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. Chapters00:00 Introduction01:00 Understanding tariffs 03:07 Public perception and the impact of a tariff threat05:19 Does Canada really need the US more than it needs us?07:00 The American middle class will be hurt by tariffs08:03 Why are Canadian businesses so worried?10:18 The effects on the Canadian middle class11:06 Retaliation strategies and economic consequences13:01 Nobody wins a trade war15:19 Political theater vs. real economic threats18:24 The role of citizens in trade warsLinksMissing Middle InitiativeFiscal, Macroeconomic, and Price Estimates of Tariffs Under Both Non-Retaliation and Retaliation ScenariosTrump's Team of Economic Yes-MenAmericans stocking up on foreign goods before Trump tariffs: ‘a sense of urgency’Tariffs and trade: Experts pick the big charts to watch for 2025Hosted 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 class00:58 Analyzing Trudeau's legacy on the middle class02:08 Housing supply: successes and failures04:57 Immigration policies and their impact08:41 Mike defends 30 year mortgages12:20 Child benefits and family support 14:30 Market competition and oligopoly issues17:05 NAFTA 2.0: navigating trade challengesLinks:How Corporate Consolidation is Ruining Everything: Discussion with Denise Hearn and Vass BednarA million more non-permanent residents live in Canada than official figures say, ministers toldLabour force participation rate hits 27-year low, outside the pandemicMortgage, identity fraud rise in Canada as economic pressures mount: EquifaxImmigration is making Canada's housing more expensive. The government was warned 2 years agoHosted 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.

Denise Hearn, a Senior Fellow at the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment and co-author of "The Big Fix," joins economist Mike Moffatt and journalist Cara Stern to tackle the troubling effects of corporate consolidation in Canada. They discuss how monopolies create an illusion of competition, driving up prices and stalling wages. The conversation spans the impact on various sectors, including healthcare and veterinary services, and calls for urgent policy changes to foster genuine competition and innovation while amplifying voices of workers and small businesses.

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 CrisisFour Pathways to Housing AffordabilityTegan and Sara: The Agony and Ecstasy of the Teen YearsHosted 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 CrisisIs Raising the Capital Gains Tax a Good Idea?Canada Has a Soft Corruption Problem - Eric Lombardi of More Neighbours TorontoMore 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.

Get ready for a deep dive into the housing crisis that Millennials and Gen Z face today! The discussion sheds light on the stark contrast in homeownership experiences between generations, as well as the widening gap between income and housing prices. Expect rants over outdated government policies and the emotional challenges surrounding family planning in expensive urban areas. The hosts equip you with debates to tackle during holiday dinners, and they blend humor with crucial facts to spark conversations about housing affordability and generational wealth.

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 StudyGuest 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.

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.

Ontario's housing crisis deepens as the province struggles to build homes despite rapid population growth. Analysts spotlight the lack of family-sized units and the effectiveness of local politicians tackling homelessness. They scrutinize how Ontario’s policies lag behind those in British Columbia and Quebec, highlighting bureaucratic inefficiencies. The discussion emphasizes the need for a comprehensive strategy to address both housing supply and political accountability. The urgency for change is palpable with an impending election on the horizon.

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 HomebuildingBLUEPRINT FOR MORE AND BETTER HOUSINGAbacus DataExample of pyramid shaped condoHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.