The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern

Dec 11 2024 85 ep. 20 mins 85

The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern Podcast artwork

Welcome to the Missing Middle, a podcast about why the middle class in Canada is disappearing. We hope to help you understand why life is becoming unaffordable for so many in this country, and what can be done to reverse course.

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Boomer Wealth Won't Save Millennials

Dec 11 2024 18 mins

The conversation explores the implications of the massive wealth transfer from baby boomers to millennials in Canada, discussing the potential for economic inequality, the concept of "invisible inheritances", and the changing dynamics of the middle class. It highlights the challenges faced by younger generations in accessing wealth and opportunities, and the resulting shifts in pol

We Can't Afford a GST Holiday

Dec 04 2024 28 mins

Mike and Cara discuss the recent stimulus plans introduced by the Canadian and Ontario governments, which include rebate checks and a GST holiday. They explore the economic context behind these initiatives, the disconnect between economic indicators and the lived experiences of Canadians, particularly young people, and critique the effectiveness of these policies. The conversation

Ontario Sucks at Building Homes

Nov 27 2024 20 mins

Ontario is by far the province with the biggest population, and is growing fast, but it’s the second worst when it comes to building homes. In this conversation, journalist Cara Stern and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the severe housing crisis in Ontario, highlighting the province's poor performance in building new homes relative to its population growth. They analyze the types

Real Ways Politicians Could Solve the Housing Crisis

Nov 20 2024 27 mins

In this episode, Cara and Mike discuss the ongoing housing crisis and its political implications, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to enhance affordability. They unpack the four key pathways to housing affordability, including the integration of transportation costs, the impact of utility bills, and the challenges of homeowners insurance. The conversation highlights the

Mass Timber Can Get Homes Built Faster

Nov 13 2024 22 mins

This conversation explores the potential of mass timber as a sustainable building material, its role in the housing construction sector, and the skills needed for young people to thrive in this emerging industry. The discussion highlights the growth of mass timber, the educational requirements for entering the field, the challenges faced in its adoption, and the broader opportuniti

The Housing Crisis Helped Trump Win

Nov 08 2024 12 mins

It doesn't matter how many times politicians say the economy is doing great. If someone can't afford a home, they're not going to believe you.Cara and Mike discuss the significant impact of the housing crisis on Donald Trump's election victory, exploring how inflation and economic concerns shifted political views. They analyze migration patterns affecting electoral college votes an

Tearing Out Bike Lanes is a Bad Idea

Nov 06 2024 33 mins

Many cities in North America have been adding bike lanes in the past few years, especially as demand for outdoor activities spiked during the pandemic. Those lanes have been crucial at keeping cyclists safe, but seeing the road lose a lane has upset drivers, especially those who rely on their cars. Enter Doug Ford, in Ontario. The premier has introduced legislation that will requir

Canada Has a Soft Corruption Problem - Eric Lombardi of More Neighbours Toronto

Oct 30 2024 25 mins

Over and over again, we see the same problems come up when building anything physical in this country, such as a house or a train. Costs start to balloon and every project seems to end up over budget – or at least costs us more than it would cost to build in other countries.More Neighbours Toronto’s founder Eric Lombardi attributes this largely to a system of soft corruption.In

North America Will Never Be the Netherlands - Interview with Not Just Bikes

Oct 23 2024 25 mins

A lot of people get into advocacy for better cities and urbanism by watching what’s perhaps YouTube’s biggest urbanism channel, @NotJustBikes . But that leads many to think that with enough advocacy, their hometowns could one day also look like a city in the Netherlands. Not Just Bikes’ Jason Slaughter says it’s not that simple.In this conversation, journalist Cara Stern an

Let’s Not Give More Handouts to Wealthy Seniors

Oct 16 2024 18 mins

In this episode of the Missing Middle, Cara Stern is mad. A majority of MPs recently voted to increase Old Age Security for seniors aged 65-74, regardless of whether they actually need more money.She and Mike Moffatt explore the structure of Canada's pension programs, the purpose of OAS, and the financial burden it places on the federal budget – and younger workers, many of whom