The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

The discussion digs into the outdated GST rebate system and its disconnect from today's soaring home prices. Homebuyers face challenges as rebates have failed to keep up with inflation. There's a fresh look at potential reforms, especially incentives for first-time buyers and seniors looking to downsize. The podcast explores proposed government actions in response to declining housing starts and highlights the importance of collaboration to enhance housing affordability. Will these adjustments truly benefit the market? Tune in to find out!

The podcast dives into the pressing issue of housing affordability for millennials and Gen Z. It critiques current political strategies, highlighting the disconnect between official messaging and the realities faced by the middle class. Discussions include the ineffectiveness of housing policies focused solely on low-income earners and the political alienation of young voters. There's a keen analysis of the NDP's communication struggles and the need for relatable solutions that address rising living costs and create accessible housing for all.

In this episode of the missing Middle podcast conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the current state of immigration in Canada. Together they examine a Bank of Canada report that focuses on the implications of temporary foreign workers on wages.  Mike and Sabrina talk about the challenges faced by new permanent residents, and the ambitious goals set by the Century Initiative for population growth. They explore how these factors intertwine with the housing crisis and the overall economic landscape, emphasizing the need for coherent immigration policies that align with infrastructure and social cohesion.Chapters00:00 Introduction00:52 Bank of Canada report on wages and immigration02:49 The mix of newcomers is different05:33 New immigrants earn less and country of origin impacts wages07:21 This is only becoming more pronounced09:11 The wage gap is shrinking for Permanent Residence 10:08 But it’s a good news, bad news story11:00 The role of wage suppression13:56 How does this impact social cohesion  15:25 The Century Initiative and population growth goalsResearch:The Shift in Canadian Immigration Composition and its Effect on WagesCanada's population needs to be 100 million by 2100Canada on track for 100 million population but public support can’t be taken for granted: Century Initiative CEOThe 'Century Initiative' is the talk of the campaign, but what is it?You Can't Grow a Country Just On Temporary ImmigrationHosted 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.

Ron Butler, a prominent mortgage broker and host of the Angry Mortgage Podcast, joins the discussion with Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt to dissect the Toronto condo market crisis. He reveals how pre-construction purchases during a speculative boom are leading to significant losses for investors. They explore the ironic housing shortage amid a glut of poorly designed condos and the government's role in potential solutions. The conversation raises critical questions about low-rise housing scarcity and the urgent need for innovative, affordable options for families.

Join a riveting discussion on how factory-built homes might tackle the housing crisis. The speakers highlight the innovative aspects of prefabricated housing, including claims of lower costs, faster construction, and reduced emissions. They tackle the hurdles of regulatory approval and municipal regulations that slow down progress. Interesting perspectives emerge on the appeal of these homes to younger generations, prioritizing affordability and style over sustainability. Could these modern homes be the answer North America needs?

In this episode of The Missing Middle podcast, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the impossible trinity that broke Canadian housing. They explore the implications of stagnant neighborhoods, population growth, and government policies that hinder housing affordability. The conversation delves into the complexities of urban planning, the impact of NIMBYism, and the need for realistic solutions to address the housing crisis.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:06 Gregor Robertson’s rough start as Minister of Housing03:51 Increased government housing would impact home prices05:06 Understanding the Impossible Trinity that broke housing07:37 Examples of cities doing two of three10:03 Not allowed to grow up or out equals spiking prices11:21 The illusion of legalized fourplexes14:15 Ottawa’s zoning reform and stupid two-story height limit17:33 Toronto’s wealthiest areas are the least dense18:20 Proposed solutions for housing affordabilityResearch links:The Impossible Trinity that Broke Canadian HousingCan Homes Become Affordable Without Prices Going Down?Toronto Star fourplex pieceHow Community Consultation is Ruining DemocracyHosted 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.

The discussion dives into the troubling job market for young Canadians, especially new graduates struggling with rising unemployment. It examines the limitations of traditional unemployment metrics, shedding light on the often-overlooked realities faced by those aged 15 to 29. The crisis in Ontario is particularly alarming, with social and political implications for youth engagement. Finally, the conversation highlights the relationship between higher education choices and economic stability, proposing solutions to combat youth unemployment.

Uytae Lee, an urban planner and YouTube creator from Vancouver, dives into the complexities of housing and urban design. He discusses the critical impact of development fees and building codes on housing accessibility. Uytae shares his creative approach to storytelling on YouTube, balancing entertainment with serious topics. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics surrounding the housing crisis and the need for innovative solutions and better governance in housing policy. Tune in for insights and some candid advice for Canada’s new prime minister!

Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt tackle the alarming drop in three-bedroom home construction in Ontario, especially in the GTA. They link this trend to the 'baby bust,' where soaring housing costs deter families from expanding. The dialogue reveals the regulatory hurdles complicating the housing market and stresses the need for policy changes. With a focus on both rental and ownership opportunities, they explore how these dynamics impact young families and contribute to declining birth rates.

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.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:29 Examining the housing start pledges03:53 Housing platform commonalities04:39 Municipal incentives06:55 NDP’s rent control promise examined10:47 Eliminating the GST on New Housing13:27 Math is hard for both Liberals and Conservatives and the PBO20:33 Not particularly bold housing ideas24:14 Immigration targets and housingLinks:Liberal PlatformConservative PlatformNDP PlatformHosted 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.