The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Michael Moffatt discuss the critical intersection of the housing crisis and national security in Canada. They explore how the inability to afford housing not only affects individuals but also poses systemic risks to the Canadian economy and society. The conversation delves into the implications of economic vulnerability, the talent exodus to the U.S., and the growing disconnection among younger generations. They emphasize the urgent need for a cohesive housing policy that addresses these interconnected issues to ensure a stable and resilient future for Canada. (This episode was recorded on Friday March 28th before the Liberals dropped their housing platform.)Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00A hidden national security threat04:13 High rents are an internal trade barrier07:08 Talent exodus and economic resilience12:14 Disconnection and generational frustration14:31 World happiness index data doesn't bode well for Canada19:29 Path forward: housing as a national priority22:15 Sabrina points out we have an episode regarding our last episode on immigration and housing 21:41 A few policy ideas and a call to actionLinks for reference:Young people who can’t afford homes feel betrayed by their country. Why should they stand up against Trump when Canada has let them down?Canada drops to 18th in 2025 World Happiness Report rank, among the 'largest losers'Managers Have Won the War on Remote Work. But Where Does Everyone Sit?Who Will Swing The Hammer?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 delve into the recent changes in Canada's immigration policies and their implications for the housing market and population growth. Sabrina and Mike discuss the significant reduction in immigration targets, the impact on housing prices and rents, and the skepticism surrounding the government's ability to meet these new targets. They also explore the methodologies used by various levels of government to determine housing needs and the political ramifications of adjusting housing targets in response to changing population dynamics.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:18 Changes to Canada’s immigration policy03:30 Impact on the housing market and rents05:16 Skepticism towards immigration targets07:15 What if some migrants refuse to leave?09:25 Is Ontario giving up on its housing targets?12:00 How does Mike Moffatt’s forecasting work?13:13 Should housing targets go down?15:50 Revising the housing targets 17:37 Political risks to backing of home building targetsLinks:Canada Needs to Build 3 Million Homes in 10 Years to Solve the Housing Crisis'Highly unlikely': Trudeau's immigration plan hinges on millions of people leavingBaby Needs a New Home: Projecting Ontario’s Growing Number of Families and their Housing NeedsHosted 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 Introduction01:24 Shifting Political Landscape in Canada04:08 Is this temporary or permanent?05:13 The demographic shift in people’s attitudes towards the Liberals06:52 Understanding the precarity mindset09:40 Why Mark Carney has an advantage12:19 The collapse of the NDP vote?15:50 How do projection models work?17:51 The incumbency factor20:33 Regional dynamics in the Quebec factor23:20 Undecided voters and voter turnout25:05 Election call predictions26:36 Remembering Gordon BrownLinks"Ok, Boomer" - Why Baby Boomers might be the Liberal Party's savioursGordon BrownHosted 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.)Chapters00:00 Introduction01:51 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. USA08:17 Yes Canada should be concerned about the gap 09:15 The productivity gap10:39 Is the cost of living a factor?12:50 The role of remote work13:35 Mike is a two handed economist 15:20 Sabrina is worried about losing talent to theUS17:25 Increasing productivity and future solutions 20:02 Addressing the Brain Drain and Future SolutionsLinks:Median wages and salaries lower in every Canadian province than in every U.S. stateIn 2005, There Were 41 Communities Where a Middle-Class Family Could Afford to Buy a Home. Today, There's Only NineCHIPS and Science ActHere’s how Canadian tech salaries compare to the U.S.As a Canadian, you are earning far less than your American counterpartCanada is getting poorer when compared to its wealthy peers, data showsThe Economic Mistake the Left Is Finally ConfrontingHosted 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:16 High-speed rail announcement outlined02:31Why doesn't the route go further south?04:20 Canada studies high-speed rail a lot06:49 Why is Europe so much better at rail?08:50 Comparing Canada’s ability to build HSR to other countries11:13 Why is it so much more expensive to build in Canada?13:34 Reese becomes Canada’s HSR Czar16:05 A vision for high-speed rail in Canada18:20 Examining the California rail debacle21:00 How do you convince drivers that rail is good for everyone?24:20 Reese’s analysis of the Canada’s political landscapeLinks:Reese Martin on the Missing MiddleHigh-speed rail line with 300 km/h trains will run between Toronto and Quebec City, Trudeau announcesHigh Speed Rail CanadaEglinton Crosstown will open no earlier than mid-2025, TTC chair saysCalifornia watchdog says high-speed rail on track to blow more deadlinesWhy Passenger Trains Suck in Canada - VIA RailNorth America Will Never Be the Netherlands - Interview with Not Just BikesGuest:Reece Martin https://reecemartin.ca/about/https://www.youtube.com/@RMTransitHosted 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:51 Ontario Election Predictions02:06 Why the housing crisis isn’t resonating with voters05:23 Millennial political participation09:25 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, 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.)Chapters00:00 Introduction01:59 The candidates 02:25 Housing has taken a back seat to Trump06:54 Platform analysis - Mark Carney10:21  Platform analysis - Chrystia Freeland19:48 Platform analysis - Karina Gould24:20 Where’s the vision?27:00 Unaddressed issues in the leadership race28:59 Advice for Liberal leadership candidates30:34 Ranked ballot system - vote your ideals31:39 Predictions for the leadership race outcomeLinks:Mark Carney - Canada Not Interested in Trump’s Offer & Liberal Leadership ProspectsBlueprint For More And Better HousingLike Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigrationEnding Homelessness and Building an Affordable FutureMark Carney to boost construction of new homesCandidatesHosted 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 Introduction01:28 Understanding development charges02:10 The accumulation $10 Billion in unspent infrastructure funds04:28  Cities are sitting on huge piles of cash but it’s totally above board06:30 The impact of development charges on housing affordability08:11 The economy doesn’t care about your intent09:30 Mike gets in a fight with a city councillor over dev charges11:20 How a pile of cash improves bond ratings13:00 Public awareness and pressure for change15:00 Why Conservatives okay with such high D.C.s17:07 Shout out to Burlington, Vaughn and MississaugaLinks:Are Development Charges Fair to Millennials and Gen Z?Development Charges: 10 Things You Need to Know About Housing Taxes in OntarioResponse from the CBC on my Complaints to the OmbudsmanMore NeighboursHosted 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 Introduction01:31 Understanding the relationship recession04:40 Scott Galloway’s theory of men06:28 The role of technology09:05 How much of this is a choice?11:06 Incentives versus structural barriers13:09 Economic implications of relationship trends14:40 The role of unaffordable rents on relationships17:00 the expansion and retraction of personal choiceLinks:The relationship recession is going globalA Few(er) Good MenWhy Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging OutLoneliness in CanadaHosted 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!  Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:06  Outlining a tangible vision of home ownership07:08 Single, detached family homes for under $500?08:28 Current state of housing supply10:49 Apartment units are the only bright light11:45 Alberta is doing it right14:22 Ontario’s brain drain to Alberta15:08 Development charges, approval times and land use policy17:37 Housing has become politicised  19:43 The grade revealLinks:Housing Shortages Grow Fastest in Smaller Ontario MetrosDevelopment Charges have Helped Price Out the Middle ClassCanada 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.