How To Argue About Housing At Your Holiday Dinner The Missing Middle With Mike Moffatt And Sabrina Maddeaux podcast

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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 .…

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Ontario Election Predictions 12:04

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12:04

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 .…

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Examining Liberal Leadership Housing Promises 34:51

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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 .…

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Why Ontario Cities Are Sitting on 10 Billion in Cash 19:01

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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 .…

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Are We in a Relationship Recession? 19:37

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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 .…

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Ford Fails Ontario on Housing 22:02

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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 .…

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Alex Usher: How Canada is Paying for Ontario’s Higher Education Debacle 21:50

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21:50

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 .…

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How Trump's Tariffs Will Hurt the Middle-class 20:05

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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 .…

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Reviewing Trudeau’s Record on the Middle Class 20:46

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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 .…

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How Corporate Consolidation is Ruining Everything: Discussion with Denise Hearn and Vass Bednar 40:39

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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 .…

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You Asked, We Answered: New Year’s Mail Bag 33:36

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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 .…

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You Asked, We Answered: Holiday Mail Bag 25:38

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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 .…

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How to Argue About Housing at Your Holiday Dinner 23:01

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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 .…

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Boomer Wealth Won't Save Millennials 18:09

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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 .…

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We Can't Afford a GST Holiday 28:04

acum 13 weeks28:04