The Missing Middle Podcast

Why is Canadian housing so expensive and why are we getting so little for our money? In this episode of the Missing Middle Podcast, Mike Moffatt talks with Adam Mongrain of More and Better Housing about how Canada can build more affordable, better-quality homes while also tackling climate change and housing affordability. They dig into why Canada struggles to build the “missing middle” housing that exists in cities around the world, and how zoning rules, building codes, construction costs and a lack of standardization are making it harder and more expensive to build the homes Canadians actually want. Adam explains why legalizing density isn’t about deregulation, how European-style housing could help lower costs, why Canadian elevators can cost four times as much as comparable ones in Switzerland, and how modern construction methods could transform the housing market. They also discuss climate-resilient housing, the need for millions more social and not-for-profit homes, and the five “game changers” that More and Better Housing believes could help Canada build more and build better. Chapters: 00:00 — Why Is Missing Middle Housing Missing? 02:27 — What Does “More and Better Housing” Mean? 04:51 — Can Better Housing Also Be More Affordable? 07:43 — Why New Housing Isn’t Worth the Price 11:23 — What Does “Legalizing Density” Actually Mean? 15:37 — How Building Codes Drive Up Housing Costs 19:14 — Why Factory-Built Housing Needs New Standards 21:57 — Building Housing for a Changing Climate 23:27 — Can Canada Afford Millions of Nonprofit Homes? Research/links: More and Better Housing Canada website: https://www.moreandbetterhousing.ca/ This is how we could fix a problem Canada has been overlooking for decadeshttps://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/this-is-how-we-could-fix-a-problem-canada-has-been-overlooking-for-decades/article_6970b764-8d33-4d7d-87d6-be8efea8038c.html Blueprint for More and Better Housing: https://housingandclimate.ca/blueprint/ Four Pathways to Housing Affordability report: https://housingandclimate.ca/2024/11/19/fourpathways/ Credits Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.social Sabrina Maddeaux https://x.com/SabrinaMaddeaux Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin https://bsky.app/profile/meredithmartin.bsky.social Sean Foreman @seanegertonforeman https://bsky.app/profile/seanforeman.bsky.social Cara Stern https://x.com/carastern https://bsky.app/profile/carastern.bsky.social University Of Ottawa Co-op Student: Kelly Hoban Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/ Brought to you by the Missing Middle Initiative https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/ Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Are Canadian elections actually fair if 7 million citizens are completely excluded from the process? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt unpack the hidden flaw in Canada’s electoral system: the complete disenfranchisement of children and young people. As Canada’s population ages, politicians are incentivized to cater to older voters while ignoring the long-term economic interests of younger generations. We explore a radical yet historical solution: proxy voting. What if parents could cast ballots on behalf of their children? Could giving every citizen a voice from birth fix our policy incentives? And is it an impossible reform? Chapters: 00:00 - Should Children Have a Vote in Canada? 03:34 - How Demographic Voting Shapes Economic Policy 05:48 - The Issue With Relying on Youth Voter Turnout to Solve Things 08:13 - What Is Proxy Voting for Parents? 10:22 - Would Proxy Voting Lead to Family-Friendly Policy? 12:17 - Can We Trust Parents to Vote in Their Child's Interest? 14:49 - Early Civic Engagement and Primary Caregiver Voting Rules 17:52 - Is Electoral Reform Truly Realistic in Canada? 22:52 - Why Power Disincentivizes Democratic Change Research/Links: Vlandas study: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/980470 Tobi Lutke’s idea that pensioners be excluded from voting is offensive. The concern behind it isn’t https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/article-tobi-lutke-shopify-tech-pensioners-vote/ How to give children the vote https://milescorak.com/2012/04/20/how-to-give-children-the-vote/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Citizenship as a privilege or as a right: should children be given the vote? https://milescorak.com/2013/03/28/citizenship-as-a-privilege-or-as-a-right-should-children-be-given-the-vote/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Should Children be Given the Vote?: Miles Corak at TEDxWaterloo 2013 https://youtu.be/anYFFlOtZKo?si=PYrUE7U_0RFuK2-y Should children vote? I argue that there are reasonable ways to give children the vote in an interview with CBC radio https://milescorak.com/2014/12/14/should-children-vote-i-argue-that-there-are-reasonable-ways-to-give-children-the-vote-in-an-interview-with-cbc-radio/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Why we should give children the vote ⁠ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/economy/economy-lab/why-we-should-give-children-the-vote/article4101391/ Do Husbands and Wives Pool Their Resources? Evidence from the United Kingdom Child Benefit https://www.jstor.org/stable/146179?origin=crossref&seq=1 Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Ontario has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, but can our power grid actually handle the demand? In this episode of Classonomics , Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down the $100B–$120B "last mile" infrastructure crisis quietly halting major housing projects across the province, including thousands of stalled homes in Brooklin, Whitby, and Ajax. From the historical legacy of Sir Adam Beck’s publicly owned hydro model to modern electrification demands like EVs and heat pumps, we discuss why developers are being pushed to fund local grid expansions and what policy fixes, such as tax-exempt utility bonds and reforming the tax code’s 90/10 rule, can keep Ontario’s housing goals alive. Topics Covered: Can Ontario’s Grid Handle 1.5 Million New Homes? Mega Transmission Lines vs. The Real Grid Bottleneck What is the "Last Mile" in Power Distribution? Case Study: Why 10,000 Homes Stalled in Brooklin, ON Skyrocketing Household Load: Heat Pumps & EV Chargers History Lesson: Sir Adam Beck & Ontario’s Original Power Vision "Build Ahead" vs. "Pay to Play": The Shift in Infrastructure Financing The Role of Local Distribution Companies (LDCs) Two Policy Fixes: Tax-Exempt Utility Bonds & Reforming the 90/10 Rule #OntarioHousing #CanadianPolitics #HousingCrisis #EnergyGrid #Infrastructure #TheMissingMiddle #SabrinaMaddeaux #MikeMoffatt Chapters: 00:00 Can Ontario's Grid Power 1.5 Million Homes? 01:43 The "Last Mile" Bottleneck & Stalled Developments 04:00 EV Demand & Ontario's Electrification History 05:29 Public Utilities vs. "Pay for Growth" 07:14 Local Distribution Companies & Funding Friction 10:11 Two Policy Solutions to Fix Grid Financing 12:07 Final Thoughts & Outro Research/links: North America’s electricity grid is ready to grow. Manufacturers needed to build it are placing their bets https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-north-americas-electricity-grid-is-ready-to-grow-manufacturers-needed/ Electrical Load map: https://oeb.planview.ca/Ontario-capacity-map/ Debt/Deficit MissingMiddle Episode referred to in video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2zza3GwZ7E Why a multibillion-dollar electricity infrastructure gap is threatening Ontario’s housing goals https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-cant-build-homes-without-rebuilding-power-grid/ Tracking housing supply progress https://www.ontario.ca/page/tracking-housing-supply-progress#section-0 Ontario Launches Expert Panel to Strengthen Local Electricity Distribution https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006663/ontario-launches-expert-panel-to-strengthen-local-electricity-distribution?utm_source=chatgpt.com 2025 Ontario Economic - Outlook and Fiscal Review https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oTK_RueWPjD1Oc1YXVlT8nslnx9Ue_w6/view Forward Guidance: Canada’s Energy Future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bySyMcg-p_4 Adam Beck https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-adam-beck Build Faster Fund https://opencouncil.ca/program/building-faster-fund/ An early history of hydroelectric power in Niagara Falls https://nflibrary.ca/articles/an-early-history-of-hydroelectric-power-in-niagara-falls Ontario’s electric history https://thevarsity.ca/2026/02/03/ontarios-electric-history/ To Build More Homes, Ontario Launching Building Faster Fund and Expanding Strong Mayor Powers https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003397/to-build-more-homes-ontario-launching-building-faster-fund-and-expanding-strong-mayor-powers Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Canada’s trade relationship with the United States is facing major challenges. In this replay of a live episode recorded on Friday August 28, Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern break down Canada’s trade war with the U.S., the impact of tariffs, and what it all means for the Canadian economy. They explore how tariffs and trade tensions could affect Canadian jobs, businesses, inflation, housing, taxation, financial markets, and economic stability while answering questions directly from the live audience. Whether you’re a policymaker, investor, business owner, or simply trying to understand what’s happening to Canada’s economy, this conversation offers context and analysis on some of the biggest economic issues facing Canadians today. In this episode: Canada’s trade war and economic relationship with the U.S. The impact of tariffs on the Canadian economy How trade uncertainty could affect housing and affordability Taxation and government policy Financial markets and economic stability What tariffs could mean for Canadian businesses and consumers Live audience questions and answers What Canadians should be watching as trade tensions evolve Watch the full conversation for an in-depth discussion of Canada’s economic outlook and the challenges ahead. #Canada #CanadianEconomy #Tariffs #TradeWar #USCanada #CanadianPolitics #Housing #Economy #Inflation #MikeMoffatt #CaraStern Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Trade Dispute 02:12 Tariffs and the New NAFTA 04:23 Labeling, Language, and Trade Strategy 06:40 Canada's Trade Diversification Challenges 08:36 Taxing the Wealthy and Intergenerational Equity 12:30 Interprovincial Trade Barriers and Alcohol 16:38 Impacts on Housing and Construction 23:57 US Bonds and Canadian Investment 36:12 Bank of Canada and Interest Rate Policy 42:17 Government Support for Small Housing 44:37 Development Charges and Urban Planning 46:21 Closing Remarks and Next Steps Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Ever wonder why it's nearly impossible to find a brand-new, modest starter home? In this episode of Classonomics, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down the real-world housing economics driving the extinction of small detached homes across Canada and why developers are practically forced to build McMansions instead. From flat municipal fees to setback regulations and astronomical land costs, we run through the numbers we explain why smaller homes no longer make financial sense for builders, and what policy changes could actually fix it. The disappearance of homes under 1,500 square feet Serviced land pricing and lot width economics How flat municipal development fees penalize small builds Setback rules and wasted building space Construction economies of scale Fixed overhead and pre-construction costs Policy solutions to bring back missing middle housing Chapters: 00:00 Small Detached Homes Are Disappearing 02:02 Why Developers Don’t Build Smaller Homes 03:01 The Real Cost of Building a Small Home 05:27 Why Land Costs Favour Bigger Houses 07:43 How Lot Rules Make Small Homes Harder to Build 09:33 How to Bring Down the Cost of Land 10:12 Development Charges Favour Bigger Homes 13:39 Why Bigger Homes Have Lower Construction Costs 16:15 The Costs That Don’t Shrink With the House 17:47 Why a $600K Home Costs So Much Research: https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=311483 Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Fertility treatment is becoming increasingly common in Canada. But why? On this episode of DemograFix, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt dig into the dramatic rise of IVF and fertility treatment in Canada, and what it tells us about how Canadians are building families. IVF births in Ontario have nearly doubled as a share of all live births since 2014, while the average age of patients starting IVF has climbed past 35. As Canadians spend longer in school, establish careers later, face higher housing and living costs, and delay parenthood, more people are turning to fertility treatment to help build the families they want. But access to fertility care can depend heavily on where you live. Cara and Mike look at the geographic lottery of fertility treatment, differences in provincial funding, long waitlists, workplace benefits, and the often-overlooked costs of IVF, including time away from work and travel for treatment. The bigger question is what happens when more Canadians are trying to have children later in life. Is Canada's fertility system prepared for growing demand? And should policymakers be looking beyond IVF to the housing, career and economic pressures that are pushing parenthood later? #IVF #Fertility #Canada #Demographics #FertilityTreatment #Ontario Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 The Economic Reality of Delayed Parenthood 01:28 Why is Fertility Treatment Usage Up? 02:44 Biology and Success Rates 03:08 Analyzing the Data Surge 04:16 The Geographic Lottery of Fertility Access 05:22 The Biological Realities 06:41 The Myth of Fertility Control 07:44 Rising Complications in Younger Patients 08:27 Male Factor Infertility 08:42 The High Cost of Treatment and Waitlists 10:03 The Hidden Costs (Time & Travel) 11:34 Workplace Benefits and Trends 12:01 Recap and Future Outlook 13:01 Policy Responses and Root Causes Research/links: Publicly funded in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program - Province of British Columbia Canadian assisted reproductive technologies registry CARTR PLUs annual report CARTR Reports - Canadian Fertility & Andrology Society Provincial coverage | Fertility Matters Canada https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007375/ontario-connecting-more-families-to-fertility-supports https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/in-vitro-fertilization-market Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Are Canada’s politics becoming less about left versus right and more about young versus old? In this episode of Classonomics, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux explore the growing generational divide in Canadian politics and what it means for the economy, housing, and the future of democracy. They examine why older voters may prioritize inflation, pensions, and asset prices, while younger Canadians increasingly feel shut out of homeownership, economic growth, and traditional institutions. Topics covered: The growing age divide in Canadian politics Why seniors and younger voters have different economic priorities “Pocketbook” versus “sociotropic” voting Economic growth and the distribution of wealth Old Age Security and the politics of an aging population Housing prices, homeownership, and generational inequality Why young Canadians feel increasingly disconnected from the economy Populism, political radicalization, and distrust in institutions Brexit and the backlash against economic elites Why making the economy work for younger Canadians matters for the future #Canada #CanadianPolitics #HousingCrisis #GenerationalDivide #Economy #Politics #HousingAffordability #Millennials #GenZ #MissingMiddle Chapters: 00:00 — Is Age Breaking Our Politics? 03:26 — The Generational Divide Is Reshaping Politics 06:22 — Why Voters Are Choosing Their Own Wallets Over Growth 10:14 — Why Older and Younger Voters Want Different Things 13:17 — Why Politicians Want to Keep Home Prices High 16:08 — Why Young People Are Losing Faith in the System 17:26 — How Economic Frustration Fuels Populism 20:33 — Why Young Voters Are Turning to Extremes 21:03 — How to Make the Economy Work for Young People Research: Beer question: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beer_question Vlandas study: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/980470 German research: https://www.kielinstitut.de/publications/kiel-focus/the-economic-consequences-of-populism/ Tobi Lutke’s idea that pensioners be excluded from voting is offensive. The concern behind it isn’t https://www.theglobeandmail.com/authors/mike-moffatt/ Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Canada needs more housing, but building in existing neighbourhoods often faces strong local opposition. Could gentle density be a solution? In this episode of DemograFix, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt discuss how infill housing, form-based zoning, and streamlined regulations could help Canada build more family-friendly homes while balancing concerns about neighbourhood character, infrastructure, parking, and density. They also examine multiplex debates in Toronto and Calgary, and whether zoning reform and condo rules are limiting new homeownership opportunities. Topics covered: What is gentle density? Why Canada needs more family-friendly housing The fight over multiplexes and infill housing Toronto's sixplex debate Calgary's citywide upzoning rollback Form-based zoning explained Zoning vs. building code How standardized zoning could reduce red tape Parking, infrastructure, and neighbourhood concerns Creating more homeownership opportunities through gentle density Condo regulations and small-scale housing British Columbia's small-scale, multi-unit housing approach What Oregon is doing differently Should gentle density start with greenfield development? Can gentle density overcome NIMBY and YIMBY opposition? Chapters: 00:00 – Canada’s Housing Problem and the Case for Gentle Density 01:25 – The Three Ways Cities Can Build More Housing 03:00 – Why Multiplexes Face Local Opposition 04:35 – Toronto’s Controversial Station Road Eightplex 06:15 – Calgary’s Upzoning Rollback 07:30 – What Is Gentle Density? 08:20 – Objection #1: Buildings Are Too Tall 09:35 – Form-Based Zoning Explained 11:05 – Zoning vs. Building Codes 12:15 – Objection #2: Buildings Are Too Large 13:05 – Objection #3: Parking and Infrastructure 14:25 – Can Gentle Density Benefit Existing Homeowners? 16:10 – Tiny Homes and Pocket Neighbourhoods 17:25 – Does Density Mean More Rental Housing? 19:00 – Making Small-Scale Homeownership Easier 20:25 – What Canada Can Learn From B.C. and Oregon 21:45 – Where Should Gentle Density Start? 23:00 – Can Gentle Density Actually Get Political Support? 24:15 – NIMBYs vs. YIMBYs: Is Gentle Density Too Mild? 25:00 – Moving Beyond Arbitrary Unit Counts Research/links: MMI Gentle Density Report: https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/from-policy-gridlock-to-housing-growth NIMBYs will Fight Even the Gentlest of Density https://youtu.be/6WavljFV7fM?si=geir1FhAbhdgliv_ Nightmare on Craven Road: When Local Politics Derail Citywide Housing Goals https://youtu.be/qVQ4gQRnOss?si=RFywNBKZedLERiuj 2025 Statcan Study: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2025005/article/00003-eng.htm 2026 Statcan Study: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/46-28-0001/2026001/article/00002-eng.htm Toronto: https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/04/22/etobicoke-eightplex-site-mimico-residents-developer-toronto/ Calgary: https://calgary.citynews.ca/2026/04/22/calgary-federal-housing-funds/ Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Canada’s growing debt isn’t just a problem for governments; it could shape the future for younger generations. Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt explore how government debt, Old Age Security (OAS), and spending choices shift wealth between generations. They discuss whether wealthy seniors should receive full OAS benefits and how younger Canadians may be paying more through higher taxes, housing costs, and rising debt. While not all debt is harmful, borrowing for long-term investments like infrastructure, transit, housing, and energy can be beneficial, borrowing to sustain costly programs is more controversial and raises questions about long-term fiscal sustainability. The key question: Is Canada placing too much of the financial burden on younger generations? Topics covered: • Canada’s rising public debt and interest costs • Old Age Security (OAS) and wealthy seniors • Intergenerational wealth transfers • Why government debt is rarely fully “paid off” • Infrastructure investment vs. program spending • The Gordie Howe Bridge and public investment • Inflation, money creation, and debt • Housing, taxes, and affordability for younger Canadians • OAS reform and fiscal trade-offs Chapters: 01:28 OAS: The $100 Billion Problem Hiding in the Budget 02:09 Why Wealthy Seniors Still Get Old Age Security 03:28 When Government Debt Is Actually a Good Thing 05:29 Who Should Pay for Infrastructure That Lasts 100 Years? 06:00 The Gordie Howe Bridge and the Case for Government Debt 06:53 The Truth About How Government Debt Gets Paid Off 08:49 Why Canada’s Growing Debt Still Matters 09:16 How Government Debt Can Fuel Inflation 10:18 What Happens When Governments Can’t Borrow? 11:38 Why Deficits Are Especially Dangerous for OAS 12:08 Should Canada Cut Old Age Security? 13:10 Are Younger Canadians Giving Up on Canada? 13:58 There’s No Easy Way to Fix the Intergenerational Wealth Gap 14:55 Why Younger Canadians Want Lower Taxes 16:20 Why Tax Cuts Aren’t Fixing the Generational Divide 16:46 When Government Debt Makes Sense—and When It Doesn’t Research/Links: As Canada faces crippling debt, it must do the unpopular thing and cut elderly benefits https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-canada-debt-cut-elderly-benefits/ Scott Gallowy Short: https://youtube.com/shorts/PAAbLq1bJY0?si=9-Z06rW1H8tiQW-k Canadian taxpayers face up to $3,348 each in government debt interest https://www.wealthprofessional.ca/news/industry-news/canadian-taxpayers-face-up-to-3348-each-in-government-debt-interest/392762 The Burdens of borrowing: Government debt and intergenerational fairness https://www.if.org.uk/2025/01/28/the-burdens-of-borrowing-government-debt-and-intergenerational-fairness/ G7 debt is now a pressure point for anxious markets https://www.reuters.com/world/china/g7-debt-is-now-pressure-point-anxious-markets-2025-06-03/ The evolution of federal debt interest costs in Canada https://www.fraserinstitute.org/commentary/evolution-federal-debt-interest-costs-canada Canada’s combined federal-provincial government debt estimated to surpass $2.4 trillion in 2025/26 https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/growing-debt-burden-canadians-2026-edition Intergenerational Injustice in Canadian Public Finance https://www.gensqueeze.ca/intergenerational_injustice_in_canadian_public_finance Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Canada’s parental leave system was built for a workforce that no longer exists. As work and family life have changed, the policy hasn’t, leaving more parents without the support they need. In this episode of Classonomics, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt examine why Canada's parental leave system is increasingly out of step with today's workforce. They discuss how rising housing costs, stagnant income replacement, contract work, and outdated Employment Insurance rules are making it harder for Canadians to start or grow their families. The conversation explores why many parents, especially freelancers, self-employed workers, and those in the gig economy, struggle to qualify for benefits, how employer parental leave top-ups are disappearing, and what Canada can learn from Quebec's parental insurance plan and Finland's family-friendly reforms. Topics covered: Why Canada's fertility rate has reached a record low How EI parental leave actually works Why one-third of Canadian mothers don't qualify for paid parental leave The financial reality of taking parental leave today Housing costs and the affordability of raising children Why freelancers, contractors, and gig workers are left behind The decline of employer parental leave top-ups Quebec's parental leave model and its impact on fertility Finland's parental leave reforms and shared parenting Policy reforms that could make it easier for Canadians to have the families they want Chapters: 00:00 Why Canada's fertility rate hit a record low 00:49 How Canada's parental leave system actually works 02:42 Why Young Canadians Are Delaying Having Kids 04:18 The Hidden Financial Penalty of Parental Leave 06:32 Why 1 in 3 Mothers Can't Access Paid Leave 08:08 The Self-Employment Trap 10:02 Why Employer Parental Leave Benefits Are Shrinking 12:37 What Quebec Gets Right About Parental Leave 14:34 Finland's Family Policy Is Changing Fatherhood 16:28 How Canada Could Fix Parental Leave Research links: Statistics Canada -- Canada's total fertility rate reaches a new low in 2024: https://www.statcan.gc.ca/o1/en/plus/9140-canadas-total-fertility-rate-reaches-new-low-2024 Statistics Canada -- The Daily: Fertility and baby names, 2024: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250924/dq250924d-eng.htm The Hub / Cardus -- Stop dismissing falling fertility rates as a choice (2.2 children wanted stat): https://thehub.ca/2026/04/14/with-a-record-low-1-25-children-per-canadian-woman-stop-dismissing-falling-fertility-rates-as-a-choice/ Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives -- Support for parents in a post-pandemic world (EI reform; replacement rate, eligibility threshold proposals): https://www.policyalternatives.ca/news-research/support-for-parents-in-a-post-pandemic-world-options-for-enhancing-federal-maternity-and-parental-leave/ Policy Options / IRPP -- Parental leave benefits need to be more practical and equitable (1 in 4 self-employed stat; top-up decline): https://policyoptions.irpp.org/2024/05/parental-leave-equity/ PMC -- Policy and Fertility: A Case Study of the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan (peer-reviewed; fertility lift estimates): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11070327/ Yle News / Helsinki Times -- More fathers taking parental leave since Finland's 2022 law change: https://yle.fi/a/74-20162964 Fast Company -- Deloitte and Zoom cut parental leave and other benefits: https://www.fastcompany.com/91530300/deloitte-and-zoom-cut-parental-leave-and-other-benefits PMC -- Reconceptualizing Parental Leave Benefits in COVID-19 Canada: From Employment Policy to Care Policy (EI vs QPIP comparison; self-employed eligibility history): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8229861/ Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Many people assume Canada’s suburbs are destined to decline as Baby Boomers age and younger generations embrace urban living. But does the data actually support that? In this episode of DemograFix, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt examine new Statistics Canada research on how immigrants’ housing choices evolve over time. While most newcomers begin as renters in urban centres, the data shows many transition into homeownership, including family-sized homes in the suburbs, as they build their lives in Canada. They also test this prediction against several scenarios that could prove it wrong, including lower immigration, more family-sized housing in cities, rising emigration, and changing housing preferences. Chapters: 00:00 Why Everyone Got the Future of the Suburbs Wrong 00:27 Do Immigrants Actually Want Suburban Homes? 01:54 Why Newcomers Rent First—Then Buy Houses 04:33 Are Immigrants Buying Condos or Single-Family Homes? 06:56 Why Immigration Policy Shapes Housing Demand 08:03 Will Baby Boomers Flood the Market With Homes? 09:13 What Could Kill Demand for the Canadian Suburb? 10:28 Could Better Cities Replace the Suburbs? 12:04 Will Young Canadians Leave Instead of Buying Homes? 13:09 Is the Dream of a House With a Backyard Dying? 14:21 Does Canada's Housing Market Still Attract Immigrants? 17:54 Why People Buy Homes Even When It's a Bad Investment 19:15 The Housing Lesson Policymakers Keep Missing Research/links: Housing use of immigrants and non-permanent residents in ownership and rental markets https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/36-28-0001/2025005/article/00003-eng.htm The homeownership trajectories of recent immigrants https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/46-28-0001/2026001/article/00002-eng.htm Credits: Mike Moffatt https://twitter.com/MikePMoffatt https://bsky.app/profile/mikepmoffatt.bsky.social Cara Stern https://x.com/carastern https://bsky.app/profile/carastern.bsky.social Meredith Martin https://twitter.com/meredithmartin https://bsky.app/profile/meredithmartin.bsky.social Sean Foreman @seanegertonforeman https://bsky.app/profile/seanforeman.bsky.social Co-op Student Kelly Hoban Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Canada has spent decades trying to curb urban sprawl through policies like greenbelts, urban growth boundaries, and higher development charges, but what if those policies are having the opposite effect? In this episode, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux examine the rise of "leapfrog development," where families priced out of cities move beyond growth boundaries into neighbouring communities, leading to longer commutes, higher infrastructure costs, and even more sprawl. They explore real-world examples from Ottawa, London, and the Greater Toronto Area, discuss the research behind these trends, and ask whether it's time to rethink how Canadian cities grow. Topics covered: Why urban growth boundaries were created What leapfrog development is and why it matters How greenbelts and development charges affect housing affordability Why more families are moving outside city limits The Ottawa and Carleton Place case study Statistics Canada's commuting data and metro boundaries The relationship between housing costs, commuting, and emissions Why regional planning may work better than local planning Can cities reduce sprawl without pricing families out? Subscribe for more conversations on housing, affordability, economics, and public policy in Canada. #Housing #Canada #UrbanPlanning #HousingCrisis #RealEstate #Affordability #Greenbelt #UrbanSprawl #PublicPolicy #MissingMiddle Chapters: 00:00 Is the Greenbelt Actually Causing More Sprawl? 01:33 The "Strange Pattern" of Ontario's Development 03:11 How StatsCan Defines Metro Boundaries 05:07 The Rise of the "Commuter Village" 07:59 What is "Leapfrog Development" & Why Boundaries Fail 11:02 Why the Environmental Movement Refuses to Change Its Mind 12:51 Anti-Sprawl Politics: Virtue Signaling vs. Real Outcomes Research: Did Development Charges Cause Metro Ottawa to Grow by Over 1000km in Size? https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/did-development-charges-cause-metro Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Has having three kids become a status symbol in Canada? In this episode of DemograFix, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt explore why having three children has become a luxury for many middle-class Canadian families. From the cost of family-sized housing to childcare, career sacrifices, transportation, and the changing expectations placed on parents, they break down why so many families stop at two, even when they wanted more. The conversation also looks at Canadian and international research on fertility, Quebec's childcare experiment, why family-sized homes have almost disappeared from our cities, and what governments would actually need to change if they want Canadians to have the families they hope for. If you've ever wondered why three kids now feels like a status symbol, this episode explains the economics behind it. Topics covered: Why Canada's fertility rate has reached record lows Is a third child becoming a luxury good? How housing shortages shape family size Why family-sized homes are disappearing The hidden career costs of having children Does affordable childcare actually increase birth rates? Why cities are losing young families What policies could make raising larger families affordable again Chapters: 00:00 Why 3 Kids Are Becoming a Rich Person's Luxury 00:58 When Families Become Status Symbols 03:03 The Housing Crisis is Eliminating the Third Child 05:09 Canada Stopped Building Family Homes 06:28 The Big Childcare Problem 07:55 Does Cheap Childcare Actually Boost Birth Rates? 12:15 The Real Cost of a Third Baby 15:07 Families Are Being Forced Out of Cities 17:20 How Canada Could Make Three Kids Affordable Again Research/links: More Crowding, Fewer Babies: The Effects of Housing Density on Fertility | Institute for Family Studies https://ifstudies.org/blog/more-crowding-fewer-babies-the-effects-of-housing-density-on-fertility The ultimate status symbol? A big family https://www.ft.com/content/a4025e93-7552-4f8f-8ce2-e785a7d950a4?syn-25a6b1a6=1 Opinion | Three Kids? You Showoffs. - The Washington Post https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/opinions/2008/04/06/three-kids-you-showoffs/6b7952ed-4547-4f9b-ae9b-cd9d2f1d8aa0/ Why are some families with children leaving the inner city and other staying? https://www.scup.com/doi/10.18261/njus.2.1.2 Home Alone | Cardus https://www.cardus.ca/research/family/reports/home-alone/ Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Is 500,000 new homes a year really what Canada needs to solve the housing crisis? In this episode of the Missing Middle’s Classonomics Podcast, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux examine whether Canada's headline housing targets still make sense now that immigration has slowed and population growth has changed. They discuss why housing starts can be a misleading metric, why the type of housing being built matters just as much as the number of homes, and what governments should actually measure if the goal is restoring affordability. Topics covered: Why the 500,000-home target may no longer be necessary How immigration affects housing demand Why housing starts don't tell the full story The shortage of family-sized homes High-rise condos vs. townhomes and detached homes The hidden costs preventing more housing from being built What metrics governments should focus on instead of housing starts Can Canada restore middle-class housing affordability within a decade? Subscribe for more conversations on housing, affordability, economics, and public policy. Chapters: 00:00 - Does Canada Really Need 500,000 Homes a Year? 01:40 - Where Did the 500k Housing Starts Target Come From? 02:47 - The Metrics Governments Should Focus On Instead 04:11 - Balancing Housing Supply with Immigration Demand 05:21 - The Population Math: Why 500k is Overkill 06:40 - How Developers Bet on Future Immigration Policy 08:39 - Why the Type of Housing Matters (High-Rises vs. Townhomes) 10:12 - How Many Homes We Actually Need to Build 11:08 - Solving the Crisis by Lowering Construction Costs 13:04 - Will Baby Boomers Free Up Suburban Housing? Research/links The Impossible Trinity that Broke Canadian Housing https://open.substack.com/pub/missingmiddleinitiative/p/the-impossible-trinity-that-broke?utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web The Housing Trilemma: Why You Can't Afford a Home https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/the-housing-trilemma-why-you-cant Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

When a business faces a labour shortage, the free market says they should raise wages. So why is Canada’s government stepping in to make labour cheaper instead? In this episode of The Missing Middle, Cara Stern and Mike Moffatt dive into how Canada's low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program and the explosion of international student work caps have completely disrupted the laws of supply and demand. As Canadian youth face historic unemployment rates, we break down how corporate lobbying and government policy created a cheat code that insulates businesses from capitalism, while pushing young workers off the first rung of the career ladder. From the housing crisis in Alberta's mountain tourist towns to Tim Hortons' recent PR scramble, we expose the loop of corporate reliance on exploitable temporary labor and ask: how do we let the market actually fix itself? Topics covered: Canada's rising youth unemployment rate The Temporary Foreign Worker Program explained How international student work rules affect the job market Why labour shortages don't always mean there aren't enough workers Seasonal jobs, tourism, and staff housing The economics of wages, supply, and demand Tim Hortons and the TFW controversy Policy solutions to improve opportunities for young Canadians #Canada #YouthUnemployment #TemporaryForeignWorkers #Jobs #CanadianEconomy #LabourMarket #Economics #Immigration #PublicPolicy #MissingMiddle Chapters: 00:00 - The Free Market Myth in Canada 01:24 - Gen Z vs. Gen X: The Youth Unemployment Crisis 02:12 - Why Student Jobs Suddenly Vanished 03:32 - How the TFW Program Ballooned Over 50 Years 05:39 - The Corporate Lobbying Flipping Immigration Rules 07:11 - Debunking the Alberta "Labour Shortage" 09:47 - Why Canada Insulates Businesses From Capitalism 11:11 - What "Dirty Dancing" Teaches Us About Seasonal Housing 14:06 - The Dark Side of Temporary Work Regulations 16:02 - Exposing Tim Hortons' "Local Hiring" PR Spin 18:57 - How to Break the TFW Doom Loop Research/links: Tourist towns ‘desperate’ for workers in Alberta https://www.cp24.com/news/2026/03/28/i-have-to-find-at-least-35-people-before-june-1-worker-shortages-in-albertas-tourist-towns/ Tim Hortons says it will hire locals, scale back temporary foreign workers https://globalnews.ca/news/11863474/tim-hortons-temporary-foreign-workers/ Tim Hortons is Committed to Local Hiring Launching National Campaign to Hire 10,000 Local Team Members https://www.news.timhortons.ca/en/articles/tim-hortons-is-committed-to-local-hiring-launching-national-camp Youth unemployment in Canada jumped 57% in 3 years, hitting levels previously unseen outside a recession https://thehub.ca/2026/05/07/canadas-youth-unemployment-jumped-57-in-3-years-hit-unprecedented-jobless-levels-outside-recession-by-2025/ Youth unemployment in Canada near record highs since 2022; unprecedented levels outside of a recession https://www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/extraordinary-increase-youth-unemployment-canada https://www.fraserinstitute.org/sites/default/files/2026-04/extraordinary-increase-of-youth-unemployment-in-canada.pdf Temporary ForeignWorkers in Canada:Are They Really Filling Labour Shortages? https://cdhowe.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/commentary_407.pdf StatsCan: Drayton Valley statistical area sees lowest unemployment in Alberta at 4.9 per cent https://www.bigwestcountry.ca/2026/06/05/statscan-drayton-valley-statistical-area-sees-lowest-unemployment-in-alberta-at-4-9-per-cent/#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20latest%20Labour,5.3%20per%20cent%20in%20April Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Programs - The Canadian Encyclopedia https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/canadas-temporary-foreign-worker-programs Businesses face new limits on temporary foreign worker program https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/tfw-program-new-limits-1.7333777 3 problems with the temporary foreign worker program and 3 possible fixes, according to experts https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/temporary-foreign-worker-program-fixes-1.7633045 Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Why are so many young Canadian families leaving Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal? Even after return-to-office mandates, the exodus from Canada's largest cities continues. In this episode of Classonomics, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux explore the data behind Canada's urban migration trends and debate why affordability isn't the only factor driving people away. They discuss housing costs, crime and public safety, mental health, community, urban planning, and whether government policies are making sprawl even worse. Topics covered: Why Canadians are leaving the GTA, Metro Vancouver, and Montreal Why return-to-office hasn't reversed the trend Housing affordability and the shortage of family-sized homes Crime, public safety, and quality of life in big cities Mental health, community, and life satisfaction Urban growth boundaries, the Greenbelt, and sprawl Why smaller cities are attracting young families What policymakers are getting wrong about housing and urban planning Subscribe for more conversations on housing, economics, public policy, and the future of Canada. Chapters: 00:00 The Great Canadian Family Exodus 01:05 Mike's Biggest Prediction Miss 03:05 Why Millennials Are Leaving Cities 04:17 Is Toronto Becoming Too Chaotic? 06:22 Does Crime Make Families Move? 09:44 Are Small Towns Better for Mental Health? 11:57 Why Community Matters More Than Ever 14:32 It All Comes Back to Housing 15:35 The Greenbelt's Unintended Consequences 17:29 When Good Environmental Policy Goes Wrong 18:40 The Case for Evidence-Based Policy Research/links: Housing is a large part of the story. The OECD has examined this: https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/2025/05/oecd-economic-surveys-canada-2025_ee18a269/full-report/improving-housing-affordability_3d430d2e.html As has Statistics Canada: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/241119/dq241119b-eng.htm Remote Work and Employment Dynamics under COVID-19: Evidence from Canada https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7971424/ Upjohn Institute: https://www.upjohn.org/remote-works-quiet-impact-rural-communities C.D. Howe: https://cdhowe.org/publication/settling-new-normal-working-home-across-canada/ Social ties and quality of life, including lower rates of depression: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/75-006-x/2025002/article/00003-eng.htm https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20376426/ https://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-design/article-why-some-people-are-choosing-country-life-over-the-city/ Though evidence is nuanced: https://www.cmaj.ca/content/184/17/E889 Crime and disorder: https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/urban-violent-crime-report-comparing-crime-across-canadian-cities-volume-2/ https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/85-002-x/2025001/article/00005-eng.htm McDonald-Laurier Report: https://macdonaldlaurier.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Urban-Violent-Crime-Report_Final.pdf Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Thinking about taking parental leave in Canada? In this episode of DemograFix Cara Stern talks with Jasmine Steffler (from Walkable Parenthood and Oh The Urbanity!) about her experience navigating parental leave. From understanding benefits and income replacement to finding childcare, building community, and adjusting to life with a new baby, Cara and Jasmine know what it takes to grow a family in Canada. If you're expecting a child or planning a family, this conversation covers many of the practical questions parents have before taking leave: ✅ How parental leave and EI benefits work in Canada ✅ The difference between 12- and 18-month leave options ✅ Why Quebec's parental leave system is different ✅ How much income you can expect while on leave ✅ Finding daycare and understanding childcare costs ✅ Building community and avoiding isolation during leave ✅ Life with a baby in a walkable city without owning a car ✅ What we wish we knew before taking leave Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Canadian Parental Leave 00:48 Understanding Parental Leave Policies 02:29 Choosing the Length of Leave 02:51 The Quebec Parental Insurance Plan vs. Other Provinces 05:08 Navigating the Childcare System 06:15 Financial Challenges and Income Replacement 07:50 Walking and Cycling Without a Car 10:19 Finding Community During Parental Leave 12:50 Lessons Learned and Future Considerations 15:55 Traveling with a Young Child 16:49 Conclusion and Outro Research/links: The effect of leave policies on increasing fertility: a systematic review | Humanities and Social Sciences Communications https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-022-01270-w (PDF) Does Parental Leave Affect Fertility and Return-to-Work? Evidence from a "True Natural Experiment" https://www.researchgate.net/publication/5135837_Does_Parental_Leave_Affect_Fertility_and_Return-to-Work_Evidence_from_a_True_Natural_Experiment The Daily — Fertility and baby names, 2024 https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/250924/dq250924d-eng.htm Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

Happy Canada Day! In this special Canada Day episode of The Missing Middle Podcast , the team takes a break from focusing on Canada's challenges to share what makes them optimistic about the country's future. From housing reforms and immigration to education, community, nature, and Canadian values, each member reflects on what they love most about Canada and why they remain hopeful. Topics covered: Housing reform and recent progress on zoning and development charges Canada's sense of community and belonging Education affordability and student experiences Immigration and Canada's multicultural identity Nature, cities, and public spaces Canadian humour, humility, and culture Canadian values, civic engagement, and democracy Why constructive criticism is a form of patriotism What gives Canadians reason for optimism heading into the future What makes you optimistic about Canada? Let us know in the comments below. #CanadaDay #Canada #TheMissingMiddle #CanadaHousing #CanadianEconomy #CanadianValues Chapters: YouTube Chapters (8:52) 00:00 Why We're Talking About Optimism This Canada Day 00:40 Cara Stern: Summers, Housing & Reasons for Optimism 01:43 Sean Foreman: Canada's Secret Weapon is Humour 02:57 Kelly Hoban: An American's Perspective on Canada 03:52 Meredith Martin: Nature, Immigration & Hope 05:36 Sabrina Maddeaux: Canadian Values, Kindness & Common Sense 07:48 Mike Moffatt: Why Criticism Is Patriotism Research/Links: A History of Tommy Thompson Park https://trca.ca/news/tommy-thompson-park-history/ Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

For years, Canada's housing strategy focused on increasing the number of housing units built. But even during periods of record apartment construction, family-sized homes became increasingly scarce. In this episode of the Demografix, Mike Moffatt and Cara Stern unpack a major problem hidden inside Canada's housing statistics: the country is building fewer family-sized homes than it did 20 years ago. Why are three-bedroom homes becoming so difficult to find? Why are developers building more small condos instead of homes for families? And how do zoning rules, development charges, land shortages, and housing policies shape what gets built? The conversation explores: • Why housing "units" and housing "homes" are not the same thing • The dramatic decline in single-detached homes, semis, and townhouses • Why family-sized condos remain rare and expensive • How rising land costs and government policies affect housing supply • The connection between housing affordability and Canada's falling birth rate • Why many young families are leaving major cities • Policy solutions that could help create more family-friendly housing If Canada wants cities that work for young families, workers, and future generations, we need to start measuring success by more than just the number of housing units built. Chapters: 00:55 What Families Actually Need In A Home 02:00 Why Three-Bedroom Apartments Are So Rare 04:09 Why Condos Stop Making Sense For Families 05:00 Canada Is Building Fewer Family-Sized Homes 07:06 The Problem With Counting “Units” Instead Of Homes 09:03 Who Shoebox Condos Actually Work For 10:07 If Demand Is Strong, Why Aren’t Builders Responding? 12:14 Why The GTA Builds Fewer Family Homes 14:02 Urban Boundaries, Sprawl, And Long Commutes 15:16 Taxes And Fees That Favor McMansions 16:52 Why Developers Don’t Build Family-Sized Apartments 18:28 Housing Costs, Birth Rates, And Families Leaving Cities 22:05 How Canada Could Fix Family Housing Research/links: From Policy Gridlock to Housing Growth: A Roadmap for Gentle Density https://www.missingmiddleinitiative.ca/p/from-policy-gridlock-to-housing-growth Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is finally here and Canada is on a roll! But as the excitement builds on the pitch, we're asking the tough questions: will this massive event actually deliver the economic win that was promised? In this episode, Mike Moffatt and Sabrina Maddeaux dive into the real costs of hosting the world's biggest party. They break down the billion-dollar price tags, FIFA's business model, and whether taxpayers are getting stuck with the bill while others reap the rewards. (Producer note: This episode was recorded on June 5th, 2026.) Topics covered: The economics of hosting the FIFA World Cup Why economists question projected economic benefits Public spending on stadiums, security, and infrastructure Tourism displacement and local business impacts Housing, short-term rentals, and affordability concerns FIFA's revenue model and tax treatment Transit, traffic, and quality-of-life effects for residents Lessons from previous World Cup host countries Dynamic ticket pricing and the changing fan experience If you enjoy thoughtful discussions on housing, infrastructure, public policy, and the economic issues affecting Canada's middle class, subscribe for more episodes from The Missing Middle. Chapters: 00:00 The World Cup's Economic Myth 00:49 The Benefits Nobody Talks About 03:32 Can Hosting the World Cup Actually Lose Money? 05:11 Why More Tourists Doesn't Mean More Growth 07:00 Who's Really Paying the $1 Billion Bill? 08:23 FIFA's Billion-Dollar Business Model 09:19 Cities Pay, FIFA Profits 10:39 The Tax Breaks You Didn't Know About 12:27 The Hidden Costs for Residents 15:21 What Past World Cups Teach Us 17:07 Are These Games Worth the Price? 17:49 Why World Cup Tickets Are Exploding in Cost 19:22 The People's Game or a VIP Experience? Research: BMO Capital Markets -- Canada World Cup GDP boost (up to $6.5B): https://www.wealthprofessional.ca/news/industry-news/bmo-world-cup-2026-set-to-deliver-up-to-c65-billion-economic-boost-for-canada/392593 The World Cup is expensive, but it’s our turn to pick up the tab https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/article-the-world-cup-is-expensive-but-its-our-turn-to-pick-up-the-tab/ ProPublica -- 'You do, you pay, we take': how FIFA's host city deals work: https://www.propublica.org/article/world-cup-2026-host-cities-revenue-houston CBC -- FIFA/Deloitte economic impact assessment for Canada ($3.8B figure): https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/world-cup-2026-canada-fifa-economic-benefits-1.7406435 BNN Bloomberg -- Why economic impact on Vancouver and Toronto may never be known: https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/business/economics/2026/05/11/blind-side-why-world-cup-economic-impact-on-vancouver-and-toronto-may-never-be-known/ Bloomberg Tax -- FIFA 2026 World Cup tax demands on host countries: https://news.bloombergtax.com/tax-management-international/fifa-2026-world-cup-blows-the-whistle-on-complex-tax-risks CP24 -- Toronto holds transit fares steady; NJ Transit $48M bill; Boston $80 game-day fare: https://www.cp24.com/local/toronto/2026/04/16/toronto-will-not-hike-cost-of-transit-during-world-cup-as-other-host-cities-announce-big-fare-increases-to-venues/ ESPN -- World Cup ticket sticker shock and dynamic pricing: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48947095/2026-fifa-world-cup-sticker-shock-ugly-cost-beautiful-game-grand-event Victor Matheson / Holy Cross -- The Economics of the World Cup (academic; stadium white elephants, tourism overestimates): https://hcapps.holycross.edu/hcs/RePEc/hcx/HC1805-Matheson_WorldCup.pdf Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux Produced by Meredith Martin Funded by the Neptis Foundation https://neptis.org/