The Missing Middle Podcast

In this episode of The Missing Middle, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Michael Moffatt discuss the housing platforms of Canada's major federal parties as they approach the April 28 election. They analyze the promises made by the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP regarding housing starts, affordability, and the implications of these policies on young Canadians. The conversation delves into the commonalities and differences in party platforms, the impact of municipal incentives and rent control, and critiques of the math behind the promises. They also explore the sociological implications of housing policies and the relationship between immigration and housing supply.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:29 Examining the housing start pledges
03:53 Housing platform commonalities
04:39 Municipal incentives
06:55 NDP’s rent control promise examined
10:47 Eliminating the GST on New Housing
13:27 Math is hard for both Liberals and Conservatives and the PBO
20:33 Not particularly bold housing ideas
24:14 Immigration targets and housing


Links:
Liberal Platform

Conservative Platform

NDP Platform

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

In this conversation, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt are joined by co-host of the Prof G Markets podcast with Scott Galloway, and host the First Time Founders podcast Ed Elson to discuss the economic challenges faced by Gen Z, including their financial struggles, housing affordability, and the rising costs of education. Ed highlights the generational wealth gap, the impact of debt, and the political engagement of Gen Z, emphasizing the need for action beyond social media advocacy. Together they delve into the disconnect between wealth and economic outcomes, particularly focusing on the impact of tariffs and taxation on different socioeconomic classes. They discuss the need for wealth redistribution through new tax policies and the challenges faced by younger generations in navigating financial landscapes. The conversation also touches on the importance of civic engagement and voting, as well as the growing epidemic of loneliness in society. 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:49 Understanding Gen Z's economic struggles

06:22 Comparative analysis of the US, UK, and Canada

08:34 Factoring in the housing affordability crisis

13:29 The debt dilemma: Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)

17:26 The rising cost of education in America

21:35 Gen Z's political engagement and activism

25:17 Tariffs, stocks, assets and wealth inequality

27:38 Taxation and wealth redistribution

31:23 The disconnect between wealth and economic outcomes

34:08 Investing in stocks and not in crypto

38:04 Seeing an opportunity in A.I.

41:44 The power of voting and civic engagement

44:33 Addressing loneliness and societal trends

46:36 The time to turn it around is now

Research/Links:

Can Homes Become Affordable Without Prices Going Down?

Trade War Chaos Drives Massive Volatility — ft. Gary Stevenson | Prof G Markets

Why Tariffs Could Crush Canada’s Economy — ft. Mike Moffatt | Prof G Markets

Average Age Stat of a Home Buyer in America:

AI vs. Gen Z: The Hiring War Has Begun

Extended Cut: A$AP Rocky Gets Smoooth | Klarna

The whole E.S.G. thing

Guest:

Ed Elson https://x.com/edels0n

https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/host/ed-elson

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina and economist Mike Moffatt speak with David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, to explore the evolving landscape of Canadian election polling. They discuss the impact of recent policy changes, particularly the carbon tax, on voter sentiment and the shifting dynamics of affordability issues. The conversation delves into the trends among young voters, particularly young men, and the gender dynamics influencing voting behavior. The discussion also highlights the scarcity mindset surrounding housing and the rising favorability of Mark Carney as a political figure. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction, David Coletto

01:12 Who gets credit for axing the tax?

04:34 What happened to the affordability issue?

07:20 Young voters, trends and influences

11:41 Gender dynamics in voting behavior

13:25 Scarcity mindset and housing concerns

16:11 Rise of Liberals or collapse of the NDP?

17:28 Canadian national unity

18:50 Mark Carney's rising favorability

22:02 Expectations and the bandwagon effect

24:17 Reflections on a pivotal election

Three numbers tell the story of the election this week, and none of them looks good for Poilievre

Why Are Young Men Shifting Right? A Trend I’ve Been Tracking for a While

"Carbon Tax Carney" gets the credit for axing the tax

‘It’s not over’: Two pollsters explain how Mark Carney pulled ahead — and why he shouldn’t get too comfortable

Abacus Data Poll: Liberals lead by 4

Polymarket

Guest:

David Coletto

https://abacusdata.ca/team/david-coletto/

https://davidcoletto.substack.com/

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

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist mike Moffatt sit down with housing advocate Eric Lombardi to discuss the epic shortcomings of the community consultation processes in Toronto. Lombardi argues that they often fail to represent the diverse voices and interests of the community. He emphasizes the need for a more proactive approach to community engagement that considers the broader needs of neighborhoods rather than reacting to individual developments. The conversation also touches on the implications of property rights, the role of advocacy groups, and the responsibilities of provincial and federal governments in addressing the housing crisis. Lombardi calls for reforms that would streamline the consultation process and make it more democratic, ultimately advocating for a system that empowers citizens and promotes growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

01:16 Community consultation 

05:30 Flaws with the current consultation processes

09:21 The anti-democratic nature of current consultations

11:23 Consultation as indirect political corruption

13:30  The role of community advocacy

14:58 The Tindale example

17:20 Property rights and freedoms vs stagnation

21:17 Reforming the consultation process

23:44 Pitching Doug Ford - the province should set the standard

29:07 Provincial responsibilities in housing policy

31:59 Development changes - Mike’s favourite topic

33:01 Federal housing policy and political capital

Research and links

More Neighbours

Trevor Tombe: The ‘Great Canadian Slump’ is back

Growth comes to an urban backwater

Plain English with Derek Thompson

Abundance! With Ezra Klein

How Elevator Rules Cost Us Homes: An Interview with Market Urbanism

Some examples of public consultations in the news:

Vancouver’s public consultation process is being abused, critics say

Why blanket rezoning has become Calgary's biggest housing controversy

Judge sides with city in ruling to uphold blanket rezoning

'Neighbourhoods are going to change' — Angry reactions as Windsor speeds up home builds

Guest: 

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

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

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.)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:00A hidden national security threat

04:13 High rents are an internal trade barrier

07:08 Talent exodus and economic resilience

12:14 Disconnection and generational frustration

14:31 World happiness index data doesn't bode well for Canada

19:29 Path forward: housing as a national priority

22:15 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 action

Links 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

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

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.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Changes to Canada’s immigration policy
03:30 Impact on the housing market and rents
05:16 Skepticism towards immigration targets
07:15 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 targets


Links:

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 leaving

Baby Needs a New Home: Projecting Ontario’s Growing Number of Families and their Housing Needs

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

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

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

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

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

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

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil

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

Edited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil