The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux

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.

Ontario's housing market faces a crisis beyond just downtown condos, with alarming drops in sales across 34 municipalities. Pre-construction sales are plummeting, signaling a bleak future as affordability worsens. Experts predict a staggering loss of 21,000 jobs tied to the weakened housing sector. The ambitious target of 1.5 million new homes by 2032 feels increasingly unreachable. Political accountability remains lackluster, raising questions about government action as the industry treads into uncertain waters.

The discussion dives into Ontario’s return-to-office mandate and its implications for younger workers already struggling with high housing costs and long commutes. The hosts explore productivity versus employer control and the conflicting goals of ESG targets. Producer Meredith shares her insights on the importance of mentorship and face-to-face social interactions in fostering collaboration, while challenging the notion that remote work is a complete substitute for in-person office culture.

Dive into the chaos of Canada's condo market crash and what it means for aspiring homeowners. Explore the perplexing issue of housing shrinkflation, where smaller living spaces come at a high cost. The discussion highlights the struggles of middle-class families faced with declining affordability, despite falling prices. Frustrations mount over government policies that prioritize rentals instead of supporting homeownership. Is Canada on a path to becoming a nation of perpetual renters? Tune in for insights and thought-provoking analysis.

Ever wonder what people at think tanks actually do all day? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt pull back the curtain on the mysterious world of think tanks. From how they’re structured and funded, to the challenges of staying independent, they explore what really goes on behind the scenes. You’ll also hear about career opportunities for young professionals, why U.S. think tanks dwarf their Canadian counterparts, and how think tanks influence policies that affect our everyday lives—from housing to poverty reduction. If you’ve ever been curious about the brains behind public policy, this episode is for you.Chapters00:00 Introduction03:00 Understanding think tanks04:38 The structure and function of academic think tanks07:53 Funding models: how think tanks sustain themselves09:34 Misconceptions about think tank funding11:58 Maintaining independence: challenges and strategies16:13 Career opportunities in think tanks18:09 Comparing Canadian and American think tanksHosted 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.