The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

Housing affordability is closely tied to declining fertility rates, with a University of Toronto study revealing that over half of this decline is due to a shortage of affordable family-sized homes. Delayed household formation and smaller living spaces exacerbate this issue, particularly in high-cost regions like Ontario and B.C. The discussion critiques common misconceptions about fertility causes and highlights the structural barriers preventing cities from building larger homes. Solutions involve significant zoning and regulatory reforms to better meet family housing needs.

The conversation highlights the pressing issue of intergenerational tensions in Canada, particularly focusing on the financial burdens faced by younger Canadians. Sabrina discusses the potential consequences of failing to address these issues, including the risk to public healthcare and the erosion of political support for senior programs. The need for a modernized fiscal system that is equitable for all generations is emphasized as a critical solution to prevent further societal breakdown.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:07 Are seniors struggling economically?02:34 Shout out to Generation Squeeze02:52 Breaking down who benefits from government spending04:00 How Gen z and Millennials are fairing05:18 Intergenerational wealth transfer from old to young06:00 Shout out to Boom, Bust and Echo07:00 Senior citizen tax advantages08:40 Redesigning our fiscal system for generational fairness11:44 Good policy doesn’t always make good politics13:00 What happens if we don’t fix this?15:00 Less intergenerational fight club more intergenerational cooperationResearch/links:After years of decline, child poverty in Canada is rising swiftly: reportGeneration Squeeze: https://www.gensqueeze.caPaul Kershaw's "Hard Truths" podcast: https://www.gensqueeze.ca/videoWho is being asked to sacrifice in Budget 2025?Recent health care deal is a win for retirees. The finances of younger Canadians are collateral damageHow younger Canadians end up paying more for boomers' medical careSeniors and the generation spending gapA trillion-dollar tsunami: Canadians grapple with unprecedented wealth transferCanadian Institute of Health Information - National Health Expenditure Trends: https://www.cihi.ca/en/national-health-expenditure-trendsHosted 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 is taking a significant step toward regulating dollar-backed stablecoins, sparking discussions about their benefits over traditional payment methods. The hosts explain how clear regulations could foster competition and innovation in the fintech space. They also highlight Canada's lagging position compared to other G7 nations and warn against relying on foreign regulations. Ultimately, this move could revolutionize digital payments in Canada, providing instant, low-cost transactions while balancing the need for consumer protection.

Dive into the heated debate about rent control and its unexpected effects on housing markets. Discover how these regulations can lock tenants in place, complicating family planning and downsizing for seniors. The conversation explores who benefits and who loses under rent control, revealing how new tenants often subsidize long-term renters. The hosts also discuss the idea that defending rent control may resemble NIMBYism and ponder whether abolishing it could actually improve mobility. It's a thought-provoking look at a well-intentioned policy.

Delve into Canada’s dismal housing affordability crisis, revealed to be among the worst globally. Home prices have skyrocketed at more than double the rate of incomes since 1999. Discover how Canada's record compares unfavorably with other OECD nations and why it can't hide behind the notion of a global trend. The hosts discuss theories behind escalating prices, including rapid immigration and financialization. Solutions are explored, emphasizing the need for responsibility in crafting effective housing policies.

The Canada Revenue Agency is under fire for long delays and inaccurate assessments. Hosts discuss the CRA’s inadequate 100-day fix and dig into the complexities of the tax code that leave many confused. They highlight systemic issues, like the 'guilty until proven innocent' approach, creating distrust among taxpayers. Personal horror stories, including denied medical expenses, reveal the daunting challenges Canadians face. Ultimately, they explore how these frustrations threaten the very foundation of public trust in the tax system.

Max Steinman, CEO of RentSync and Rentals.ca, dives into the complexities of Canada’s evolving rental market. He discusses why rents are dropping while affordability remains a challenge, attributing it to stagnant mobility and the lack of purpose-built rentals. Steinman critiques the myths around financialization and elaborates on the downsides of rent control policies that backfire. He also compares living in purpose-built rentals versus condos, providing insights that every renter should know.

Local politics in Toronto are putting a wrench in citywide housing goals. The debate over garden suites on Craven Road illustrates how NIMBYism and endless consultations can stall progress. Hilariously, they reference a McSweeney's satire about public hearings. The hosts emphasize the need for consistent zoning rules to simplify building processes. Current residents dominate discussions, sidelining future tenants. As a call to action, they encourage listeners to advocate for garden suites and equitable housing solutions.

Ontario's family housing crisis is forcing young families to migrate from the GTA, altering regions like Peterborough and Ottawa. The hosts discuss the impact of ground-oriented homes and how the GTA's housing shortage ripples outward. Demographic shifts since 2016 have strained housing markets, while municipalities struggle to keep pace with rising populations. The discussion highlights migration patterns, the future needs for family-friendly homes, and necessary policy reforms for Eastern Ontario. Personal reflections on the decision to move add a relatable touch.

The discussion dives into the phenomenon of shrinkflation, revealing how everyday items like Kraft Dinner are getting smaller while prices climb. They explore the psychology behind packaging tricks, and how the housing market is plagued by increasingly tiny condos. Stats show Ontario's new condo sizes have drastically fallen, raising questions about design flaws and developer greed. There's a compelling look at whether these trends are driven by consumer preference or economic necessity, alongside potential policy solutions to combat shrinkflation.