The Missing Middle Podcast

They unpack why homeownership for under-40s has collapsed and how federal policy plays a bigger role than people think. They explain why family-sized homes have declined while “dog-crate” condos proliferate. They explore how immigration, taxes, development charges, and investors push prices up. They outline federal levers to encourage downsizing seniors, curb investor demand, and steer supports toward new supply.

In a thought-provoking discussion, hosts explore the decline of ownership in today’s subscription-driven landscape. They highlight how streaming services and digital products create an illusion of ownership while revealing unsettling realities—like revoked access to purchased content. The conversation shifts to economic pressures that force younger generations into renting rather than owning their homes and vehicles. With policy solutions like the right to repair suggested, they question if society is leaning toward a future where access replaces true ownership.

Urban living is increasingly feeling unsafe, with rising crime affecting daily life. Personal stories of car break-ins and streetcar disturbances illustrate a growing sense of disorder. Data reveals a staggering surge in transit assaults, challenging the push for denser, walkable communities. The hosts discuss how public trust is essential for urban density and note the political divide on addressing safety concerns. Solutions range from justice reform to improved mental health services, emphasizing that visible enforcement can restore a sense of security.

This discussion dives into how generational stereotypes like avocado toast jokes often miss the mark. The hosts explore the economic realities shaped by major historical events, from the Great Depression to recent pandemics. They reveal how birth year impacts job markets and wealth opportunities, highlighting the unique challenges faced by Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. The talk also uncovers the implications of cohort size on political clout and policy, urging a responsibility to ensure future generations have a fair chance at success.

Is Ontario's Greenbelt an obstacle in the housing crisis? The hosts dive into pressing questions about building homes without touching the Greenbelt. They discuss the social contract that failed families and how current policies might actually worsen sprawl. Four potential pathways forward are explored: doing nothing, legalizing family-sized housing, reducing immigration, or partially opening the Greenbelt. The conversation sheds light on the uncomfortable trade-offs politicians tend to avoid, highlighting a pressing need for family-friendly living spaces.

In this engaging discussion, the team tackles viewer questions on housing, transit, and immigration, sparking a thoughtful conversation about affordability. They explore the need for walkable neighborhoods to enhance quality of life and support local businesses. The hosts address the disconnect between politicians and the public concerning housing policies and the complexities of immigration's impact on housing. They also reveal their exciting new shows aimed at younger audiences, promising fresh content on demographics and the middle class.

Are Canada's health data rules stifling innovation? Discover how outdated privacy laws and excessive alignment with EU regulations may harm the life sciences sector. Explore the 'Brussels Effect' and its global implications on Canada's regulatory environment. Learn why modern health innovation hinges on massive data access and how the fragmented rules across provinces lead to inefficiency. Plus, see what Canada can learn from innovative approaches in Japan and Singapore that balance data sharing with privacy protection.

Mike Moffatt, a housing economist and policy researcher, discusses his latest 2025 Provincial HOMES Report Card that grades Canadian provinces on housing performance. New Brunswick and P.E.I. shine, while Ontario struggles with high costs trapping young adults at home. Moffatt reveals that 36 indicators assess everything from affordability to societal outcomes. He critiques policies like inclusionary zoning, which can backfire, and emphasizes the need for provinces to learn from each other to avoid harmful approaches. Tune in for insights on what truly boosts housing supply!

A surprising income trend reveals that seniors now out-earn young men in Canada, with pension and investment income playing a big role. While older generations thrive financially, younger workers face stagnant wages, soaring housing costs, and increased living expenses. The podcast highlights why these issues disproportionately affect young men and uncovers societal taboos around discussing their struggles. The hosts also explore potential policy changes that could bridge this growing gap for a more equitable future.

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.