This conversation dives into the ambitious plans for a high-speed rail connecting major Canadian cities. Experts analyze political motivations behind the chosen routes and the challenges that have historically plagued transit in Canada. They contrast the Canadian approach with Europe's successful rail systems, highlighting critical lessons to be learned. The dialogue also navigates the political landscape's impact on infrastructure decisions, emphasizing the necessity for strategic governance and bold investment to make high-speed rail a reality.

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:51 Ontario Election Predictions02:06 Why the housing crisis isn’t resonating with voters05:23 Millennial political participation09:25 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.

A deep dive into the federal Liberal leadership race reveals the contenders' stances on the housing crisis. Mark Carney’s vague promises, Chrystia Freeland's tax cuts for first-time buyers, and Karina Gould's generational vision come under scrutiny. The hosts discuss the disconnect between political agendas and the urgent needs of young Canadians. They emphasize the importance of tailored housing policies linking immigration and home affordability while predicting the race's outcome amidst a changing political landscape.

Uncover the mystery of Ontario's $10 billion in unspent infrastructure funds. The discussion highlights how development charges are driving housing prices up, particularly affecting young potential homeowners. Explore the political dynamics at play as municipalities sit on vast reserves while struggling with timely investments. Misleading claims about rising charges spark debate, revealing a stark disconnect between intent and reality. As public awareness grows, the pressure mounts for change in municipal policies impacting housing affordability.

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 Introduction01:31 Understanding the relationship recession04:40 Scott Galloway’s theory of men06:28 The role of technology09:05 How much of this is a choice?11:06 Incentives versus structural barriers13:09 Economic implications of relationship trends14:40 The role of unaffordable rents on relationships17:00 the expansion and retraction of personal choiceLinks:The relationship recession is going globalA Few(er) Good MenWhy Americans Suddenly Stopped Hanging OutLoneliness in CanadaHosted 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 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!  Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:06  Outlining a tangible vision of home ownership07:08 Single, detached family homes for under $500?08:28 Current state of housing supply10:49 Apartment units are the only bright light11:45 Alberta is doing it right14:22 Ontario’s brain drain to Alberta15:08 Development charges, approval times and land use policy17:37 Housing has become politicised  19:43 The grade revealLinks:Housing Shortages Grow Fastest in Smaller Ontario MetrosDevelopment Charges have Helped Price Out the Middle ClassCanada 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.

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. Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:35 Summary higher education policy changes04:23 Decreasing rents in southern Ontario05:26 How Canada pays for Ontario’s mismanagement06:36 The disproportionate impact on northern and rural colleges08:16 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 policies19:17 Higher education focused policy ideas18:47 Long-term solutions for higher education challengesLinksHow Colleges Broke Canadian ImmigrationCreditsGuest: Alex Usher https://higheredstrategy.com/about/alex-usher-7/https://x.com/alexusherhesa?lang=enhttps://bsky.app/profile/alexusherhesa.bsky.socialHosts: Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.socialProducer: 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.

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.