The Missing Middle Podcast

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 Discover how outdated privacy laws and excessive alignment with EU regulations may harm the life sciences sector.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.

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.