The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux
Cara Stern, Mike Moffatt, and Meredith Martin
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 ...
David Coletto: The Precarity Mindset and the 2025 Election
In this conversation, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt discuss the evolving landscape of political polling with David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data. They explore the significant shifts in voter sentiment influenced by key events such as Justin Trudeau's exit, Mark Carney's rise, and the impact of Donald Trump. The discussion delves into demographic changes, the emergence of a precarity mindset among voters, and the implications for the Liberal Party and the NDP. The conversation also touches on regional dynamics, particularly in Quebec, and the challenges of predicting voter turnout in the upcoming federal election.00:00 Introduction01:24 Shifting Political Landscape in Canada04:08 Is this temporary or permanent?05:13 The demographic shift in people’s attitudes towards the Liberals06:52 Understanding the precarity mindset09:40 Why Mark Carney has an advantage12:19 The collapse of the NDP vote?15:50 How do projection models work?17:51 The incumbency factor20:33 Regional dynamics in the Quebec factor23:20 Undecided voters and voter turnout25:05 Election call predictions26:36 Remembering Gordon BrownLinks"Ok, Boomer" - Why Baby Boomers might be the Liberal Party's savioursGordon BrownHosted 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.
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31:44
Unpacking the Growing Wage Gap Between American and Canadian Workers
In this episode, conservative pundit Sabrina Maddeaux and economist Mike Moffatt explore the growing wage gap between American and Canadian workers, discussing the implications for young Canadians and the factors contributing to this disparity. They delve into the data on emigration, the impact of housing costs, and the need for policy changes to boost productivity and wages in Canada. The conversation also touches on the potential for brain drain and the importance of attracting talent to maintain economic growth. (Full transparency, we recorded this episode before the most recent round of Trump tariffs were imposed on Canada. The content would not have changed in any way although the tone of the discussion around tariffs, emigration and the demographics of Canadian patriotism may have been expressed more emphatically if we had recorded it this week.)Chapters00:00 Introduction01:51 Have you ever lived in the USA?02:54 How many Canadians move to the US every year?06:05 Understanding the wage gap: Canada vs. USA08:17 Yes Canada should be concerned about the gap 09:15 The productivity gap10:39 Is the cost of living a factor?12:50 The role of remote work13:35 Mike is a two handed economist 15:20 Sabrina is worried about losing talent to theUS17:25 Increasing productivity and future solutions 20:02 Addressing the Brain Drain and Future SolutionsLinks:Median wages and salaries lower in every Canadian province than in every U.S. stateIn 2005, There Were 41 Communities Where a Middle-Class Family Could Afford to Buy a Home. Today, There's Only NineCHIPS and Science ActHere’s how Canadian tech salaries compare to the U.S.As a Canadian, you are earning far less than your American counterpartCanada is getting poorer when compared to its wealthy peers, data showsThe Economic Mistake the Left Is Finally ConfrontingHosted 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.
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21:36
Reece Martin has a Vision for Canada’s High Speed Rail Future
In this episode of The Missing Middle, hosts Sabrina Maddeaux and Michael Moffatt discuss the recent announcement of a high-speed rail project in Canada with transit expert Reece Martin. They explore the details of the proposed rail line, the political motivations behind it, and the challenges Canada faces in implementing effective transit solutions compared to other countries. The conversation highlights the need for a shift in approach to infrastructure projects, emphasizing the importance of political will, investment, and learning from international best practices.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:16 High-speed rail announcement outlined02:31Why doesn't the route go further south?04:20 Canada studies high-speed rail a lot06:49 Why is Europe so much better at rail?08:50 Comparing Canada’s ability to build HSR to other countries11:13 Why is it so much more expensive to build in Canada?13:34 Reese becomes Canada’s HSR Czar16:05 A vision for high-speed rail in Canada18:20 Examining the California rail debacle21:00 How do you convince drivers that rail is good for everyone?24:20 Reese’s analysis of the Canada’s political landscapeLinks:Reese Martin on the Missing MiddleHigh-speed rail line with 300 km/h trains will run between Toronto and Quebec City, Trudeau announcesHigh Speed Rail CanadaEglinton Crosstown will open no earlier than mid-2025, TTC chair saysCalifornia watchdog says high-speed rail on track to blow more deadlinesWhy Passenger Trains Suck in Canada - VIA RailNorth America Will Never Be the Netherlands - Interview with Not Just BikesGuest:Reece Martin https://reecemartin.ca/about/https://www.youtube.com/@RMTransitHosted 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.
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27:37
Ontario Election Predictions
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.
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12:04
Examining Liberal Leadership Housing Promises
In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt discuss the federal Liberal leadership race, focusing on how the top contenders are addressing Canada's housing crisis. They analyze the candidates' policies, including Mark Carney's vague housing promises, Chrystia Freeland's tax cuts for first-time homebuyers, and Karina Gould's approach to generational change. The conversation highlights the candidates' proposals and the need for a vision that resonates with younger Canadians. They also provide advice for the candidates and make predictions about the outcome of the race. (This episode was recorded on Friday February 21st at 10am and later that day Ruby Dhalla was disqualified from the race.)Chapters00:00 Introduction01:59 The candidates 02:25 Housing has taken a back seat to Trump06:54 Platform analysis - Mark Carney10:21 Platform analysis - Chrystia Freeland19:48 Platform analysis - Karina Gould24:20 Where’s the vision?27:00 Unaddressed issues in the leadership race28:59 Advice for Liberal leadership candidates30:34 Ranked ballot system - vote your ideals31:39 Predictions for the leadership race outcomeLinks:Mark Carney - Canada Not Interested in Trump’s Offer & Liberal Leadership ProspectsBlueprint For More And Better HousingLike Poilievre, Freeland is pitching a housing plan that would limit immigrationEnding Homelessness and Building an Affordable FutureMark Carney to boost construction of new homesCandidatesHosted 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.
About The Missing Middle with Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux
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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