The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux (Cara Stern, Mike Moffatt, and Meredith Martin)

Welcome to the Missing Middle, a new podcast about why the middle class in Canada is disappearing. We hope to help you understand why life is becoming unaffordable for so many in this country, and what can be done to reverse course.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast was funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Mike gives an overview of 15 Minute Cities, and why he has some worries about what impact they might have on the middle class.

Then Vass Bednar joins them to talk about why Canada needs more competition, especially in places such as our grocery stores.

Vass Bednar is the founder of Regs to Riches, and a  senior fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation. She's also the executive director of the master of public policy in digital society program at  McMaster University. Find her on social media: @VassB

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Sean Speer, editor-at-large for The Hub, joins Cara and Mike to analyze what it means that Doug Ford reversed his land swap, and put the newly rezoned land back into the Greenbelt.

Missing Middle is hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Mike's been talking for years about how Canada isn't considering international students in our immigration numbers. They all need places to live, so this oversight really messes with the housing market.  Finally, politicians are starting to pay attention! He unpacks the story of how we got here and what needs to change.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Since Mike Moffatt has advised Justin Trudeau, and Sean Speer has advised Stephen Harper, we thought it would be fun to get them in a (virtual) room together to discuss how both sides of the political spectrum have changed their approaches on economics in recent years.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre and funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

When the Ontario government put together a Housing Affordability Task Force to advise them on housing policy, they got the advice to up-zone the whole province to a minimum of four units on any lot.

The government decided against forcing municipalities to do that, but have advised municipalities that they should voluntarily do so.

Recently, Guelph and Kitchener agreed to craft a bylaw, while Mississauga voted it down. 

Mike and Cara discuss these votes and how multiplexes could improve the housing market.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

A lot of politicians say that development charges are paid for out of the pockets of big developers, and save taxpayers from footing the bill for infrastructure. The question we have is: Is that really true?

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

The provincial government has set the target of 1.5 million homes in the province over a 10-year period. That involves major increases in the rate of construction, beyond anything we've seen in decades. To incentivize municipalities, the federal and provincial governments are tying infrastructure funding to  these targets. But are these goals realistic? And what does a "new housing unit" mean?

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

The Ontario NDP and Olivia Chow both recently released their housing plans. They're both big budget projects, but with wildly different calculations in how much it costs to build a home. Alex Beheshti is an urban planner and land economist with the Altus Group, and he joins Mike and Cara to evaluate the feasibility of these plans.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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 Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner joined Mike and Cara to talk about his two private member's bills that aim to increase housing supply, as well as how he hopes to represent young people who have been priced out of the market.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Justin Trudeau's government released its Fall Economic Statement this week, introducing what Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland called meaty measures...and what Mike Moffatt grades at a C-. He explains why, and what they could have offered instead.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

British Columbia's Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon joins Mike and Cara to talk about the big plans his government has to make it easier for developers to build homes. 

We cover everything from zoning, to immigration, and building with timber.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Canadian bond yields have been fairly volatile in recent weeks...but what does that even mean, and why does it matter to anyone outside of the finance world?

Mike gives a primer on what bond yields are, and why the middle class should understand and care about them.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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 a throwback to the post-war era, Trudeau's federal government is looking into creating a catalogue of pre-approved home designs that they hope will speed up housing development. But why do they even matter, and where can they go wrong?

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern, and produced by Meredith Martin.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Yesterday was the first time Mike or Cara ever heard Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signalling that his government would work to cap the number of international students allowed in the country, tying the numbers to available housing. Mike and Cara discuss what this development means and how it could even work.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern.

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.

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.

Canada’s place in the global world order is shifting and according to the Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD) Canada will be the worst-performing advanced economy over the next decade

John Rapley is a political economist specializing in global development, the world economy, and economic history. He was born and raised in Ottawa and is a political economist at the University of Cambridge. He has written five books, the latest of which is titled Why Empires Fall: Rome, America, And The Future Of The West 

In this 35-minute interview, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to him about his latest book, why he thinks Western countries are in economic decline compared to developing economies, pensions, the housing crisis, and what Canada's economic advantages are. 

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern

Produced by Meredith Martin

Thank you to the PLACE Centre. This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation.


Extra Reading:

The Globe and Mail: Canada benefits from a world order that empires built. As the latest one declines, so does our economy John Rapley, Aug 25, 2023

Foreign Affairs: The New Middle Ages by John Rapley, May 1, 2006

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.

The city of Toronto is currently contemplating a significant property tax hike as part of its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The move is generating widespread discussion and debate among residents, businesses, and policymakers. 

In this 23-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute  economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss the proposed tax increase and the possible implications for the highest property tax increase since Toronto was amalgamated more than 25 years ago.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt  & Cara Stern

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation 

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.

Politicians, policy makers, and journalists all talk about the middle class and how well they are doing economically speaking. Middle-class voters make up the bulk of the voting population so it makes political sense to court them. But what exactly does middle class mean today? Who is considered middle class and what makes them middle class?

In this 23-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss three buckets of economic citizens: renters, homeowners with no mortgage, and homeowners with large mortgages - and how different their economic lives really are.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt  & Cara Stern
Produced by Meredith Martin
This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation 

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.

Sabrina Maddeaux is a journalist and political commentator who announced that she’s seeking the Conservative nomination for Aurora—Oak Ridges—Richmond Hill. 

In this 22-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Maddeaux about the housing and affordability crisis and what role that played in her decision to run for political office.

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern 

Produced by Meredith Martin 

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation 

Other reading:

https://nationalpost.com/opinion/sabrina-maddeaux-im-running-for-the-conservatives-because-trudeau-abandoned-my-generation

https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/pierre-poilievre-is-putting-a-new-face-on-the-conservative-party-here-are-some-of/article_e8fc60cc-b48e-11ee-9981-f3967deccee2.html

https://www.instagram.com/sabrinamaddeaux/?hl=en

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.

The Canadian federal government announced a 2-year cap on international student permits making for some big headlines last week. This will severely limit the number of international students attending campuses in Ontario and British Columbia where the number of international students have been climbing in recent years. The existence of Public Private Partnerships (or PPPs) between public and private colleges is something not many citizens of ever consider, but it’s been a significant factor in the Canadian housing crisis. 

In this 33-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Alex Usher, President of the consulting firm Higher Education Strategy Associates, about Public Private Partnerships or PPPs and International students. 

Other reading:

https://higheredstrategy.com/a-short-explainer-of-public-private-partnerships-in-ontario-colleges/

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-international-student-visa-cap-miller-immigration/

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/miller-cap-international-students-1.7090779

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.

Last week the federal government introduced a cap on international student visas. Going forward they will be distributed to the provinces on a per-capita basis. That got us thinking about Canada’s immigration policies in general. Canada’s openness to immigrants has always been one of Canada's great strengths. Our temporary immigration programs have some unique problems that are really tough to solve, but what about Canada’s permanent immigration system? How does it work? And do we have the right targets for Canada’s success?

In this 15-minute episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern about the permanent and temporary streams of Canadian immigration, providing a lens through which to view the broader impact of the Trudeau government's targets on Canada's future growth and diversity.

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.

The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released its annual Rental Market Report last week. With the national vacancy rate hitting a historic low and rent prices on a relentless climb, renters across the nation are feeling the squeeze. In bustling urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver, the role of condominiums as makeshift rental units reveals a housing landscape in flux, with implications that touch everyone from anxious first-time homebuyers to investors looking to capitalize on the market.

In this 23-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss vacancy rates, rent averages and what the numbers really tell us.


Other reading:
Rental Market Report - January 2024 (cmhc-schl.gc.ca)
https://www.bankofcanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mpr-2024-01-24.pdf
https://rentals.ca/
https://www.homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/attachments/Whitzman-Human_Rights_Based_Supply_Report-EN_1.pdf

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.

A lot of people have been challenging the notion that GDP is a good measure of the economy. Instead, they suggest, we should look at GDP per capita to determine whether life is getting better for individuals, rather than the country as a whole.

But is GDP per capita an economic triumph or a "garbage metric"? 

In this 23-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/ economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Armine Yalnizyan, Economist and Atkinson Fellow On The Future Of Workers, explore the limitations of GDP per capita as a measure of economic health and well-being. 

The conversation highlights the issues of income distribution, the influence of tax havens and oil-producing countries on GDP per capita rankings, and the need to consider factors such as productivity and demographic changes. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring the digital revolution's impact on GDP and the importance of collecting real-time data.

Guest: Armine Yalnizyan https://twitter.com/ArmineYalnizyan
This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

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 Podcast journalist Cara Stern welcomes Shaista, a long-time Toronto and 905 real estate observer who provides wonderful insights on everything from the state of Ontario’s tribunal system to the plight of international students.

In this wide ranging conversation, Cara Stern and Shaishta - better known by her twitter handle, Justice Queen  - discuss various topics related to Toronto real estate, including the changing market, the impact on landlords & tenants, and the challenges faced by international students. Shaishta shares her personal journey into real estate and highlights the importance of understanding both the landlord and tenant perspectives. She emphasizes the need for education and better enforcement of rules to improve the landlord-tenant relationship. The conversation sheds light on the ethical issues in the recruitment of international students and the mental health challenges they face.

Overall, the discussion provides valuable insights into the complexities of the Toronto housing market. The conversation explores the challenges faced by international students in Canada, particularly regarding housing. It highlights the labour market assessments that employers should be conducting and the high costs associated with it. The discussion emphasizes the need for the international students' experiences to change with a specific focus on addressing the housing crisis in Canada. The role of schools and bad actors in providing adequate housing is also discussed. The conversation concludes with a focus on the government's failure to implement housing policies and the importance of zoning and addressing the shortage of construction workers.

Guest: Shaista, AKA Justice Queen

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.

Because it’s a short week, instead of a full episode, we've got a short extra segment from our conversation with economist Armine Yalnizyan on whether GDP per capita is a good indicator of individual well-being.

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.

Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Armine Yalnizyan, economist and Atkinson Fellow On The Future Of Workers, about what role the Bank of Canada has played in the housing crisis. In this wide-ranging discussion, they discuss how wages have lagged significantly behind housing prices and how the Canadian Central Bank’s decision to quickly raise interest rates has affected mortgage holders. 

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.

Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to transit expert Reece Martin about the challenges and issues surrounding transit development in Canada. He highlights the decline in the ability to deliver transit projects effectively, the high costs of building subways in Toronto and the impact of NIMBYism on transit development are also discussed. Reece emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and integration between transit and land use. He expresses optimism for the future of transit in Canada and the potential for building high-speed rail. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the importance of improving transit project delivery and creating a more efficient and affordable transit system in Canada.

Smart Prosperity Institute: https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/

Reece Martin: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf4iKXL_SJQ5d0qsKkboRRQ

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 conversation, Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern discuss inflation and the Bank of Canada's approach to managing it. They explore the factors that contribute to inflation, such as supply-side disruptions and demand-side spending. They also discuss the challenges of predicting and controlling inflation, as well as the potential impact of inflation on different sectors of the economy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the Bank of Canada's upcoming decision on interest rates and its influence on the markets.

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 22-minute discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Scott Cameron, an economist formerly with the Parliamentary Budget Officer in Ottawa and now working in government in the Channel Islands.

This conversation explores economic forecasting models and the Bank of Canada's transition to a new model. The chapters cover the purpose of economic forecasting, the current method of capturing and measuring the Canadian economy, criticism of existing models, the importance of theory and data in economic modeling, the Bank of Canada's motivation for change and addressing model gaps, a comparison of the Canadian model with other countries, the influence of the Federal Reserve on Canadian monetary policy, accountability and decision-making in monetary policy, and the alignment of Canadian and US monetary policy.

Takeaways:
Economic forecasting models are essential for conducting monetary policy and determining the appropriate policy interest rate.
The Bank of Canada currently uses two models, one focused on empirical performance and the other on theoretical rigor.
There has been criticism of the existing models, particularly regarding their ability to accurately predict real-world economic behavior.
The Bank of Canada is transitioning to a new model that aims to blend theory and empirical performance.
The new model will address gaps in the previous models, such as the representation of the financial sector and the housing market.
The Bank of Canada's monetary policy is influenced by the Federal Reserve, and the two countries tend to move in the same direction.
The ultimate decision-making in monetary policy lies with the governing council, who consider a range of factors beyond the models.

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Cherise Burda, Director of City Building Research and Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University and a co-author with Mike of the Blueprint for More and Better Housing: How Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments can Ensure We Build 5.8 Million Homes that are Affordable, Low-Carbon and Resilient. 

In this conversation, Cara, Mike, and Cherise discuss the blueprint and they highlight the importance of a full systems approach to address climate, resiliency, and housing. They also discuss the need for density and the elimination of unit maximums on residential buildings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of data collection and the adoption of the highest tiers of the national model building codes. The guests express hope that the recommendations will be implemented by governments across the country.

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss why parking minimums often require developers to allocate a fixed amount of land for parking, regardless of the actual demand for parking in a particular area. This can result in inefficient land use, with valuable urban space being underutilized for parking purposes rather than for housing, commercial, or recreational activities.

Cara and Mike explore the origins of parking minimums and the concerns that led to their regulation. They also delve into the use of parking minimums as a negotiating tool for cities and the potential for scaling back these regulations. The conversation highlights the arguments for and against parking minimums, including their impact on housing affordability. They also discuss the role of the federal government in potentially banning parking minimums nationwide and the challenges associated with public perception and political dynamics.

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to Pollster David Coletto about  the shifting priorities of millennials and the generational divides in financial stability and housing. He explains that younger Canadians are less likely to prioritize climate change compared to older Canadians. The conversation explores the factors influencing these priorities, including the cost of living crisis, housing affordability, the impact of financial insecurity and the appeal of the Conservative Party to younger Canadians. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by political parties in attracting millennial voters and the relationship between political behaviour and life stage. The discussion concludes with an examination of the blame and responsibility for the housing crisis and the consequences of perceived institutional failure.

If you stick around to the end you’ll get to witness Mike and Cara’s first recorded disagreement and the personal story of how David ended up becoming a pollster. Spoiler alert: it involves baseball.

Links:

https://thehub.ca/2024-03-19/mike-moffatt-and-cara-stern-the-dream-of-homeownership-is-dying/

https://davidcoletto.substack.com/p/the-millennial-makeover-of-canadian

https://abacusdata.ca/

https://abacusdata.ca/building-a-better-future-for-canadians-policy-imperatives/

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada, Marc Miller. Included in this wide ranging conversation is the recent announcement of new targets for temporary immigration, the need for a decrease in temporary residents, the reasons behind the delay in taking action and the impact of temporary residents on housing affordability. 

The discussion also covers the financial insecurity faced by universities and colleges due to the two-year cap on international student visas. 

The Minister addresses the increase in use of the temporary foreign workers program under his government and admits there is a problem with some fraud in the labor market impact assessment system. 

The conversation concludes with a discussion about the Canadian consensus on immigration and the Minister is asked if his government is responsible for breaking that consensus.

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss the recent revelation by Ontario Premier Doug Ford that he will be caving to NIMBY objections, and won’t be forcing municipalities to legalize fourplexes across the province.

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 discussion, Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern discuss how heritage designation negatively impacts housing supply in Toronto. During this wide ranging conversation  with Globe and Mail's architecture critic, Alex Bozikovic, they touch on the history of urban planning and how it intersects with heritage planning and urban design in unexpected ways. They explore the difference between listed and designated heritage buildings, the growing number of heritage properties in Toronto, and its effect of heritage preservation on density and climate action. Various neighborhoods in Toronto are discussed including the Danforth, Yonge and Eglinton, Rosedale and Little Jamaica. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of local and provincial governments in shaping heritage policies.

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 discussion, economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern about the great housing paradox: everyone wants landlords but no one wants landlords.

Cara and Mike also discuss the different perspectives on who should own rental properties, including small-time landlords, big corporations, and government housing. The conversation also touches on the role of conflict of interest rules for politicians who own properties and the need for affordable ownership and rental options for all. The ultimate goal is to create a housing system with enough supply that is affordable and accessible to everyone.

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 conversation, economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss the federal government's new plan to help first-time homebuyers by extending amortization periods on new homes. The conversation explores the reasons behind this decision and the potential impact on housing starts and prices, as well as why this is similar to a policy Mike and Cara suggested in an article in the Hub. The hosts also discuss the importance of helping the middle class achieve homeownership and the need for a balanced approach that addresses both demand and supply.

Read the article with their suggestions: https://thehub.ca/2024-03-19/mike-moffatt-and-cara-stern-the-dream-of-homeownership-is-dying/

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.

Guest:  Alex Beheshti, Senior Consultant with Altus Group Economic Consulting specializing in urban planning policy analysis, municipal fee reviews, and fiscal impacts of development.

In this conversation, Cara, Mike, and Alex discuss the latest housing bill from the Ontario PC government. They grade the bill and discuss its impact on housing supply and affordability. They also delve into the streamlining of third-party appeals, the exemption for universities from the Planning Act, the use it or lose it policy for subdivision and condominium approvals, and the potential for single staircases in multi-unit homes. The conversation highlights the lack of boldness in the bill and the Ontario Progressive Conservative government's shift in tone regarding housing supply.

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss the federal budget and its impact on housing. They cover new initiatives, such as opening up federal land for development and the deductibility of interest for tax reasons. They also discuss the government's commitment to building 2 million homes and the challenges of labor shortages and productivity in the housing sector. The hosts grade the government's success in addressing housing issues and discuss the change to the capital gains tax. They analyze the significance of the change and its impact on wealth inequality. Overall, they give the budget an A grade but note the lack of details and the need for more clarity on certain policies.

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 discussion, Mike and Cara are joined by the executive director of Canadians for Tax Fairness Katrina Miller to discuss the benefits of automatic tax filing and how it can save people money. The conversation explores the concept of automatic tax filing, the groups that would benefit from it, the current status of its implementation in Canada, and the opposition it faces from tax accountants and software firms. 

The conversation also touches on the potential implementation of automatic tax filing in Canada, citing examples from the UK and New Zealand. It concludes with a discussion on the likelihood of the system being implemented nationwide and the importance of raising awareness about its benefits.

Related links:

How the tax industry is keeping automatic filing out of reach:

https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/how-the-tax-industry-is-keeping-automatic-filing-out-of-reach

Authored by https://twitter.com/ericashiner

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.

The federal government of Canada is exploring ways to help renters, such as through the introduction of a Renter’s Bill of Rights. This conversation examines the government’s promises, and covers what impact they might have on renters and rental prices. It explores how price transparency affects the rental market and whether the government is doing enough. The rental market in Ontario is broken, but what are the limitations of the federal government's jurisdiction? 

Technical Producer: Mike Greene https://instagram.com/mikegreenemedia

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern are joined by tax lawyer Bhuvana Rai with Mors Tribute and estate lawyer Birute Luksenaite with Portfolio Estate Law. 

They talk about the  increase to the capital gains tax introduced by the government in the federal budget on April 16, 2024. They explain what capital gains are and how they are currently taxed. They also explore the arguments for and against the increase in the inclusion rate, including the potential impact on investment, fairness, and the ability of individuals to pass on assets to their children. 

The conversation highlights the complexity and competing opinions surrounding this tax policy change. The conversation explores the potential impact of the proposed changes to the capital gains tax in Canada. The guests discuss the challenges and concerns surrounding the new legislation, including the short timeline for implementation and the lack of opportunity for feedback. They also delve into the specific implications for different groups, such as doctors and small business owners, who may be disproportionately affected by the changes. 

Guests: Bhuvana Rai Tax Lawyer with Mors Tribute https://www.morstribute.ca/
Birute Luksenaite an Estate lawyer with Portfolio Estate Law https://portfoliolaw.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.

Housing starts in Canada are falling, particularly in Ontario, and the situation is even worse than predicted. The non-condo ownership market has seen a massive decline over the last 20 years, with high land prices and development charges making it unaffordable for buyers. Yet prices aren’t coming down. Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern discuss this challenge and its effect on getting supply in both the rental and ownership markets.

More reading:

We need more than big promises to solve our housing crisis

https://thehub.ca/2024-05-09/mike-moffatt-we-need-more-than-promises-to-solve-our-housing-crisis/?utm_medium=paid+social&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=boost

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern read a viewer email from Atanas Georgiev of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, who is wondering about potential negative side effects of a deflationary housing market if there is a drastic increase in housing supply. They explore the definition of affordability and the various pathways to achieving it, including reducing expenses, lowering interest rates, and increasing wages. They also discuss the possibility of building more supply in walkable neighborhoods and the potential impact on home prices.

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 conversation Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk to certified financial planner and founder of the New School of Finance Shannon Lee Simmons,  about saving for retirement.

Canada’s National Institute for Aging recently did a survey of 6,000 older Canadians to find out how they feel about the prospect of retirement. The results were definitive. Most survey respondents, all of whom are 50 or older, do not feel that they are financially secure enough to be able to retire when they want to. 44 percent of them had not put away any money for retirement in the last year and another 44 per cent of the 55-65 age cohort  had less than $5,000 in savings. 

Cara, Mike and Shannon dive into why that is, what role home ownership plays in saving for retirement.

More reading:

New School of Finance

Perspectives on Growing Older in Canada: The 2023 NIA Ageing
in Canada Survey

The Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP) commissioned Abacus Data to conduct its fifth Canadian Retirement Survey in the spring of 2023.

An American perspective

Shannon Lee Simmons’ books

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.

Recently, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau commented that home prices couldn't drop because so many people rely on their home's value for their retirement. But could a prime minister stop a housing crash if he wanted to?

In this discussion, Mike and Cara discuss the idea of how much control the federal government has over home prices. They examine the impact of policies on affordability, and the challenges of balancing the interests of different stakeholders. It delves into the complexities of housing markets and the role of government in preventing price crashes and maintaining affordability.

More Reading:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-trudeau-house-prices-affordability/

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.

Here at the Missing Middle, we get a lot of great listener questions. In this episode, we answer one about whether landlords' expectations play a role in unaffordable rental prices.

The conversation discusses the challenges faced by millennials and younger generations in Canada when it comes to homeownership and starting a family. It explores the increasing cost of housing, the shift in market behavior by investors, and the impact of policy changes on the rental market. The conversation also touches on the cultural shift in expectations of landlords and the difficulty of affording a down payment. 

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 discussion, Mike and Cara talk to Stephen Smith, executive director of the non-profit Center for Building in North America about how elevators and building codes have contributed to the housing crisis. 

Stephen describes how elevators in North America are much more expensive than in Europe due to size requirements, technical codes and standards, and labour issues. He suggests adopting a global standard for elevators  to improve housing options.

Guest:  Stephen Smith 

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss the idea of a tax break for landlords in the UK who sell their homes to their tenants. They explore the potential impact of this policy and whether it could be applicable in Canada. They also discuss the broader housing crisis and the importance of choice between renting and owning a home. 

More reading:

Tories’ capital gains tax break stands to save landlords over £21,000 on average

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 discussion, Smart Prosperity Institute economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss return-to-office plans and the role of politicians in helping local business districts survive. It explores the controversy surrounding the mayor of Toronto's push to get workers back to the office and the potential negative impacts on workers, the environment, and affordability. The idea of converting unused office space into apartments is also discussed as a potential solution. 

More reading:

Olivia Chow wants to bring Toronto’s downtown back to life — and she’s meeting bank CEOs about increasing office days to do it

Is working from home killing downtown cores?

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.

If you get deep enough into the conversation about the housing crisis, you're inevitably going to hear the words "single egress". A lot of people, especially in Canada, think that the country is too strict with its stairwell rules, which require multiple exits for almost every multi-storey apartment building.

Conrad Speckert, intern architect at LGA Architectural Partners, thinks this needs to change, and tells Mike and Cara why.

Links:
This site is a guide for converting single family homes to multi-unit housing.

https://rehousing.ca/

Guest: Conrad Speckert https://x.com/conrad_speckert

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.

The number of temporary foreign workers in Canada has been increasing, and that has led to all sorts of concerns. There’s low youth employment levels, stagnant wages, and industries that rely entirely on low-wage temporary workers to keep prices low.

In this discussion, economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern talk about the different types of temporary residents, the support they receive from the government, and the impact they have on the economy and labour market.


Links:

Temporary residents in Canada rise to 2.8 million ahead of government restrictions

A snapshot of employment among youth in Canada

National Bank of Canada Hot Charts

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.

Part of the Missing Middle Summit Series

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays for the next eight weeks.

First up is Eric Lombardi, founder of the YIMBY group More Neighbours Toronto, who talked about why missing middle homes are so important to build.

Production by Cara Stern, Meredith Martin, and Ruth Tecle
Technical production by Mike Greene

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.

A recent Leger poll examined how young Canadians feel about their economic situation, and whether they're getting enough support from the government.

Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern discuss the results, which found that millennials and Gen Z feel they are worse off than their parents. They also touch on the perception that politicians prioritize the interests of older generations over younger ones. The conversation highlights the need for more government support and better allocation of resources to address the struggles faced by millennials. Cara and Mike express concerns about the future and the impact of high taxes and debt on younger generations.

The conversation explores the challenges faced by millennials in Canada, focusing on topics such as housing affordability, education, career prospects, and government spending. 

Links:
Opinions and Perspectives of Young Canadians: https://leger360.com/opinions-and-perspectives-of-young-canadians/#:~:text=More%20than%20two%2Dthirds%20of,it%20was%20for%20their%20parents.

War on the Young: 
https://www.profgalloway.com/war-on-the-young/ 

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays.

Evan Saskin, an architect and builder, discusses his company Blue Lion Building and their focus on multi-unit urban infill residential buildings. They specialize in subdividing single-family housing lots to create multiple residential units.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Blue Lion Building
02:18 Designing Sustainable and High-Quality Housing
03:34 The Process of Building Infill Properties
06:23 Navigating Bureaucratic Challenges in Housing Development

Links:
Blue Lion Building https://www.bluelionbuilding.com/

Producers: 
Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern
Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin
Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/
Brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute https://institute.smartprosperity.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.

Recently, economist Mike Moffatt got into a bit of a Twitter argument with housing advocates who think a land value tax can solve the housing crisis. He doesn’t think so. 

This conversation explores the idea of a land value tax as a solution to the housing crisis. The hosts discuss the concept of a land value tax, which involves increasing the tax on the land portion of property and using the revenue for other purposes. They debate the effectiveness of this approach and its potential impact on housing development. 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:31 Defining a Land Value Tax
03:15 The Functioning of the Current Property Tax System
04:30 The Concept of Taxing Land Value
06:00 Taxing Land and Structure Components
07:10 What are the advocates advocating for?
08:20 Different Proposals for a Land Value Tax
09:45 The City of Toronto's Approach to Housing Development
11:30 Is a Land Value Tax the Way To Go?
13:00 Increasing efficiency of a property?
14:44 Consequences of a Land Value Tax for Homeowners
16:11 Do we want to Live the plot of Happy Gilmore?
17:45 Picking a Political Fight We Don’t Need to Pick
20:00 Encouraging Advocacy for Fairness and Solutions
21:15 When to Dip Your Shirt In Lemon Juice


Links:
How To Remove Ballpoint Pen Ink Stains From Your Clothing
https://www.sourcecollections.com/pages/stain-guides-ball-point-ink-stains#:~:text=For%20felt%20pen%20stains%2C%20lemon,stain%20and%20let%20it%20dry.&text=Next%2C%20scrub%20the%20stain%20using,your%20fingers%2C%20with%20cold%20water.

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays throughout the next month.

Shea Gallagher, a principal with architecture firm Superkül, discusses a project he's working on along the Danforth in Toronto. He used it to demonstrate the challenges with building missing middle housing, in particular how servicing standards impact their ability to build within financial constraints.

Links:
Superkül https://www.superkul.ca/



Producers: 
Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern
Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin
Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/
Brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute https://institute.smartprosperity.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.

This conversation explores the intersection of the Yes In My Backyard movement and urbanism, focusing on the question of whether the end goal is to legalize or require dense, walkable neighborhoods. 

Mike and Cara discuss the benefits of walkable neighborhoods, the challenges of legalizing density, and the impact of taxation and development charges. They also consider the future of cities if these barriers to density were removed, including the potential for more low-rise and missing middle homes. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of private backyards and the trade-offs between density and suburban living.

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays throughout the next month.

Stephen Smith works for the Center for Building in North America, and he discusses how strict elevator policy in this continent has cut down on the number of homes available. It also dictates what types of homes are being built. He proposes a number of changes that could hopefully lead to more and better homes in North America.

Links:

The Center for Building in North America
The American Elevator Explains Why Housing Costs Have Skyrocketed 

Producers: 

Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern

Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin

Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

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.

Back in 2021, Mike Moffatt wrote: "The top-10 most common ages to leave Toronto are the ten between the ages of 31–35 and 0–4. The single most common age is zero — that is, babies under the age of 1. That’s who is leaving Toronto."

Three years later, it's gotten worse. Young Families are leaving big cities across the country. Mike and Cara discuss the challenges young families face and the consequences on these cities.

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays throughout the month.

Max Goyzman works for Peakhill Capital, which provides financing for commercial real estate projects -- mostly apartment buildings. He discusses how financing works, and some of the challenges with lending money for missing middle project.

Links:
Peakhill Capital https://www.peakhillcapital.com/

Producers: 
Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern
Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin
Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

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.

Canada has seen a significant increase in the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers, raising concerns about the impact on the job market. The low-wage stream of temporary foreign workers is tied to specific employers and is measured relative to the provincial median wage. The government made changes to the program in 2022, allowing more temporary foreign workers and weakening the rules around their hiring. This has led to questions about whether the government is intentionally suppressing wages and making it easier for corporations to function with low wages. 

Mike and Cara discuss the effects of this program on Canadian residents, and what reforms are needed to make it fairer to workers.

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays throughout the next month.

Blair Scorgie is a planner and urban designer, as well as an instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University. He talks about Toronto's newest multiplex bylaws, and what it could mean for building affordable, missing middle housing.

Chapters:
00:00 Introducing Blair Scorgie
02:29 Creating a New Market for Development
04:08 The Need for Incentives for Affordable Housing
05:35 Recommendations for Further Changes to the Bylaws

Links:
https://x.com/BlairScorgie

Producers: 
Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern
Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin
Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

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.

There's been a lot of news lately about the low-wage stream of the temporary foreign worker program -- but the high-wage stream has similar problems.

In this episode, Cara and Mike explore the types of jobs that are being filled through this stream, and whether the wages offered are truly competitive. They worry about the impact of bringing in foreign tech workers on the wages and opportunities for domestic tech workers, many of who end up leaving Canada in pursuit of better opportunities. 

They suggest reforms to the program, such as making it harder to prove a shortage of local workers and increasing wage transparency.

Links:
Reddit thread: "I made a map of every employer who had a LMIA accepted because they couldn't find Canadian workers (2023-Present)"
https://www.reddit.com/r/torontoJobs/comments/1ehrmuw/i_made_a_map_of_every_employer_who_had_a_lmia/?rdt=62928

Link to gov data:
https://open.canada.ca/data/en/dataset/90fed587-1364-4f33-a9ee-208181dc0b97

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays throughout this month.

Naama Blonder is an architect and urban planner with Smart Density, which she co-founded. She spoke to us on the day Toronto City Council was about to approve an expansion to what's allowed to be built on its major streets -- which previously had been much more limited than you'd think!

Links:
Smart Density https://smartdensity.com/
Naama Blonder https://x.com/naama_blonder

Producers: 
Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern
Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin
Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

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 conversation, Cara and Mike discuss the financial considerations of having children. They touch on topics such as housing costs, childcare expenses, and the impact on income during parental leave. They also explore the limitations of the government's childcare program and the need for increased availability of affordable childcare options. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by younger generations in affording housing and starting a family, and the potential consequences of these challenges on population growth and societal cohesion.

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.

On May 23, professionals who work in the industry to develop missing middle housing, as well as those interested in building them, gathered at the Toronto Reference Library for a one-day conference.

The Missing Middle podcast team spoke to the presenters and will be sharing those interviews with you each week on Fridays throughout the next month.

Ryan Valente is a project manager for Highcroft Homes, where he works on custom home development in Toronto. He talks about what it's like building in Toronto these days, and what still needs to change.

Links:
Highcroft Homes https://www.highcrofthomes.ca/

Producers: 
Cara Stern https://twitter.com/carastern
Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin
Ruth Tecle

Technical production by Mike Greene https://www.instagram.com/mikegreenemedia/

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.

Cities across Canada are implementing vacant home taxes to address the issue of homes sitting empty. These taxes aim to encourage owners to sell or rent out their vacant properties. Economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss the challenges in implementation of these taxes including issues with reporting and enforcement. Studies have shown that these taxes have had a small but positive impact in getting homes back on the market, without slowing down housing construction. 

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.

Economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern discuss Canada's record levels of population growth -- and how the majority of it came from record levels of temporary immigration.

Since these numbers became known, due to backlash from the public, the federal government has announced it would implement policies it hopes will reduce the number of non-permanent residents, particularly international students, through attrition. 

The increase in population growth has put pressure on housing, healthcare, and education. International students often face exploitation and are blamed for various issues. The rental market has been heavily impacted, but it remains to be seen if there will be a decrease in prices. The lack of affordable housing options limits opportunities for students to live near their universities.

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.

Rents are down in some college towns, and some are crediting the government's international student reforms. In news stories about rents falling, the media often frame price reductions as a bad thing, even though it’s a huge relief for students. Mike and Cara discuss the price drops and why the media tend to ignore the positive side of the story.

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 week, the federal government announced some big changes to mortgage policies in Canada. Specifically, it’s expanding 30-year mortgage amortizations to anyone buying a new build, or to all first-time homebuyers. It’s also raising the insured mortgage cap from $1 million to $1.5 million.

In this conversation journalist Cara Stern and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the changes and the implications for first-time homebuyers, investors, and the overall housing market, while also addressing concerns about increased debt and the long-term effects on housing prices. 

Links:
Insurable versus Uninsured Mortgages

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.

The conversation explores the impact of the AI revolution on workers and the potential for mass unemployment. The hosts discuss past technological revolutions and the winners and losers they created. They also consider the role of AI in job creation and the potential for increased inequality. The conversation touches on the importance of skills and creativity in navigating the changing job market.

Links:
Vass Bednar @regstoriches
David Bowie predicted in 1999 the impact of the Internet in BBC
Dilbert Blog: Career Advice

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.

 @NotJustBikes is many people's gateway into urbanism, and an understanding into how much better our cities and towns can be, if we just make some policy changes.

In this conversation, journalist Cara Stern, economist Mike Moffatt, Not Just Bikes creator Jason Slaughter discuss the challenges and implications of car-dependent suburbs in North America. They explore personal experiences, historical context, and the impact of legislation on urban design. The discussion also delves into economic factors influencing suburban living, the potential for transformation, and cultural attitudes towards housing.

Links:
Not Just Bikes
https://www.youtube.com/c/notjustbikes

Suburbs that don’t suck:
Suburbs that don't Suck - Streetcar Suburbs (Riverdale, Toronto) (youtube.com)

Wortley Village
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wortley_Village

Strong Towns:
https://www.strongtowns.org/

The Sprawl Repair Manual 
https://sprawlrepair.com/home/

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.

When Mike bought his first home, it cost him $168,000. That number barely covers a downpayment in much of Ontario these days – and even if a developer wanted to, it could not offer that price (even indexed to inflation) because the costs to build are just so high.

Mike and Cara break down the costs associated with home-building, including land prices, development charges, construction costs, and taxes, while also examining the impact of these factors on housing affordability. 

Links:

Eric Lombardi

Greater Toronto Area Municipal Benchmarking Study

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 Missing Middle, journalist Cara Stern is mad. A street in her neighbourhood in Toronto is trying to get an exemption to the city-wide garden suites rules.

Cara and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the ongoing challenges of NIMBYism in Toronto, still supported by local city councillors, even when it's about the gentlest of gentle density.


Links:

How garden suites are dividing these Toronto neighbours (thestar.com)
East-end residents worry they may lose garden suite zoning | CBC News
Craven Road I – Leslieville Historical Society (leslievillehistory.com)
Latest update from the City

Craven Road Map


If you want to let Toronto City council know you support more housing and that garden suites everywhere are part of that you can email:

City Planner Alexa Legge:
alexa.legge@toronto.ca

Ward 14 City Councillor, Paula Fletcher:
councillor_fletcher@toronto.ca

Mayor Olivia Chow:
mayor_chow@toronto.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, Cara Stern is mad. A majority of MPs recently voted to increase Old Age Security for seniors aged 65-74, regardless of whether they actually need more money.

She and Mike Moffatt explore the structure of Canada's pension programs, the purpose of OAS, and the financial burden it places on the federal budget – and younger workers, many of whom are struggling to pay their housing bills.

They cover the disparities in income among seniors, the challenges of targeting benefits, and the political dynamics surrounding OAS proposals.

Also, we need a co-host to fill in while Cara is on mat leave! If you're interested, send us a resume with one-minute video of why you'd be good for this role to missingmiddlepodcast@gmail.com  

Links:
Canadian Museum of History
Old Age Security pension recovery tax
Disaggregated trends in poverty from the 2021 Census of Population
Jennifer Robson
https://carleton.ca/politicalmanagement/people/jennifer-robson/
Shooting a fly with an elephant gun: The Bloc’s ultimatum on seniors’ benefits
Most Canadians support or somewhat support extending Old Age Security benefits increase to seniors 65 to 74.

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.

A lot of people get into advocacy for better cities and urbanism by watching what’s perhaps YouTube’s biggest urbanism channel,  @NotJustBikes . But that leads many to think that with enough advocacy, their hometowns could one day also look like a city in the Netherlands. Not Just Bikes’ Jason Slaughter says it’s not that simple.

In this conversation, journalist Cara Stern and economist Mike Moffatt talk to Jason about what North American cities can learn from the Netherlands. They explore the principles of Dutch urban design, the importance of context in urban planning, and the need for holistic approaches that go beyond just implementing bike lanes. 

Links:
Why Canadians Can't Bike in the Winter (but Finnish people can):
https://youtu.be/Uhx-26GfCBU?si=uB-fSJYD0ouxDHiv
Strong Towns:
https://www.strongtowns.org/

Guest: Jason Slaughter, Not Just Bikes https://www.youtube.com/c/notjustbikes

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.

Over and over again, we see the same problems come up when building anything physical in this country, such as a house or a train. Costs start to balloon and every project seems to end up over budget – or at least costs us more than it would cost to build in other countries.

More Neighbours Toronto’s founder Eric Lombardi attributes this largely to a system of soft corruption.

In this conversation, he highlights how convoluted processes and lack of transparency lead to inflated costs and diminished outcomes. He compares Canada's approach to infrastructure with that of European countries, emphasizing the need for standardization and in-house expertise. Lombardi proposes solutions to improve procurement processes and accountability, advocating for a more efficient and transparent system that prioritizes taxpayer value.

Links:
Canada can no longer afford to ignore its ‘soft corruption’ problem
https://thehub.ca/2024/10/03/eric-lombardi-canada-can-no-longer-afford-to-ignore-its-soft-corruption-problem/

Altus Group
https://www.altusgroup.com/
https://www.bildgta.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-GTA-Municipal-Benchmarking-Study-Our-number-7147-Final.pdf
More Neighbours

Guest: Eric Lombardi, https://x.com/EricDLombardi

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.

Many cities in North America have been adding bike lanes in the past few years, especially as demand for outdoor activities spiked during the pandemic. Those lanes have been crucial at keeping cyclists safe, but seeing the road lose a lane has upset drivers, especially those who rely on their cars.

Enter Doug Ford, in Ontario. The premier has introduced legislation that will require municipalities to obtain approval from the province for new bike lanes, as well as removing bike lanes that are already there – even ones that just finally finished construction.

Mike and Cara discuss why this is such a popular idea, even though it won't solve Toronto's real congestion issues. They highlight the need for effective solutions to traffic congestion and the role of government in addressing these challenges, while also considering the future of bike lanes and the importance of public advocacy.

Links:
Bloor Street West Bike Lane Pilot Project Evaluation
Bloor Street West Complete Street Extension
The left is losing the battle for the bike — as it should | National Post
Breaking the Bottlenecks : Congestion Solutions for Canada

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.

It doesn't matter how many times politicians say the economy is doing great. If someone can't afford a home, they're not going to believe you.

Cara and Mike discuss the significant impact of the housing crisis on Donald Trump's election victory, exploring how inflation and economic concerns shifted political views. They analyze migration patterns affecting electoral college votes and suggest that building more homes could help retain political power in progressive cities.

Links:
America Hires a Strongman

The Inflation Factor: It Wasn’t Just the Economy How inflation and economic concerns drove voter sentiment.

Pocketbook and Sociotropic Economic Voting: How Does Inflation Affect Voting Decisions?

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 conversation explores the potential of mass timber as a sustainable building material, its role in the housing construction sector, and the skills needed for young people to thrive in this emerging industry. The discussion highlights the growth of mass timber, the educational requirements for entering the field, the challenges faced in its adoption, and the broader opportunities in decarbonizing industries.


Links:
Canada's Green Skills Transition

Guest: Nicholas Renzetti

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, Cara and Mike discuss the ongoing housing crisis and its political implications, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to enhance affordability. They unpack the four key pathways to housing affordability, including the integration of transportation costs, the impact of utility bills, and the challenges of homeowners insurance. The conversation highlights the importance of deregulation and innovative policies to create more affordable housing options while addressing the political landscape surrounding these issues.

Links for further reading:
Ontario Communities Falling Behind on Homebuilding
BLUEPRINT FOR MORE AND BETTER HOUSING
Abacus Data
Example of pyramid shaped condo

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 is by far the province with the biggest population, and is growing fast, but it’s the second worst when it comes to building homes. 

In this conversation, journalist Cara Stern and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the severe housing crisis in Ontario, highlighting the province's poor performance in building new homes relative to its population growth. They analyze the types of homes being constructed, the impact of homelessness, and the responses from municipal leaders. The discussion also compares Ontario's housing policies with those of British Columbia and Quebec, emphasizing the wild increase of development charges and zoning regulations. Cara and Mike think a provincial election is imminent and that political accountability is needed. Ontario’s home building record is dismal and the Ford government is ignoring its own housing promises. 

Links:

Ontario Communities Falling Behind on Homebuilding

Ontario will build 1.5 million homes, housing minister promises as projections slump

Hotdog meme - we’re all trying to find the guy who did this

Four Pathways To Housing Affordability

Mass Timber Can Get Homes Built Faster

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.

Mike and Cara discuss the recent stimulus plans introduced by the Canadian and Ontario governments, which include rebate checks and a GST holiday. They explore the economic context behind these initiatives, the disconnect between economic indicators and the lived experiences of Canadians, particularly young people, and critique the effectiveness of these policies. 

The conversation highlights the need for sustainable solutions to address the underlying issues of inflation, housing, and the  intergenerational wealth transfer from the young to the old. Also, Cara gets really mad about the term “vibecession.”

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.

The conversation explores the implications of the massive wealth transfer from baby boomers to millennials in Canada, discussing the potential for economic inequality, the concept of "invisible inheritances", and the changing dynamics of the middle class. It highlights the challenges faced by younger generations in accessing wealth and opportunities, and the resulting shifts in political views and social contracts.

Links:

Boomers’ Inheritance Plans Up in the ‘Heir’
The next wave of trickle-down wealth is upon us
Younger Canadians Relying On "Great Wealth Transfer" To Achieve Financial Goals But Expectations May Not Match Reality: Vanguard Study


Guest Host:
Sabrina Maddeaux 

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.

Do you have a family dinner planned over the holidays where you expect to run into a family member who is out of touch with the economic head winds facing Millennials and Gen Z? We are here for you! This episode of the Missing Middle podcast focuses on the typical misconceptions older people have about today’s economy. Mike Moffatt plays the role of Boomer Uncle Mike in this stunning breakout performance while Cara Stern and Sabrina Maddeaux deliver cold hard facts in a friendly and tenacious manner. 

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most importantly you’ll get mad and want to write to your elected representative and demand them to lower development changes and get more housing supply on the market so that everyone has the opportunity to join the middle class. 

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.

Many of Canada’s problems can be traced back to its tolerance of corporate consolidation, leading to higher prices and lower wages, say Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar, co-authors of the book “The Big Fix: How Companies Capture Markets and Harm Canadians”.

The authors join economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern to discuss the implications of corporate consolidation in Canada, exploring how it creates an illusion of competition, affects consumer prices, and contributes to wage stagnation. They delve into the role of monopolies and monopsonies, the financialization of companies, and the challenges of market access for new businesses. The discussion also highlights potential policy solutions to enhance competition and the importance of consumer awareness in navigating these complex issues.

Links:
Buy “The Big Fix” book
Private Equity Is Gutting America — and Getting Away With It
How Private Funds Could Hurt Americans Under Trump

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 special holiday episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, hosts Cara Stern, Meredith Martin, and Mike Moffatt answer listener questions about the housing crisis, heritage protection, and community involvement. They discuss the balance between preserving historical homes and the urgent need for more housing, the current state of the housing market, and the implications of capital gains tax. The conversation emphasizes the importance of grassroots activism and the need for more young people in politics to address the affordability crisis in Canada.

A special thanks to all who wrote to us with their questions and ideas throughout the year. The questions we addressed in this episode were edited for clarity and length.

Links:

Alex Bozikovic: Heritage Rules and the Housing Crisis
Is Raising the Capital Gains Tax a Good Idea?
Canada Has a Soft Corruption Problem - Eric Lombardi of More Neighbours Toronto
More Neighbours

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 special New Years Day episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, Mike Moffatt, Cara Stern and Meredith Martin respond to viewer questions which have been collected throughout the year. They explore the importance of community engagement, the potential for standardized building regulations, and the impact of transit on housing prices. The conversation also touches on the difficulties of panelized construction, the concept of granny flats, and the broader economic implications of housing dynamics. In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolving challenges of affordability in housing, the implications of land transfer taxes, and strategies for potential homebuyers in the current market. They also delve into the culture within the economics and journalism professions, highlighting the competitive and sometimes harsh interactions among economists. 

A special thanks to all who wrote to us with their questions and ideas throughout the year. The questions we addressed in this episode were edited for clarity and length. Happy New Year!

Links:

Real Ways Politicians Could Solve the Housing Crisis

Four Pathways to Housing Affordability

Tegan and Sara: The Agony and Ecstasy of the Teen Years

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 analyze Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's policy record. How well did his government do on supporting the middle class? Mike and Sabrina discuss both successes and failures across various policies. They delve into housing supply issues, immigration policies, child benefits, market competition, and the implications of NAFTA 2.0, providing a comprehensive overview of the Trudeau government's impact on the middle class in Canada.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction analyzing Trudeau's legacy on the middle class

00:58 Analyzing Trudeau's legacy on the middle class

02:08 Housing supply: successes and failures

04:57 Immigration policies and their impact

08:41 Mike defends 30 year mortgages

12:20 Child benefits and family support 

14:30 Market competition and oligopoly issues

17:05 NAFTA 2.0: navigating trade challenges

Links:

How Corporate Consolidation is Ruining Everything: Discussion with Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar

A million more non-permanent residents live in Canada than official figures say, ministers told

Labour force participation rate hits 27-year low, outside the pandemic

Mortgage, identity fraud rise in Canada as economic pressures mount: Equifax

Immigration is making Canada's housing more expensive. The government was warned 2 years ago

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.

Political pundit Sabrina Meadow and economist Mike Moffatt delve into the complexities of tariffs, particularly in the context of the impending policies under the new Donald Trump's administration. They explore what tariffs are, their implications for the middle class in both the US and Canada, and the public's understanding of these taxes. The conversation highlights the anxiety surrounding trade deficits and the potential economic fallout for consumers and businesses alike. Mike and Sabrina discuss how tariffs act as hidden taxes for consumers, the potential retaliatory measures Canada could take, and the political motivations behind the trade tensions. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00 Understanding tariffs 

03:07 Public perception and the impact of a tariff threat

05:19 Does Canada really need the US more than it needs us?

07:00 The American middle class will be hurt by tariffs

08:03 Why are Canadian businesses so worried?

10:18 The effects on the Canadian middle class

11:06 Retaliation strategies and economic consequences

13:01 Nobody wins a trade war

15:19 Political theater vs. real economic threats

18:24 The role of citizens in trade wars

Links

Missing Middle Initiative

Fiscal, Macroeconomic, and Price Estimates of Tariffs Under Both Non-Retaliation and Retaliation Scenarios

Trump's Team of Economic Yes-Men

Americans stocking up on foreign goods before Trump tariffs: ‘a sense of urgency’

Tariffs and trade: Experts pick the big charts to watch for 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.

After the federal government capped the number of international students it let into Canada many colleges and universities saw a drastic decrease in enrollment. As a result colleges are slashing programs while universities struggle to balance their books. Why is this happening and who is responsible? Alex Usher, a sector expert and higher education consultant, joins Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux in this week’s episode of the Missing Middle podcast. They discuss the impact of international students on the housing crisis, the financial challenges faced by colleges and universities and the implications of recent policy changes particularly in trades programs and apprenticeships. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

01:35 Summary higher education policy changes

04:23 Decreasing rents in southern Ontario

05:26 How Canada pays for Ontario’s mismanagement

06:36 The disproportionate impact on northern and rural colleges

08:16 Are trades programs at risk?

12:13 Why should we care about the college sector?

14:21Universites have unique challenges 

16:40 Why has the Ford government escaped security? 

17:49 Feel richer now policies

19:17 Higher education focused policy ideas

18:47 Long-term solutions for higher education challenges

Links

How Colleges Broke Canadian Immigration

Credits

Guest: Alex Usher https://higheredstrategy.com/about/alex-usher-7/

https://x.com/alexusherhesa?lang=en

https://bsky.app/profile/alexusherhesa.bsky.social

Hosts: 

Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux 

Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.social

Producer: Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin https://bsky.app/profile/meredithmartin.bsky.social, https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-martin-21108165/

This 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 conversation, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the challenges and failures of Ontario's housing market, contrasting it with Alberta's more successful approach. They explore the vision of affordable housing presented by Premier Doug Ford, the current state of housing supply, and the political dynamics affecting housing policies. The discussion highlights the implications for millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly considering moving to provinces like Alberta due to affordability issues. Ultimately, Sabrina and Mike each assign a letter grade to the Ontario government's performance in addressing the housing crisis. Spoiler alert: Ford gets F, but from which host? You’ll have to watch to find out!  

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

01:06  Outlining a tangible vision of home ownership

07:08 Single, detached family homes for under $500?

08:28 Current state of housing supply

10:49 Apartment units are the only bright light

11:45 Alberta is doing it right

14:22 Ontario’s brain drain to Alberta

15:08 Development charges, approval times and land use policy

17:37 Housing has become politicised  

19:43 The grade reveal

Links:

Housing Shortages Grow Fastest in Smaller Ontario Metros

Development Charges have Helped Price Out the Middle Class

Canada needed to add 500,000 homes last year to keep up with population growth. It failed to hit even half of that.

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 podcast, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the phenomenon of the 'relationship recession,' exploring its causes, implications for society, and the economic challenges it presents. They delve into how changing social dynamics, economic pressures, and technological advancements are reshaping relationships and family structures, particularly among younger generations. The conversation highlights the impact of these trends on the middle class and the need for policy solutions that address the root causes of declining relationship formation.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:31 Understanding the relationship recession

04:40 Scott Galloway’s theory of men

06:28 The role of technology

09:05 How much of this is a choice?

11:06 Incentives versus structural barriers

13:09 Economic implications of relationship trends

14:40 The role of unaffordable rents on relationships

17:00 the expansion and retraction of personal choice

Links:

The relationship recession is going global

A Few(er) Good Men

Why Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging Out

Loneliness in Canada

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, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the complexities of development charges in Ontario, highlighting how municipalities have accumulated over $10 billion in unspent infrastructure funds. They explore the implications of these taxes on housing affordability, the political dynamics influencing their increase, and the growing public awareness of the housing crisis. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Understanding development charges

02:10 The accumulation $10 Billion in unspent infrastructure funds

04:28  Cities are sitting on huge piles of cash but it’s totally above board

06:30 The impact of development charges on housing affordability

08:11 The economy doesn’t care about your intent

09:30 Mike gets in a fight with a city councillor over dev charges

11:20 How a pile of cash improves bond ratings

13:00 Public awareness and pressure for change

15:00 Why Conservatives okay with such high D.C.s

17:07 Shout out to Burlington, Vaughn and Mississauga

Links:

Are Development Charges Fair to Millennials and Gen Z?

Development Charges: 10 Things You Need to Know About Housing Taxes in Ontario

Response from the CBC on my Complaints to the Ombudsman

More Neighbours

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, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the federal Liberal leadership race, focusing on how the top contenders are addressing Canada's housing crisis. They analyze the candidates' policies, including Mark Carney's vague housing promises, Chrystia Freeland's tax cuts for first-time homebuyers, and Karina Gould's approach to generational change. The conversation highlights the candidates' proposals and the need for a vision that resonates with younger Canadians. They also provide advice for the candidates and make predictions about the outcome of the race. (This episode was recorded on Friday February 21st at 10am and later that day Ruby Dhalla was disqualified from the race.)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:59 The candidates 

02:25 Housing has taken a back seat to Trump

06:54 Platform analysis - Mark Carney

10:21  Platform analysis - Chrystia Freeland

19:48 Platform analysis - Karina Gould

24:20 Where’s the vision?

27:00 Unaddressed issues in the leadership race

28:59 Advice for Liberal leadership candidates

30:34 Ranked ballot system - vote your ideals

31:39 Predictions for the leadership race outcome

Links:

Mark Carney - Canada Not Interested in Trump’s Offer & Liberal Leadership Prospects

Blueprint For More And Better Housing

Like Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigration

Ending Homelessness and Building an Affordable Future

Mark Carney to boost construction of new homes

Candidates

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 conversation, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux, economist Mike Moffatt and producer Meredith Martin discuss the Ontario election, focusing on predictions regarding Doug Ford's (potential) majority win and the lack of competition from opposition parties. They delve into the housing crisis, exploring why it hasn't resonated with voters and the barriers preventing Millennials from engaging in politics. The discussion highlights the impact of economic challenges on political participation and the need for addressing housing issues to foster broader political engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:51 Ontario Election Predictions

02:06 Why the housing crisis isn’t resonating with voters

05:23 Millennial political participation

09:25 High rent as a barrier to political engagement 

10:01 Political salaries aren’t rising with inflation 

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, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Michael Moffatt discuss the recent announcement of a high-speed rail project in Canada with transit expert Reece Martin. They explore the details of the proposed rail line, the political motivations behind it, and the challenges Canada faces in implementing effective transit solutions compared to other countries. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in approach to infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of political will, investment, and learning from international best practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:16 High-speed rail announcement outlined

02:31Why doesn't the route go further south?

04:20 Canada studies high-speed rail a lot

06:49 Why is Europe so much better at rail?

08:50 Comparing Canada’s ability to build HSR to other countries

11:13 Why is it so much more expensive to build in Canada?

13:34 Reese becomes Canada’s HSR Czar

16:05 A vision for high-speed rail in Canada

18:20 Examining the California rail debacle

21:00 How do you convince drivers that rail is good for everyone?

24:20 Reese’s analysis of the Canada’s political landscape

Links:

Reese Martin on the Missing Middle

High-speed rail line with 300 km/h trains will run between Toronto and Quebec City, Trudeau announces

High Speed Rail Canada

Eglinton Crosstown will open no earlier than mid-2025, TTC chair says

California watchdog says high-speed rail on track to blow more deadlines

Why Passenger Trains Suck in Canada - VIA Rail

North America Will Never Be the Netherlands - Interview with Not Just Bikes

Guest:

Reece Martin https://reecemartin.ca/about/

https://www.youtube.com/@RMTransit

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 explore the growing wage gap between American and Canadian workers, discussing the implications for young Canadians and the factors contributing to this disparity. They delve into the data on emigration, the impact of housing costs, and the need for policy changes to boost productivity and wages in Canada. The conversation also touches on the potential for brain drain and the importance of attracting talent to maintain economic growth. (Full transparency, we recorded this episode before the most recent round of Trump tariffs were imposed on Canada. The content would not have changed in any way although the tone of the discussion around tariffs, emigration and the demographics of Canadian patriotism may have been expressed more emphatically if we had recorded it this week.)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Have you ever lived in the USA?

02:54 How many Canadians move to the US every year?

06:05 Understanding the wage gap: Canada vs. USA

08:17 Yes Canada should be concerned about the gap 

09:15 The productivity gap

10:39 Is the cost of living a factor?

12:50 The role of remote work

13:35 Mike is a two handed economist 

15:20 Sabrina is worried about losing talent to theUS

17:25 Increasing productivity and future solutions 

20:02 Addressing the Brain Drain and Future Solutions

Links:

Median wages and salaries lower in every Canadian province than in every U.S. state

In 2005, There Were 41 Communities Where a Middle-Class Family Could Afford to Buy a Home. Today, There's Only Nine

CHIPS and Science Act

Here’s how Canadian tech salaries compare to the U.S.

As a Canadian, you are earning far less than your American counterpart

Canada is getting poorer when compared to its wealthy peers, data shows

The Economic Mistake the Left Is Finally Confronting

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 conversation, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the evolving landscape of political polling with David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data. They explore the significant shifts in voter sentiment influenced by key events such as Justin Trudeau's exit, Mark Carney's rise, and the impact of Donald Trump. The discussion delves into demographic changes, the emergence of a precarity mindset among voters, and the implications for the Liberal Party and the NDP. The conversation also touches on regional dynamics, particularly in Quebec, and the challenges of predicting voter turnout in the upcoming federal election.

00:00 Introduction

01:24 Shifting Political Landscape in Canada

04:08 Is this temporary or permanent?

05:13 The demographic shift in people’s attitudes towards the Liberals

06:52 Understanding the precarity mindset

09:40 Why Mark Carney has an advantage

12:19 The collapse of the NDP vote?

15:50 How do projection models work?

17:51 The incumbency factor

20:33 Regional dynamics in the Quebec factor

23:20 Undecided voters and voter turnout

25:05 Election call predictions

26:36 Remembering Gordon Brown

Links

"Ok, Boomer" - Why Baby Boomers might be the Liberal Party's saviours

Gordon Brown

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.