The power of "Weak Social Ties"07:34 How Zoning & NIMBYism killed our local hangouts12:18 Can Digital Communities Replace Physical Ones?14:58 High Land Costs Make Everything Worse17:08 Practical Advice: How to Build Community Today20:41 The Senior Discount Problem: Why cities are ignoring youth isolation22:10 How to Push Past Rejection & Find Your PeopleResearch/links:Six in Ten Canadians Surveyed Have Little or No Sense of Community, New YMCA Research Revealshttps://www.ymcagta.org/news/Six-in-Ten-Canadians-Surveyed-Have-Little-or-No-Sense-of-CommunityChurch Closures and the Loss of Community Social Capitalhttps://carleton.ca/panl/wp-content/uploads/Church-Closures-and-the-Loss-of-Community-Social-Capital-By-Don-McRae-March-2023.pdfWhere Have All the Great, Good Places Gone?: The Decline of the “Third Place”https://www.mironline.ca/where-have-all-the-great-good-places-gone-the-decline-of-the-third-place/Third places, true citizen spaceshttps://courier.unesco.org/en/articles/third-places-true-citizen-spacesBrands should provide “third places” to help Canadians feel connected: https://strategyonline.ca/2024/11/11/citizen-relations-report-third-places/The Hidden Health Crisis: Understanding Loneliness in Canadahttps://blog.theralist.ca/the-hidden-health-crisis-understanding-loneliness-in-canada/Why your ‘weak-tie' friendships may mean more than you thinkhttps://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200701-why-your-weak-tie-friendships-may-mean-more-than-you-thinkHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

The unemployment rate says everything is fine. So why does finding a job feel impossible?Canada has added nearly 200,000 jobs and unemployment sits around 6.5%. On paper, that's a “normal” economy. But talk to young workers, or anyone trying to switch jobs, and you'll hear a very different story: hundreds of applications, zero callbacks, and months of silence.In this episode of Classonomics, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down the hidden story behind the headlines. They explain why low unemployment can mask a frozen job market — one with fewer layoffs, fewer hires, and far fewer opportunities for people trying to get in.If you're a recent grad, stuck in your career, or wondering why the economy feels worse than the data suggests, this episode is for you.Tell us in the comments: How long has your job search taken? Has it been harder than expected?Chapters:00:00 – Why Finding a Job in Canada Feels Impossible Right Now01:57 – Beyond Unemployment: The Hidden Labour Market Indicators05:28 – Why Employers Have the Upper Hand Right Now06:12 – Global Uncertainty, Trade Tensions & Hiring Freezes07:26 – The "Low-Hire, Low-Fire" Equilibrium Explained10:21 – How Over-Regulation Stifles Economic Growth13:06 – The Systemic Impact of Locking Out a Generation14:20 – The Housing Theory of EverythingResearch:Consulting the Magic 8 Ball of Canada's Job MarketThe Job Market Is Frozen:Unemployment is low, but workers aren't quitting and businesses aren't hiring. What's going on?Canada's shifting labour market: Recalibrating ‘breakeven employment'Glassdoor Worklife Trends 2025Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted and unadjusted, and trend-cycle, last 5 months (x 1,000) 1, 2, 3, 4Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Does having a baby mean you're officially "car-dependent"? In this episode of DemograFix, Cara Stern and Reece Martin, of @RMTrasit, tackle the reality of navigating Canadian cities with kids. While many parents are told that a private vehicle is the only safe or convenient way to get around, Cara and Reece explore why our transit systems often fail families – and how we can fix them.From the "elevator roulette" at subway stations to the hidden costs of car ownership, we're breaking down the barriers to urban parenting.Have you ever been "trapped" at a subway station with a stroller or in a wheelchair? Let us know in the comments.Chapters:0:00 Introduction00:44  The "Car Trap": Why parents feel forced to drive01:38  Canadian Transit vs. the US: How do we actually rank?03:22 The Stroller Struggle: Accessibility "on paper" vs. reality08:47 A Tale of Two Cities: Toronto, Montreal, and the elevator gap13:11 Reece on the GoTrain accessibility car15:50 The Hidden Cost: Is owning a car costing you a second child?19:45 Policy solutions for family friendly transit25:02 Why free transit for kids is a game changer28:15 The problem with busses29:48 Teens and Transit: How free fares encourages a healthier lifestyle33:15  Making cities livable for the next generationResearch/links:Studies on impact on free fares on active transportation for teenshttps://www.getonthebus.ca/resourcesTransit Use by Children and Adolescents: An Overlooked Source of and Opportunity for Physical Activity? - PMChttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5502534/Engaging students to increase public transit ridership A guide for using city–school partnership to inspire youth to choose sustainable transportation.https://greenmunicipalfund.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resources/guide/guidebook-engaging-students-to-increase-public-transit-ridership-gmf.pdfHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Your 20s: risky bets, crypto hype, and meme stocks.

Yesterday, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Mackem warned that early evidence shows AI is reducing the number of entry-level jobs available. Are we heading toward a future of mass unemployment, or is AI just the latest "calculator" to change how we work? Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt dive deep into the data behind AI's impact on demographics and the workforce.While Mike leans into historical optimism, Cara brings the receipts: a recent Stanford study showing a 13% drop in employment for young workers in AI-exposed fields since the release of ChatGPT. We explore which jobs are "AI-proof," why Gen X seems to be winning (again), and what policy changes could help young people get a foot in the door.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:29 Why Mike is unconcerned about AI taking his job01:30 Why Cara is worried about AI02:21 Young works AI exposed jobs see 13% drop03:52 Examining AI exposed occupations04:30 How AI impacts different cohorts of workers06:12 Understanding the impact of AI on wages06:54  Being well rounded is the best protection08:16 Trades, healthcare and education will continue to be in demand09:20 Mike shares a story from the olden times10:00 Mike's take on going into the trades11:20 Mike on wages12:18 Focus on developing skills13:17 The role of policymakers and solutionsResearch/links:Canaries in the Coal Mine? Six Facts about the Recent Employment Effects of Artificial IntelligenceYouth in Canada will need help gaining experience in the AI eraNo to being young again; The struggles of Canadian youth employment - CIBC Capital MarketsCanada must pioneer AI adoption that creates job opportunities: Ryan Khurana in Canadian Affairs | Macdonald-Laurier InstituteCanaries in the Coal Mine? Six Facts about the Recent Employment Effects of Artificial IntelligenceYouth in Canada will need help gaining experience in the AI eraNo to being young again; The struggles of Canadian youth employment - CIBC Capital MarketsCanada must pioneer AI adoption that creates job opportunities: Ryan Khurana in Canadian Affairs | Macdonald-Laurier InstituteHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Canada's housing ladder is broken. In this episode of Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt explain why the starter home no longer works and how an entire generation has been locked out of moving up.They compare buying a detached home in 2004 for $168,000 with today's reality, where condos fail as a first step and buyers are trapped with no clear path forward. The conversation explores how this breakdown affects family formation, careers, ambition, and Canada's economic future.=If homeownership feels impossible, this episode explains why and why it matters.Do you still believe the starter home works, or has the housing ladder completely collapsed where you live?Chapters:00:00 — What “Buying Your First Home” Used to Look Like00:40 — Mike's First House: A Brand-New Detached Home… as a “Starter”01:47 — Why That Dream Is Gone for Today's Buyers02:29 — What “Starter Home” Means Now vs. Then05:23 — “Aging Out” of the Starter Home07:03 — Trapped in a Condo09:58 — The “Second-Time Buyer Problem” Explained11:09 — Housing, Birth Rates, and Canada's Demographic Crisis13:37 — Careers Limited by Real Estate, Not Talent18:45 — Why Politicians Are Getting This WrongResearch links:Teranet Market Insights Q1 2025National Bank Housing Affordability MonitorCMHC Housing Market Outlook 2025CMHC Housing Supply Report 2025Royal LePage House Price Survey and Market ForecastStatistics Canada - Homeownership and Mortgage Debt of Tax FilersCIBC Economics - Housing Affordability ReportsHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Canada's housing crisis. Youth unemployment. Immigration debates. A broken healthcare system.What if we told you a book published in 1996 predicted almost all of it?In this episode of The Missing Middle, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt revisit the Canadian classic Boom, Bust & Echo to explore how demographics, especially the aging of the baby boomers, reshaped Canada's economy, housing market, job prospects, and public policy.We break down:• Why youth unemployment was a policy choice• How demographics quietly drive housing prices• What governments got right — and very wrong• Why immigration policy, real estate, and healthcare are deeply connected• And how Canada ended up with a generational economic imbalanceThis isn't just history. It explains why life is harder for young Canadians today and what choices led us here.If you care about housing affordability, jobs, immigration, public policy, and Canada's economic future, this episode is for you.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:49 Why Boom, Bust, and Echo (BBE) still matters03:00 What the book got right and wrong04:25 Prediction about the rise of home health care06: 06 Policy dilemma: high demand for PSWs & balancing budgets08:12 Immigration policy advice from Boom, Bust and Echo09:03 Governments didn't take the advice 10:55 BBE real estate prediction11:45 Housing market predictions: what went wrong15:10 Boomers, Millennials & real estate16:40 BBE prediction on future changes to taxation policy17:13 The politics of moving taxation from income to capital19:50 Real estate prediction for aging boomers20:34 Naturally occurring retirement communities23:40 Following where people actually live24:47 Demographics are facts that help us understand the future  Research/links:Boom, Bust & Echo: How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Shifthttps://www.amazon.ca/Boom-bust-echo-profit-demographic/dp/0921912978David Foot on Aging Society & Youthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy7y2w9i_aAWhat David Foot didn't tell ushttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/what-david-foot-didnt-tell-us/article784233/Finding Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities - Agenda segmenthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynlwpsye2c0Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux dig into why homeownership for Canadians under 40 has fallen off a cliff. Spoiler: it's not just zoning, NIMBYs, or avocado toast. The federal government plays a much bigger role in today's housing mess than it likes to admit.They break down how rapid population growth collided with a massive slowdown in building family-sized homes, why “dog-crate condos” became the default housing plan, and how taxes, development charges, and investors quietly push prices even higher. They also ask the uncomfortable question: do first-time buyer programs actually help young people — or just lock in high prices?From down payments that feel impossible, to policies that accidentally reward investors over families, this episode gets into what's broken, who benefits, and what Ottawa could actually do if it wanted to bring the dream of homeownership back to life.If you've ever wondered how Canada managed to make buying a home feel impossible — this one's for you.00:00 – Intro: Is the dream of homeownership dead?01:08 – The Federal Role: Debunking the "Provincial Responsibility" trope01:58 – How Federal immigration and monetary policy impact housing04:12 – A Blueprint to Restore Homeownership: The 4 big hurdles06:30 – Not All Units are Equal10:22 – How Population Growth Affects Supply and Demand12:06 – Time to Reduce Taxes on Homes14:05 – Making It Easier for First-Time Buyers16:14 – Will these Policies just Drive Prices Up?17:59 – The "Second-Time Buyer" crisis and downsizing seniors21:09 – Incentivizing Seniors to Downsize22:00 - Getting investors out of single-family homes: The MURB planResearch/LinksA Blueprint to Restore Homeownership for Young Canadianshttps://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/a-blueprint-to-restore-homeownershipThe Quiet Death of the Investor Condo? MURBs May Change the Gamehttps://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/the-quiet-death-of-the-investor-condoHow to get single family homes out of the hands of investorshttps://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/this-is-how-the-government-can-get-single-family-homes-out-of-the-hands-of/article_0f92b0f4-e67e-4a84-aa62-2c9316492363.htmlHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Do you actually own the things you pay for anymore?In this episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, economist Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern explore how ownership is quietly disappearing from everyday life—and what that means for consumers, younger generations, and the economy as a whole.From streaming services and digital books to video games, cars, exercise bikes, and even housing, more and more products are shifting from one-time purchases to subscription-based access. While these models offer convenience and regular updates, they also raise serious concerns about control, pricing, and long-term access.Mike and Cara examine the “illusion of ownership” and more about “constrained optimization,” where economic circumstances make traditional ownership nearly impossible for younger generations. Questioning if we are being pushed into a future where the top 0.001% owns all assets while the middle class is permanently transformed into a generation of renters. Mike and Cara break down the policy choices required to reclaim property rights and protect the Canadian dream of actually owning the things you pay for.Is society moving toward a future where access replaces ownership? And what do we give up when that happens?

From breath mints and car break-ins to bouncers at the Rogers store, urban life is starting to feel a lot more “on alert.” In this episode of The Missing Middle, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux examine the rise of crime and disorder in our cities, as well as the disturbing data behind transit violence. However, this isn't just about safety; it's about the future of our neighbourhoods. If people don't feel safe on the streetcar or the sidewalk, can we ever truly build the dense, walkable, “missing middle” communities Canada so desperately needs?This surge in disorder acts as a "hidden tax" on urban living, forcing residents to choose between the convenience of the city and the perceived security of the suburbs. By analyzing these shifts, we uncover how a lack of safety might be the biggest hurdle yet to solving our housing goals.Chapters:00:00 Introduction: Crime, Disorder, and the Future of Cities00:50 Car Break-ins and Security Measures04:23 Personal Experiences on the Streetcar05:02 By the Numbers: Rising Assaults on Canadian Transit07:07 Why Density Requires Public Trust09:00 Why Spouting Stats Doesn't Change Minds13:58 The Political Disconnect on Urban Safety16:49 Finding Solutions: Justice Reform and Mental Health18:10 Why "visible progress" matters more than spreadsheetsResearch links:Transit violence rising across Canada — in some cities by nearly 300%Chris Arnande tweetThe Slow-Motion Exodus: How GTA Outmigration Became Ontario's Defining TrendThe Politics of Safety: Why Bail Reform Is Striking a Chord with CanadiansSabrina Maddeaux: Canada's suburban crime surge is exposing years of national security neglectIt's Time to Talk About America's Disorder ProblemRelated reading/listening:OFF THE RAILS: Data exposes crime, mental illness at TTC's track levelMore than 70 per cent of Ontarians feel less safe on transit than a year ago, survey suggestsHomelessness, Social Disorder and Public Transit in Calgary, Canada: Examining perspectives from law enforcement through the lens of critical social theoryHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

From avocado toast jokes to accusations of entitlement, every generation seems to get its turn in the stereotype spotlight. In this episode of The Missing Middle, economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern dig into where these labels come from — and, more importantly, whether generations really do experience the economy differently.They explore how major historical shocks — from the Great Depression and World War II to 9/11, the Great Recession, and the pandemic — shape our values, anxieties, and opportunities. The conversation moves beyond clichés to examine how birth year, cohort size, housing markets, job markets, technology, and public policy combine to create very different economic realities for Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:37 Avocado toast & generational stereotypes03:25 Horriscopes for statistical nerds?04:46 The history of grouping people into generations06:41 Mike's genX and Cara's millennial experiences 13:24 Understanding generational differences15:55 Generation size, power & public Policy19:40 Inherited wealth & pulling the ladder up22:30 The ethos of DemograFixResearch/links:https://marcuse.faculty.history.ucsb.edu/classes/201/articles/27MannheimGenerations.pdfHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Ontario's Greenbelt is often treated as untouchable — but is it actually making the housing crisis worse?In this episode of The Missing Middle, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux tackle the question viewers keep asking: can Ontario build enough family-friendly homes without touching the Greenbelt — and what happens if it doesn't? They unpack how the Greenbelt was sold as a social contract, why governments never delivered the missing middle housing they promised, and how policies meant to stop sprawl may have actually pushed families farther away.The conversation breaks down four realistic paths forward: doing nothing, finally legalizing family-sized infill housing, cutting immigration to ease demand, or partially opening the Greenbelt — and why every option is politically fraught. Along the way, they explain leapfrog sprawl, why condos aren't working for families, and how decades of policy avoidance have left young Canadians priced out and disillusioned.If you care about housing affordability, family-friendly neighborhoods, or the future of Ontario's cities, this episode lays out the uncomfortable trade-offs politicians keep avoiding.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:47 – The Most Common Audience Question01:50 – Is the Greenbelt Politically Untouchable Now?05:23 – The Greenbelt's Broken Social Contract10:05 – What Families Actually Need in a Home11:35 – How the Greenbelt Makes Sprawl Worse14:00 – Has Anyone Studied Greenbelt Sprawl?15:00 – Four Options for Housing vs the Greenbelt15:53 - Option 1: Do Nothing18:31 – Option 2: Fix Housing Without Expansion23:48 – Option 3: Cutting Immigration27:15 – Option 4: Opening the Greenbelt29:55 – What's Most Likely to Happen Next?Research/links:Mike's tweethttps://x.com/MikePMoffatt/status/1991593178085142851?s=20London's Garden Belt:https://x.com/JenMTreadwell/status/2001256081188905271?s=20The Welfare Effects of Greenbelt Policy: Evidence from Englandhttps://academic.oup.com/ej/article/134/657/363/7276598Green Belts: Past; present; future?https://www.routledge.com/Green-Belts-Past-present-future/Sturzaker-Mell/p/book/9781138339392Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this special Ask Me Anything episode of The Missing Middle, the full team answers your biggest viewer questions on housing, transit, immigration, and affordability — and we share a major announcement about the future of the podcast. We also introduce our newest team member and talk candidly about why this work hits close to home for so many Canadians.The conversation dives into walkable neighbourhoods and small businesses, why governments struggle to act on housing affordability, the taboo around discussing immigration and housing together, transit as a pressure valve for urban sprawl, and why seniors are stuck in family-sized homes. Plus, we explain what's changing on the show, including two new weekly episodes, DemograFix and Classonomics, and what it means for listeners going forward.Chapters00:00 Ask Me Anything 2025 and look ahead00:45 Meet our editor/technical producer Sean Foreman03:01 Introducing the new podcast DemograFix03:52 Introducing Classonomics04:16 You don't need to do anything, we promise

Is Canada's life sciences and health tech sector heading toward a code red? In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt unpack how outdated and fragmented privacy laws are slowing innovation, and why aligning too closely with European regulations could make things even worse. They explore the “Brussels effect,” where the EU's regulatory power shapes rules far beyond Europe, and how Canada may already be feeling its impact.The conversation dives into why modern health innovation depends on large-scale data, how Canada's patchwork of federal and provincial rules creates costly barriers, and what lessons we could learn from countries like Japan and Singapore instead.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:44 The Brussels Effect explained03:17 Outdated health-data and privacy rules04:13 Accessing lifescience data06:00 Safety vs innovation07:40 Europe lacks tech innovation08:55 We're already adopting EU rules09:28 Asia leads the way in healthtech data regulationResearch:Health Innovation Doesn't Have to Be This Hardhttps://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/health-innovation-doesnt-have-to?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=webThe Draghi report on EU competitivenesshttps://commission.europa.eu/topics/competitiveness/draghi-report_enHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of the Missing Middle, hosts Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt break down his latest “home score” report, grading every Canadian province on housing. Atlantic provinces like New Brunswick and P.E.I. lead the way, while Ontario struggles, with high costs forcing young people to stay home longer and many residents moving away. The grades are based on 36 indicators covering supply, affordability, suitability, and societal outcomes.Mike also explores housing policies that help, harm, or have little impact, from inclusionary zoning to development charges. The episode highlights how some reforms succeed, others fail, and why provinces can learn from each other. Tune in to see which policies actually work and what it will take to improve housing across Canada.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Provincial HOMES Report Card00:45 The best and worst provinces at housing performance02:20 36 assessment points03:39 The report methodology05:17 Avoiding harmful and irrelevant policies06:24 Provinces that have irrelevant policies perform worse09:40 Inclusionary zoning12:30 Examining the number of adult children living at home13:56 Ways in which Ontario sucks at housing15:20 Political will(not to build housing in Ontario)17:58 The levels of government can learn from each other19:03 We were hoping BC would have better results19:28 Atlantic Canada doesn't get in it's own way21:51 How can the provinces improve?Research/links:2025 Provincial HOMES Report Cardhttps://open.substack.com/pub/missingmiddleinitiative/p/2025-provincial-homes-report-card?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=post%20viewerModeling Inclusionary Zoning's Impact on Housing Production in Los Angeles: Tradeoffs and Policy ImplicationsInclusionary-Zoning-Paper-April-2024-Final.pdfHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down a major shift in Canada's income trends: men over retirement age are now earning more than men aged 25–34. They explain how seniors' incomes have increased through pensions, investments, and government supports, while younger workers face slow wage growth, higher living costs, and inflation.The discussion explores key issues affecting younger generations in Canada, including housing affordability, childcare costs, wage stagnation, and intergenerational inequality. Sabrina and Mike talk about why young men are struggling in today's economy, what this means for Canada's workforce, and how policy changes could help.Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:42 New report shows young men earn less than senior men02:00 Senior men incomes have doubled since 1970s02:24 Young men's incomes are down since the 1970s03:21 Where is the extra senior income coming from?05:53 The role of government transfers and entitlements07:30 Breaking down younger men's incomes09:44 Housing have increased far faster than inflation since 197711:11 Why have wages gone down for young men?13:31 social taboos around talking about young men17:09 Concluding thoughtsResearch Links:What Happened to the Young Middle-Class Man?https://substack.com/home/post/p-181132084?source=queueHow Do Young Men See the World? We Asked Them.https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a63613007/young-men-america-2025/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

This episode of the Missing Middle podcast explores a new University of Toronto study that highlights housing affordability as a key factor in declining fertility rates in the United States. Hosts Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern analyze the findings, including the study's estimate that over half of the fertility decline since 1990 is linked to the shortage of affordable, family-sized homes—resulting in 13 million fewer births. They discuss how delayed household formation, smaller living spaces, and rising costs for family-appropriate housing all contribute, and why similar trends are probably occurring in Canada, especially in high-cost provinces like Ontario and B.C. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about fertility, critiques the “all supply is good supply” argument, and examines the structural barriers preventing cities from building enough three- and four-bedroom homes. Mike and Cara explore how unsuitable housing impacts families, newcomers, and children, how municipal regulations add to the shortage, and why resolving this issue requires major zoning, planning, and building-code reforms—rather than simply telling young people to “lower their standards.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction 00:40 Examining a U of T study on fertility and housing affordability01:40 51% of the decline in fertility rate is attributed to lack of housing03:52 Unpacking housing affordability and Canada's fertility rate05:02 Cara highlights a viewer comment about the cause of fertility decline08:50 Society needs younger generations to grow not shrink09:20 Mike outlines the human right to housing12:45 Who is more likely to be living in unsuitable housing?14:18 Children are more likely to be underhoused16:12 All supply is good supply - but is it?18:50 Consequences of not providing enough housing in cities22:50 Or/and we could build our cities upResearch Links:Build, Baby, Build: How Housing Shapes FertilityBKC_JMP.pdfShe's (Not) Having a Baby | CardusFamilies Are Outgrowing Our Cities, and the Law Says They Shouldn't Have ToNational Occupancy Standard | CMHCHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

The conversation highlights the pressing issue of intergenerational tensions in Canada, particularly focusing on the financial burdens faced by younger Canadians. Sabrina discusses the potential consequences of failing to address these issues, including the risk to public healthcare and the erosion of political support for senior programs. The need for a modernized fiscal system that is equitable for all generations is emphasized as a critical solution to prevent further societal breakdown.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:07 Are seniors struggling economically?02:34 Shout out to Generation Squeeze02:52 Breaking down who benefits from government spending04:00 How Gen z and Millennials are fairing05:18 Intergenerational wealth transfer from old to young06:00 Shout out to Boom, Bust and Echo07:00 Senior citizen tax advantages08:40 Redesigning our fiscal system for generational fairness11:44 Good policy doesn't always make good politics13:00 What happens if we don't fix this?15:00 Less intergenerational fight club more intergenerational cooperationResearch/links:After years of decline, child poverty in Canada is rising swiftly: reportGeneration Squeeze: https://www.gensqueeze.caPaul Kershaw's "Hard Truths" podcast: https://www.gensqueeze.ca/videoWho is being asked to sacrifice in Budget 2025?Recent health care deal is a win for retirees. The finances of younger Canadians are collateral damageHow younger Canadians end up paying more for boomers' medical careSeniors and the generation spending gapA trillion-dollar tsunami: Canadians grapple with unprecedented wealth transferCanadian Institute of Health Information - National Health Expenditure Trends: https://www.cihi.ca/en/national-health-expenditure-trendsHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Canada is moving toward regulating dollar-backed stablecoins, and in this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down what that means. They explain how stablecoins work, why Canada has been behind other G7 countries, and the potential benefits for payments and innovation.Mike and Sabrina also discuss the balance between protecting Canadians and encouraging competition, and why clear rules could help Canadian fintechs thrive. A small step with big implications for the future of digital payments in Canada.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction00:49 Federal budget: Stablecoin announcement 02:44 What is a stablecoin?04:40 Advantages of stablecoins over traditional payment methods07:08 Canada's missing stablecoin regulatory framework10:11 Canada should set its own stablecoin rules11:42 Was skepticism about stablecoin regulation warranted?12:47 Promoting healthy competition, innovation, and productivity13:34 ConclusionResearch/links:Regulatory Delays, Dollar-Backed Stablecoins, and Affordability for Canadianshttps://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/dollar-backed-stablecoins-and-affordabilityFederal budget 2025: Plan for stablecoin rules to usher in Canada's ‘digital dollar era,' advocates sayhttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-federal-budget-2025-stablecoin-legislation/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Host Cara Stern is back from parental leave, and she and Mike are jumping right into one of the most debated topics in housing policy — rent control. Inspired by Zohran Mamdani's campaign rent freeze proposal, they dig into how these rules shape the housing market, not just for landlords and tenants, but for entire cities. While rent control offers stability and predictability for those lucky enough to have it, it can also quietly freeze people in place — making it harder to move for a new job, grow a family, or even downsize later in life.In this episode, they explore how rent control affects mobility, opportunity, and fairness between long-term renters and newcomers. From young families trying to upsize to seniors staying put in oversized apartments, Cara and Mike unpack the tradeoffs behind this well-intentioned policy. Is rent control helping affordability, or holding cities back from building the housing we actually need?Chapters:01:00 Introduction01:19  Zahran Mamdani's rent control policy overview01:44 Rent control explained02:19 Mike gives an example of how rent control locks people into place05:20 How being locked into place effects family planning07:28 How being locked into place effects seniors downsizing09:34 Rent control hurts people who need to move10:03 The distributional consequences of rent control 10:45 How newer tenants subsidize newer tenants12:39 Cara proposes an NIMBYism theory13:21 Mike counters with “unintended consequences”15:18 If rent control disappears mobility increases17:36 Should rent control be abolished in Ontario?Research/linksHousing Market Spillovers:Evidence From The End Of Rent Control In Cambridge Massachusettshttps://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w18125/w18125.pdfStats Can data:Housing suitability of private householdRent controls do far more harm than good, comprehensive review findsRent controls do far more harm than good, comprehensive review finds — Institute of Economic AffairsRenters' shelter costs by duration of tenancyRenters' shelter costs by duration of tenancyMamdani Seeks to Freeze Rents on Stabilized Units. What About the Rest?Mamdani Seeks to Freeze Rents on Stabilized Units. What About the Rest? - The New York TimesThe Misallocation of Housing Under Rent ControlThe Misallocation of Housing Under Rent Control - American Economic Association rentcontrol.pdfHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

This week on The Missing Middle Podcast, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux bust some myths and take a hard look at Canada's place in the global housing landscape. Drawing on new OECD data, they reveal why Canada's housing affordability crisis is among the worst in the developed world—with home prices having risen more than twice as fast as incomes since 1999. They compare Canada's record to other OECD countries (spoiler: it's not flattering) and highlight where affordability has been successfully maintained (hint: not here). Sabrina offers a theory on why both Canada and Australia are failing so badly at keeping homes affordable, and together, she and Mike make the case for dropping the excuse that this is just a “global trend.”Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:30 Game:React to the Boomer Comment02:40 Young people don't want responsibility?03:59 Global trend or Canadian crisis?05:12 Missing Middle study on the global housing landscape07:35 Home prices vs incomes09:33 It's worse in Canada, it's us, we're the problem12:30 Which countries are better at affordability?15:00  Possible reasons Canada and Australia are struggling with affordability?Housing report card:https://jhelmer.quarto.pub/rescon-state-of-the-sector-quarterly-reports/12-report-card-brantford.htmlDerek Thompson Sunstack  - Chart 10https://www.derekthompson.org/p/the-25-most-interesting-ideas-ive?utm_source=www.profgmarkets.com&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=nvidia-to-invest-5-billion-in-intelCanada vs. the World: The Worst Record on Housing Affordability Since 2004https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/canada-vs-the-world-the-worst-recordOECD Affordable Housing Database:https://www.oecd.org/en/data/datasets/oecd-affordable-housing-database.htmlHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

The Canada Revenue Agency is facing a public crisis: long delays, wrong assessments, and frustrated taxpayers. Hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt unpack the CRA's 100-day “fix,” why it's only a Band-Aid solution, and the deeper structural issues inside Canada's tax system. From call-centre chaos to a tax code even accountants struggle to understand, this episode explores how CRA policies are eroding public trust and what real reform would look like.Mike also shares his personal experience battling denied medical expense claims and the endless back-and-forth with CRA agents. Together, they discuss the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights, the agency's growing enforcement powers, and why ordinary Canadians are being left behind by a broken system.Chapters00:00 Introduction 00:42 CRA's challenges02:35 An incredibly complicated tax code 03:42 Understanding taxpayer complaints04:50 Guilty until proven innocent06:16 The numbers behind objecting to assessments08:52 The taxpayer bill of rights10:05 Personal experiences with CRA13:42 BOOM!Research/links:There are much bigger problems with the CRA than just long hold timesThis is the real problem with the Canada Revenue AgencyTaxpayer Bill of Rightshttps://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/corporate/about-canada-revenue-agency-cra/taxpayer-bill-rights.htmlHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Rents are finally dropping in many Canadian cities, yet finding an affordable, decent apartment still feels impossible. What's going on with the rental market?In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux sits down with Max Steinman, CEO of RentSync and Rentals.ca, to unpack what's driving the recent rent declines, how rent control policies backfired, and why “financialization” isn't the villain it's made out to be.We dive into how younger Canadians are coping with record-high housing costs, what renters should know about purpose-built rentals vs. condos, and how government policies might actually be making things worse.Tell us your rental horror stories or questions at missingmiddlepodcast@gmail.comCheck out current rent data at Rentals.caSubscribe for more honest conversations about the housing crisis, policy failures, and creative solutions for the Missing Middle of Canada's cities.Chapters00:00 Intro: Why Economists Hate Rent Control00:15 Why rents are falling even as it feels harder than ever to find a place01:00 The “perfect storm” behind today's rental slowdown03:45 How low churn rates and stagnant mobility worsen the crunch05:10 Why Canada's rental experience feels broken07:00 How rent control backfired (and why landlords aren't upgrading units)09:45 Purpose-built rentals vs. condos: What renters need to know13:00 Why vacancy control sounds good but hurts renters long-term16:00 The myth of “financialization” in housing19:00 Why REITs get so much hate, and what people get wrong21:40 How Rentals.ca and RentSync are trying to modernize the rental experience23:10 Closing thoughts and where to find Canada's latest rent dataLinks/Research:The Missing Middle: REITs, Rent & Rage: Canada's Housing Tug-of-War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7_vF7vodwsRentals.ca National Rent Report – The data behind Canada's rent trends, published monthly by Max's team.https://www.rentals.ca/national-rent-reportCan Homes Become Affordable Without Prices Going Down? – Missing Middle Initiative (April 2025) https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/can-homes-become-affordable-againSolving the Housing Supply Crunch: A 10-Step Plan for Federal Action – Missing Middle Initiative (August 2025) https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/solving-the-housing-supply-crunchFrom 40 to 100 Million: How Will Immigration Impact Canadian Housing? – Missing Middle Initiative https://substack.com/home/post/p-165627719Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

What happens when one city councillor gets Toronto council to vote in favour of “studying” garden suites on a single block, potentially undoing years of zoning reform? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Mike Moffatt and Meredith Martin dig into the Craven Road and Parkmount Avenue dispute to reveal how neighbourhood politics, NIMBYism, and endless “consultation” are slowing Toronto's housing progress. From the satirical truth of McSweeney's “Every NIMBY Speech at a Public Hearing” to the real frustrations of current and future home owners, Meredith and Mike explore why the city's gentle density goals keep stalling, and how one councillor's compromise could set a dangerous precedent for zoning across the city.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:47 The NIMBY phenomenon03:32 Outlining the Craven and Parkmount garden suite dispute05:45 Proposed compromises and their implications07:30 Mike's take on the compromise plan09:29 Good zoning reforms make good neighbours10:14 Future residents are excluded from the process11:49 The Role of city councillors, residents and planners14:15 Call to actionResearch/links:Every NIMBY's Speech At a Public Hearinghttps://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/every-nimbys-speech-at-a-public-hearingNIMBYs will Fight Even the Gentlest of Densityhttps://youtu.be/6WavljFV7fM?si=O3jyplV1JRwiIxtdPaula Fletcherhttps://www.toronto.ca/city-government/council/members-of-council/councillor-ward-14/Notice of Public Meeting - City-Initiated Amendment to Zoning By-law 569-2013 for performance standards for garden suites on through lots (Parkmount Road / Craven Road) - 91-209 Parkmount Road (Odd Addresses Only) and 160 Mountjoy Avenuehttps://secure.toronto.ca/nm/api/individual/notice/6660.doHow Cities Keep Screwing up Multiplex Housinghttps://youtu.be/MeojzNbB6Io?si=fbZ8hl3b6vnN-DrLBroken Zoning: Why We Can't Fix the Housing Crisis Without a Maphttps://youtu.be/yuAsjJsiuyQ?si=iWyBl1j_LfNJ4S3ySimpson reference:https://youtu.be/lOTyUfOHgas?si=mbIwSskm6Jdll8yUJournal of a New COBRA Recruithttps://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/journal-of-a-new-cobra-recruitHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Ontario's family housing crisis is spreading fast, and it's not just a GTA problem anymore. In this episode of The Missing Middle podcast, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt delve into a new report that reveals how the shortage of family-friendly homes in the GTA is driving young families east and south, reshaping entire regions from Peterborough to Ottawa. Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:55 Understanding ground-oriented ownership homes04:00 The ripple effect of GTA's housing shortage06:40 Population growth and its impact on housing09:00 Drive-until-you-qualify: migration patterns13:29 Future projections for housing needs16:08 How eastern Ontario should prepare for population growth18:30 You can't expect families to change their preferences19:58 Would Sabrina ever move east?Research/links:Read our report herehttps://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/families-on-the-move-670000-moreWho Really Wins with Return-to-Office Mandates?https://youtu.be/208zVYQWfh4?si=Gg3hdhPRr_iJItjYHosts: Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialProducer: Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin @meredithmartin.bsky.socialEditor: Sean Foreman@seanegertonforeman@seanforeman.bsky.socialCoop Student: Djeima Alicia RamosThis podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/Brought to you by the Missing Middle Initiative https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux dig into the rise of shrinkflation, from grocery store products like cereal and Kraft Dinner to Canada's shrinking condos, and reveal how companies, developers, and government policies are quietly giving Canadians less for more. From deceptive packaging and behavioral economics tricks to the rise of shoebox condos and poor layouts, we explore how rising costs, investor-driven development, and flawed housing policies are reshaping everyday life. If you've ever wondered why your groceries don't stretch as far or why today's apartments feel more like closets than homes, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:08 Understanding shrinkflation02:54 Sabrina's a KD fangirl - who knew?05:12 The economics behind shrinkflation07:22 Price anchoring explained08:25 The shrinking size of living spaces11:52 Why are units getting so much smaller?15:39 What's driving bad design?18:02 Generational perspectives on housing preferences19:22 Constrained optimization explained21:26 Is the investor condo market dead?23:30 Policy changes to combat shrinkflationresearch/links:Working paper Mike refers to: Shrinkflation∗https://drive.google.com/file/d/15tpbhBziggFL-RvjlVgjqBQcNXzcIrWh/viewCondo size datahttps://www.mpac.ca/en/News/PressRelease/spacioushomescompactcondosMPACdatarevealsshiftinghousingtrendsacrossOntario The condo crash won't fix our housing problem. In fact, it just might make it worsehttps://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/the-condo-crash-wont-fix-our-housing-problem-in-fact-it-just-might-make-it/article_7c44519f-cdbe-4978-b575-ffc1ef9a76bd.htmlHosts: Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialProducer: Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin @meredithmartin.bsky.socialEditor: Sean Foreman@seanegertonforeman@seanforeman.bsky.socialCoop Student: Djeima Alicia RamosThis podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/Brought to you by the Missing Middle Initiative https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Ontario's housing market is in crisis, and it's not just condos in downtown Toronto. In this episode of The Missing Middle Podcast, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux break down a bleak new report on housing starts and sales across 34 municipalities. From plummeting pre-construction sales and stalled ground-oriented homes, to the looming loss of 21,000 jobs, we explore why affordability is worse than ever, why government housing targets are falling short, and what it all means for buyers, renters, and the economy.Chapters00:00 Introduction and overview of the housing crisis 01:59 Insights from the residential construction report card03:19 Falling housing starts and rising unemployment04:10 Understanding housing starts and sales dynamics06:01 What is a housing start?08:00 1.5 million homes by 2032 is unachievable 09:19 Any good news?10:02  Political accountability and the housing crisisResearch/Links:Failing Grades, Falling Starts: Ontario Housing's Bleak Mid-Year CheckupCondo Crashes, Shrinkflation, & The Death of Homeownership?Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down Ontario's new return-to-office mandate and the big banks' similar policies, asking what they really mean for younger workers and families already facing high housing costs, long commutes, and stagnant wages. They explore the trade-offs between productivity, commuting, and control, while producer Meredith Martin joins to share her perspective as a former union leader on mentorship, collaboration, and what might be lost if remote work fully takes over.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:15 Return to office mandates: An overview04:22 What Premier Ford's RTO mandate is trying to achieve05:15 Impact on younger workers and families06:55 Disconnect between RTO mandates and ESG targets09:26 Meredith thinks humans should see each other IRL12:43 The role of mentorship and social interaction at work15:20 Debating how much office culture has changedresearch/links:Productivity During and Since the PandemicThe Post-Pandemic Workplace: The Experiment ContinuesNumber of Canadian commuters increases for fourth straight year in 2025Romance in the work place:Esther Perel on How Technology Is Changing Love and Work | Prof G ConversationsNew SHRM Survey: Workplace Romance 2023Mixing work with pleasure: Two-thirds of Brits have been romantically involved with a colleagueReturn to the Office:Amazon Tells Corporate Workers to Be Back in the Office 5 Days a WeekExecutives and Research Disagree About Hybrid Work. Why?Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt dig into Canada's condo market crash, the rise of “housing shrinkflation,” and what it all means for young Canadians chasing the dream of homeownership. They unpack why falling condo prices aren't actually fixing the housing crisis, how developers and government policies have fueled the problem, and why middle-class buyers are being left behind. If you've been wondering whether Canada is headed for a nation of “forever renters,” this is a conversation you don't want to miss.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:02 The condo market collapse: an overview04:03  The impact of shrinkflation on housing04:54 Ron Butler pop up07:48 Government policies and middle-class homeownership11:56 The future of homeownership in canadaResearch/linksSabrina's Toronto Star column https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/the-condo-crash-wont-fix-our-housing-problem-in-fact-it-just-might-make-it/article_7c44519f-cdbe-4978-b575-ffc1ef9a76bd.htmlNew Condo Sales in GTA Hit 3rd-Highest Level on Record in 2019: Reporthttps://storeys.com/new-condo-sales-gta-2019/Homeownership rate for City of Toronto:https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/as-sa/fogs-spg/alternative.cfm?topic=7&lang=E&dguid=2021A00033520&objectId=7 Toronto condo market is in ‘free fall,' federal housing minister sayshttps://www.thestar.com/real-estate/toronto-condo-market-is-in-free-fall-federal-housing-minister-says/article_66c26722-1f22-4b28-bf95-3e98f2e02159.htmlRon Butler: Condo Crash Meets Housing Crisishttps://youtu.be/9xD5veEsB3U?si=-9A-N2jecO8u63N8Hosts: Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialProducer: Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin @meredithmartin.bsky.socialEditor: Sean Foreman@seanegertonforeman@seanforeman.bsky.socialThis podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/Brought to you by the Missing Middle Initiative https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Ever wonder what people at think tanks actually do all day? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt pull back the curtain on the mysterious world of think tanks. From how they're structured and funded, to the challenges of staying independent, they explore what really goes on behind the scenes. You'll also hear about career opportunities for young professionals, why U.S. think tanks dwarf their Canadian counterparts, and how think tanks influence policies that affect our everyday lives—from housing to poverty reduction. If you've ever been curious about the brains behind public policy, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:00 Understanding think tanks04:38 The structure and function of academic think tanks07:53 Funding models: how think tanks sustain themselves09:34 Misconceptions about think tank funding11:58 Maintaining independence: challenges and strategies16:13 Career opportunities in think tanks18:09 Comparing Canadian and American think tanksHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Why do some infill housing projects spark outrage while others fly under the radar? In this episode of The Missing Middle, host Sabrina Matto sits down with former London City Councillor and researcher Jesse Helmer to unpack 15 years of planning committee decisions. They explore why certain housing proposals face fierce opposition, what factors reduce pushback, and how cities can actually build more homes with community support. From surprising success stories to lessons learned in local politics, this conversation sheds light on the politics of infill housing—and why it matters for solving Canada's housing crisis.If you're interested in urban planning, housing affordability, or how communities can embrace smarter growth, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:00 Infill development research with Jesse Helmer02:40 Factors influencing opposition to housing proposals05:30 Research methodology and analysis08:23 Following up with residents after a project is built11:15 Jesse's personal journey as a London city councillor14:08 Optimism for housing solutions16:28  Personal reflections about Jesse's time on London city councilResearch:https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/the-politics-of-infill-housing-whatGuest: Jesse Helmer:  https://x.com/jesse_helmerHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Canadian cities are facing a creative crisis. Rising housing costs are driving artists, musicians, designers, and other innovators out — and it's not just culture that's at risk. In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down how losing the “creative class” hurts local economies, tourism, and even a city's ability to attract tech and finance talent. From the ripple effects on nightlife and small businesses to the loss of vital cultural spaces, we explore why cities can't afford to price out their creative heartbeat — and what policies could help keep them.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:13 Defining the creative class exodus02:57 How housing costs impacts creative workers05:54 The economic consequences of pricing out creatives08:45 The ripple effect of losing creative spaces to the housing crisis11:16 You can't simply trade artists for tech workers 12:50 How this impacts the tourism economy14:50 Policy solutions for retaining creativesResearch/Links:Richard FloridaToronto Arts Council economic impact studyCBC Arts article on artist couples leaving TorontoRichard Florida's work on creative cities and economic developmentBusiness Parks Suck (but they don't have to)Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Are young Canadians being taxed like millionaires while living like broke students? Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt dive into the jaw-dropping disconnect between salaries, taxes, and the insane cost of housing. From bold tax reform ideas to creative fixes for rent, down payments, and wealth inequality, they tackle the policies (and politics) holding the next generation back. Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and fresh solutions that could actually make life affordable again.Chapters00:00 The Tax Burden on Young Canadians11:24 Proposed Tax Reforms and Their Implications23:17 Wealth Inequality and Asset Inflation34:55 Finding Solutions for Young CanadiansResearch/Links:To fix housing, we must rethink what wealth means in CanadaCIBC chief calls for tax changes to help young Canadians struggling to save moneyCanada housing affordability and market trendsWealthsimpleHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

What do cheesy Jean-Claude Van Damme movies and Canada's rental housing crisis have in common? Apparently, more than you'd think! In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt hop in their imaginary time machine to explore how a long-forgotten 1970s tax trick—MURBs—might make a comeback to boost rental housing today. Will this retro loophole help fix our sky-high rents, or just mess with the condo market even more? Grab your popcorn and find out how investors, multiplexes, and a bit of tax magic could change the housing game all over again.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:51 Investing in housing: a time travel scenario03:46 Why building apartments wasn't a great investment 04:47 History of creating rental stock06:07 Understanding the MERB08:32 MURB tax deferrals 10:24 How MURB impacts condo construction11:53 MURB now vs 1970s13:19 The historical context of MERB and its implicationsResearch/links:Time Cop trailerThe Quiet Death of the Investor Condo? MURBs May Change the Game     Hosts: Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialProducer: Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin @meredithmartin.bsky.socialEditor: Sean Foreman@seanegertonforeman@seanforeman.bsky.socialThis podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/Brought to you by the Missing Middle Initiative https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

​​In this episode of The Missing Middle, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux unpack the controversy around REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and their role in Canada's housing crisis. Are REITs really blocking affordable housing, or is the real issue deeper than greedy landlords? Mike and Sabrina break down how REITs work, why they've become political scapegoats, and what actually needs to change to build more truly affordable homes. If you've ever wondered who should be our landlords — mom-and-pops, corporations, or governments — this is the conversation you need to hear.Subscribe for weekly deep dives on housing, urban planning, and Canada's affordability crisis.Drop your thoughts below: Who do YOU think should be Canada's landlords?Chapters00:00 Introduction01:55 Who should our landlords be?03:44 Real Estate Investment Trusts 04:45 Mutual fund trust05:45 Canada has an undeveloped REIT system06:53 REIT push back on affordable housing09:12 Who is to blame for affordable housing not getting built?10:30 All of the other things that make it expensive to build12:09 Should the government build more affordable housing?12:37 Someone has to pay so who should it be? 16:11 What do we mean by affordable units?Research/links:Ford government scrapped Toronto affordable housing requirements after pushback from three REITs, documents showReddit threadEveryone Wants Rentals, but No One Wants LandlordsREIT dataHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down the massive wave of federal public service job cuts and how they're slamming young Canadians the hardest. From thousands of lost student and contract jobs to long-term impacts on housing, wages, and health, they reveal how a shrinking government workforce could shut an entire generation out of shaping Canada's future. They also dive into what this means for unions, the economy, and why real public service reform must include young voices. If you care about youth employment and the future of Canada's workforce, you don't want to miss this!Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 Federal public service job cuts explained02:54 Our Video03:46 The cohort effect and some historical context05:12 The lack of young public sector workers in shaping policy07:15 Mike's experience in the federal public service09:26 The talent vacuum10:30 The effects of graduating in a recession12:26 Ripple effects in the broader economy13:45 Graduating in a recession can impact your health16:30 Job hoarding and the role of unions20:24 Future perspectivesResearch/links:Federal public service job cuts fall heavily on young workersSabrina Maddeaux: Striking union should ditch anti-millennial contract demandHow Colleges Broke Canadian ImmigrationThe Short- and Long-Term Career Effects of Graduating in a RecessionLife-Cycle Impacts of Graduating in a RecessionHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Toronto's housing market is in free fall — new condo sales have plunged 97% since 2021, costing governments $6.6 billion in lost tax revenue every year. In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down shocking new data on record-low home sales, how this impacts construction jobs, and why the crisis could get worse before it gets better. They explain how cutting taxes like the GST could revive housing starts without sacrificing affordability, and debate whether foreign buyers and international students should play a role in the market recovery. Don't miss this deep dive into the numbers and policy ideas that could reshape Canada's housing future.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:39 Understanding the GTA housing market crash02:28 Video Link - Where Did All the Jobs Go?03:01 Governments could lose $6.6 Billion06:20 Bad housing starts numbers explained08:42 Contraction in the construction industry means 41000 jobs lost10:40 How cutting the GST on new homes makes sense14:00 We need high home construction and affordability15:09 Foreign Investment and housing supply16:40 Conclusion and future considerationsResearch:Toronto's Housing Collapse Will Cost Governments $6.6 Billion a YearWhere DID All the Jobs Go? The Mystery of Rising UnemploymentAltus group reports: https://www.bildgta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/6.18.25-Job-Risk-Housing-Pipeline-GTA-Altus-Group.pdfhttps://www.bildgta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Altus-Data-Solutions-media-backgrounder_May-2025.pdfToronto New Home Sales Fall To Record Low, Just 42 Condos Sold In The CityThe Next Shoe to DropHow Vaughan is Cutting Housing Costs | The AgendaHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt are joined by urban planner Alex Beheshti for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked barriers to solving Canada's housing crisis: zoning data. Alex makes the case for a Canadian Zoning Atlas—an ambitious but essential tool to bring clarity, consistency, and transparency to the country's fragmented planning systems. They explore why zoning laws are so confusing, how the lack of machine-readable data cripples good policy, and what Canada can learn from international best practices. If we can map census data, why not zoning? From obscure codes to wedding vows about development charges (really!) this is a conversation about why better data might just be the key to better housing.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:00 Canada needs a housing crisis map01:29 Alex shares his wedding vows02:48 Previous Alex B episode02:53 Mike's philosophy of experimentation and failure04:05 Understanding zoning: definitions and complexities07:01 The need for centralized zoning data09:19 The massive gap in urban planning data10:30 Envisioning a Canadian zoning atlas12:16 Canada should emulate the US and Australia13:49 Future planning tools for CanadaResearch/links:Canada's Housing Crisis Needs a MapGuest:  Alex Beheshti https://twitter.com/beheshtialexHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Why aren't we seeing more multiplexes in Canadian cities—even after zoning reforms? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt dig into the surprising roadblocks holding back infill housing. From bizarre bedroom caps to height limits that make 10-plexes impossible, they unpack how cities say "yes" to housing... and then quietly say "no." They call out the red tape, NIMBY politics, and why it might be time for provinces to take the wheel. If you're wondering why the housing crisis isn't getting better, this one's for you. (Full disclosure: This episode was recorded on Friday June 18th, before the Toronto city council watered down sixplex legalization, but the conversation remains entirely relevant.)Chapters00:00 Introduction01:51 Push-back to multi-unit buildings03:46 Bedroom limits06:07 Ron Butler episode06:34 The rooming-house factor08:14 Height restrictions and Ottawa story10:40 Restrictions make good architecture difficult12:13 Infil is always harder so restrictions make that even worse14:02 Solutionsresearch/links:Edmonton Zoning Bylaw RenewalCity staff recommend permitting sixplexes in residential areasCity staff recommend allowing sixplexes across all Toronto neighbourhoodsReddit discussion on the above

In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt tackle how GST rebates are affecting new homebuyers, tracing the history of these incentives and how inflation has quietly eroded their value. With fresh rebate structures now on the table—especially for first-time buyers—they examine what's working, what's not, and what's politically possible. And, of course they have some suggestions on how policy could be shaped to benefit everyone. Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:52 A new home in the GTHA for under $450k - impossible02:23 Understanding GST rebates, their history and impact04:17 Why are the rebates so small?06:56 Bill c-4's first-time-homebuyer rebate08:09 What the proposed GST rebate misses - seniors downsizing10:45 Proposed changes to GST rebates13:00 Will governments make these proposed changes?14:30 Sabrina's take15:37 Concerns about inflation and housing demandResearch/Links:Is Ontario Ready to Spend $895M to Jumpstart Homebuilding?The PBOs Math Is Clear: We Need an Expanded GST Housing RebateHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of the Missing Middle podcast Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the lack of clear housing goals from political parties, including the Liberals' national housing strategy's focus on low-income earners and the NDP's ineffective communication with younger voters. The conversation highlights the struggle of middle-class individuals to afford housing, the disconnect between political messaging and the lived experiences of young Canadians, and the potential political time bomb ticking as a result of  these housing frustrations. Chapters00:00 Introduction  01:01 The missing middle-class housing strategy 02:11 Housing as a human right can't be the only strategy03:00 There is no vision for middle-class housing04:15 Some politicians have a vision but not the Liberals05:19 The Big Lebowski reference06:31 NDP's struggles with housing communication09:20 The unconscious bias towards social housing11:43 A misunderstanding of what middle class means15:12 Where are the policies that target market housing?16:20 Mike outlines 3 buckets of housing18:57 The rightward shift of young people21:15 The future of home ownership for young Canadians23:20 Saving for retirement without a home26:25 Cost of delivery crisis27:09 Policy solutionsResearch:The Homeownership Journey Is Broken. Policymakers Need to Repair It.Big Lebowski - NihilistsWhy is the NDP doing so badly, even with progressives? Just take a look at their awful housing Housing affordability for Millennials and Gen ZHow Taxes, and Taxes-on-Taxes Add Over $250K to a Vancouver CondoHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of the missing Middle podcast conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the current state of immigration in Canada. Together they examine a Bank of Canada report that focuses on the implications of temporary foreign workers on wages.  Mike and Sabrina talk about the challenges faced by new permanent residents, and the ambitious goals set by the Century Initiative for population growth. They explore how these factors intertwine with the housing crisis and the overall economic landscape, emphasizing the need for coherent immigration policies that align with infrastructure and social cohesion.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:52 Bank of Canada report on wages and immigration02:49 The mix of newcomers is different05:33 New immigrants earn less and country of origin impacts wages07:21 This is only becoming more pronounced09:11 The wage gap is shrinking for Permanent Residence 10:08 But it's a good news, bad news story11:00 The role of wage suppression13:56 How does this impact social cohesion  15:25 The Century Initiative and population growth goalsResearch:The Shift in Canadian Immigration Composition and its Effect on WagesCanada's population needs to be 100 million by 2100Canada on track for 100 million population but public support can't be taken for granted: Century Initiative CEOThe 'Century Initiative' is the talk of the campaign, but what is it?You Can't Grow a Country Just On Temporary ImmigrationHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of the Missing Middle podcast, mortgage broker Ron Butler sits down with conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt to discuss the current crisis in the Toronto condo market. Ron outlines the vast scope of the problem stemming from pre-construction purchases made during a speculative boom. He explains how investors are facing significant losses as property values decline, while also addressing the broader implications of poor development choices and the lack of low-rise housing options. The conversation explores the role of government in addressing these issues and the potential for positive change in the housing market.Chapters00:00 Introduction Ron Butler01:06 Outlining the Toronto condo market crisis04:07 How much of this story is a Toronto and Vancouver story?05:22 Never go cash-flow negative?07:01 How do we have a glut of condos during a housing shortage?09:51 How condo developers contributed to the crash12:13 Who is Most Affected by the Crisis?14:00 Financing challenges and future outlook15:33 The perfect storm - purpose-built rentals17:18 Government subsidized rentals18:13 The greenbelt and Downview Airport land19:39 Is this the Toronto bubble burst? Is it The One?20:23 Low-rise homes in Toronto - a brief history of artificial scarcity 23:05 What about family sized condos?25:08 What's the best non-terrible case scenario here?27:32 The role of government in housing solutions29:08 It wouldn't be an MM podcast without Mike talking about development charges30:25 Sabrina wants the government to get out of the wayResearch and links:The Angry Mortgage podcastHow low will rents go?416 Condo CrashChart Storm: Five graphs on Toronto's historic condo market collapseGuest: Ron Butler, https://x.com/ronmortgageguyhttps://www.butlermortgage.ca/Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the potential of factory built homes as a solution to the housing crisis. They explore the promises made by politicians regarding prefabricated housing, the spectrum of factory built homes, and the claims of reduced construction times, costs, and emissions. The conversation delves into the current challenges faced in North America, including regulatory barriers and municipal approvals.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Factory Built Homes (FBH)01:34 Innovation in homebuilding03:25 Understanding the spectrum of factory built homes05:22  Claims of speed, cost, and emissions07:45 Current challenges in North America09:33 Where do the reductions in emissions come from?10:18 Perceptions of FBH among younger generations13:30 Regulatory barriers to adoption15:41 Municipal approvals and their impact17:40 Where would the election promise money go?19:19 The potential benefits for traditional builders20:12 Optimism for the future of FBHResearch/Links:Scott AitchisonBuilding More, Building FasterCaivanWhy is it So Hard to Mass-Produce Housing?Eight Pieces of Housing Advice to the Prime MinisterHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle podcast, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the impossible trinity that broke Canadian housing. They explore the implications of stagnant neighborhoods, population growth, and government policies that hinder housing affordability. The conversation delves into the complexities of urban planning, the impact of NIMBYism, and the need for realistic solutions to address the housing crisis.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:06 Gregor Robertson's rough start as Minister of Housing03:51 Increased government housing would impact home prices05:06 Understanding the Impossible Trinity that broke housing07:37 Examples of cities doing two of three10:03 Not allowed to grow up or out equals spiking prices11:21 The illusion of legalized fourplexes14:15 Ottawa's zoning reform and stupid two-story height limit17:33 Toronto's wealthiest areas are the least dense18:20 Proposed solutions for housing affordabilityResearch links:The Impossible Trinity that Broke Canadian HousingCan Homes Become Affordable Without Prices Going Down?Toronto Star fourplex pieceHow Community Consultation is Ruining DemocracyHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

Chapters00:00 Introduction01:13 Job market statistics 02:10 Why the job market is so bad right now04:27 Different ways to measure the job market07:02 Things are particularly bad in Ontario09:02 High unemployment fractures the social fabric11:25 The impact of a slow job market on lifetime earning13:32 How youth unemployment shapes political priorities14:58 Will the soft job market result in increased school enrollment?17:40 Is an improved credential worth the cost?20:41 Job searching lasting over six months22:08 Solutions and policy recommendationsResearch/linksCanadian Labour Market Update Q1 2025: Jobs in PurgatoryOntario's unemployment rate jumps to 7% even as ‘moderate' job creation continuesAlex Usher blog - Opportunity and TalentSomething Alarming Is Happening to the Job MarketAbundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson review – make America build againHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

He's got 215,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of views. The urban planner and YouTube creator Uytae Lee sits down with Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt to have a fun and wide-ranging conversation about housing and the systemic hurdles to building more of it. Uytae shares insights on creating engaging content about housing, urban planning, design and the realities of YouTube monetization. The discussion also touches on the challenges of prefabricated housing, the need for innovation and some free advice for the new prime minister of Canada.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:14 Understanding the B.C. housing situation and housing taxes04:12 Getting lucky with single egress video05:41 The impact of building codes on housing08:49 Creating engaging YouTube content12:55 The reality of YouTube monetization14:34 How long it takes to make an About Here video15:41 Are you hopeful about housing?17:44 Political discourse on housing 18:15 Caution around factory built homes as a panacea  21:30 Uytae's favourite form of housing23:35 Good governance could mean good housing policy25:17 Immigration, housing and the backlash 27:24 Start with what you want to create and work backwardsResearch/LinksUytae Lee's YouTube page:The Housing Tax CrisisWhy North America Can't Build Nice Apartments (because of one rule)How Breaking Rules Could Create Better ApartmentsWhy is it So Hard to Mass-Produce Housing?How a SoftBank-Backed Construction Startup Burned Through $3 BillionHow Elevator Rules Cost Us Homes: An Interview with Market UrbanismEight Pieces of Housing Advice to the Prime MinisterHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the significant decline in the construction of three-bedroom homes in Ontario, particularly in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). They explore the implications of the 'baby bust' phenomenon, where fewer families are able to afford suitable housing, leading to a decrease in birth rates. The conversation delves into the regulatory barriers and economic conditions that have contributed to the housing crisis, emphasizing the need for policy changes to address the missing middle in housing options. The episode highlights the challenges faced by young families in navigating the current housing market and the importance of providing both rental and ownership opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:51 The baby bust and housing trends03:08 Why aren't more 3-bedrooms being built?05:3 Home ownership is falling in parts of Ontario08:28 The Missing Middle's North Star09:00 Renting or owning, it should be a choice12:30 Housing and fertility18:14 Should the government step in?19:35 Mike reminisces about Lawn Darts21:00 Urban growth boundaries have consequencesResearch/LinksPoilievre catches heat from opponents for talk of 'biological clocks'The Baby Bust and the Death of the Three-Bedroom Ownership HomeHard evidence on the link between housing and fertility.https://x.com/mikalskuterud/status/1907114728108773444https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5046571Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this episode of The Missing Middle, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Michael Moffatt discuss the housing platforms of Canada's major federal parties as they approach the April 28 election. They analyze the promises made by the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP regarding housing starts, affordability, and the implications of these policies on young Canadians. The conversation delves into the commonalities and differences in party platforms, the impact of municipal incentives and rent control, and critiques of the math behind the promises. They also explore the sociological implications of housing policies and the relationship between immigration and housing supply.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:29 Examining the housing start pledges03:53 Housing platform commonalities04:39 Municipal incentives06:55 NDP's rent control promise examined10:47 Eliminating the GST on New Housing13:27 Math is hard for both Liberals and Conservatives and the PBO20:33 Not particularly bold housing ideas24:14 Immigration targets and housingLinks:Liberal PlatformConservative PlatformNDP PlatformHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.

In this conversation, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt are joined by co-host of the Prof G Markets podcast with Scott Galloway, and host the First Time Founders podcast Ed Elson to discuss the economic challenges faced by Gen Z, including their financial struggles, housing affordability, and the rising costs of education. Ed highlights the generational wealth gap, the impact of debt, and the political engagement of Gen Z, emphasizing the need for action beyond social media advocacy. Together they delve into the disconnect between wealth and economic outcomes, particularly focusing on the impact of tariffs and taxation on different socioeconomic classes. They discuss the need for wealth redistribution through new tax policies and the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating financial landscapes. The conversation also touches on the importance of civic engagement and voting, as well as the growing epidemic of loneliness in society. Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:49 Understanding Gen Z's economic struggles06:22 Comparative analysis of the US, UK, and Canada08:34 Factoring in the housing affordability crisis13:29 The debt dilemma: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)17:26 The rising cost of education in America21:35 Gen Z's political engagement and activism25:17 Tariffs, stocks, assets and wealth inequality27:38 Taxation and wealth redistribution31:23 The disconnect between wealth and economic outcomes34:08 Investing in stocks and not in crypto38:04 Seeing an opportunity in A.I.41:44 The power of voting and civic engagement44:33 Addressing loneliness and societal trends46:36 The time to turn it around is nowResearch/Links:Can Homes Become Affordable Without Prices Going Down?Trade War Chaos Drives Massive Volatility — ft. Gary Stevenson | Prof G MarketsWhy Tariffs Could Crush Canada's Economy — ft. Mike Moffatt | Prof G MarketsAverage Age Stat of a Home Buyer in America:AI vs. Gen Z: The Hiring War Has BegunExtended Cut: A$AP Rocky Gets Smoooth | KlarnaThe whole E.S.G. thingGuest:Ed Elson https://x.com/edels0nhttps://podcasts.voxmedia.com/host/ed-elsonHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.