Cara Stern
@carastern.bsky.social
Journalist
Obsessed with housing and the ongoing disappearance of the middle class.
Co-host for the Missing Middle podcast with Mike Moffatt
Former producer for The Agenda with Steve Paikin on TVO
Obsessed with housing and the ongoing disappearance of the middle class.
Co-host for the Missing Middle podcast with Mike Moffatt
Former producer for The Agenda with Steve Paikin on TVO
I'm back! After spending 10 months ranting to my infant about home prices and getting as much interest as politicians did when I first covered it, it's nice to talk to someone with a bit more knowledge and interest again.
Today on the Missing Middle!
Today on the Missing Middle!
Why Rent Control Might Be Hurting the People It’s Meant to Help
Host Cara Stern is back from parental leave, and she and Mike are jumping right into one of the most debated topics in housing policy — rent control. Inspired by Zohran Mamdani's campaign rent freeze proposal, they dig into how these rules shape the housing market, not just for landlords and tenants
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM
I'm back! After spending 10 months ranting to my infant about home prices and getting as much interest as politicians did when I first covered it, it's nice to talk to someone with a bit more knowledge and interest again.
Today on the Missing Middle!
Today on the Missing Middle!
Lots of people claim Canada's housing crisis is really a global issue. But turns out: It is, in fact, made in Canada.
Today on the Missing Middle podcast, we compare Canada’s record to other OECD countries (spoiler: it’s not flattering).
Today on the Missing Middle podcast, we compare Canada’s record to other OECD countries (spoiler: it’s not flattering).
November 5, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Lots of people claim Canada's housing crisis is really a global issue. But turns out: It is, in fact, made in Canada.
Today on the Missing Middle podcast, we compare Canada’s record to other OECD countries (spoiler: it’s not flattering).
Today on the Missing Middle podcast, we compare Canada’s record to other OECD countries (spoiler: it’s not flattering).
Toronto's garden suite reforms have only produced 143 units since 2022. It's mind-blowing, considering the city's housing crisis, and it's time to fight back. @meredithmartin.bsky.social would like to see some housing advocates attend the council meeting on Oct. 22 to fight for progress.
October 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Toronto's garden suite reforms have only produced 143 units since 2022. It's mind-blowing, considering the city's housing crisis, and it's time to fight back. @meredithmartin.bsky.social would like to see some housing advocates attend the council meeting on Oct. 22 to fight for progress.
Reposted by Cara Stern
Today's Missing Middle: @carastern and I talk to @VassB and @denisehearn_ about corporate consolidation, the kayfabe nature of grocery store product competition and their new book 'The Big Fix'.
Episode is free, as always, on YouTube: youtu.be/Uz5DkpZPH2k
Episode is free, as always, on YouTube: youtu.be/Uz5DkpZPH2k
January 8, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Today's Missing Middle: @carastern and I talk to @VassB and @denisehearn_ about corporate consolidation, the kayfabe nature of grocery store product competition and their new book 'The Big Fix'.
Episode is free, as always, on YouTube: youtu.be/Uz5DkpZPH2k
Episode is free, as always, on YouTube: youtu.be/Uz5DkpZPH2k
Reposted by Cara Stern
The New Year's Mail Bag episode is up! Tune in to hear @MikePMoffatt, @carastern & I answer viewer questions that were collected throughout the year. Thank you to our *amazing* audience, you sent us some really thoughtful ones, it's been so much fun going through them all!
youtu.be/8GcwswauU3Q
youtu.be/8GcwswauU3Q
January 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
The New Year's Mail Bag episode is up! Tune in to hear @MikePMoffatt, @carastern & I answer viewer questions that were collected throughout the year. Thank you to our *amazing* audience, you sent us some really thoughtful ones, it's been so much fun going through them all!
youtu.be/8GcwswauU3Q
youtu.be/8GcwswauU3Q
Reposted by Cara Stern
On today's episode of the Missing Middle @carastern & I got to ask a question that's been bugging us for a long time: Are @MikePMoffatt & @andrew_leech friends? It then turned into a discussion about who is meaner, economists or journalists ;)
January 1, 2025 at 6:01 PM
On today's episode of the Missing Middle @carastern & I got to ask a question that's been bugging us for a long time: Are @MikePMoffatt & @andrew_leech friends? It then turned into a discussion about who is meaner, economists or journalists ;)
Reposted by Cara Stern
Today is the Missing Middle's first-ever AMA! Join @MikePMoffatt, @carastern, and me as we answer smart and interesting questions from our amazing audience. Happy Holidays! #CDNpoli
youtu.be/8JoLbEDTpzE...
youtu.be/8JoLbEDTpzE...
December 25, 2024 at 3:18 PM
Today is the Missing Middle's first-ever AMA! Join @MikePMoffatt, @carastern, and me as we answer smart and interesting questions from our amazing audience. Happy Holidays! #CDNpoli
youtu.be/8JoLbEDTpzE...
youtu.be/8JoLbEDTpzE...
With holiday dinners coming up, you know there's a good chance you're gonna be arguing politics with someone, and probably about the economy.
Sabrina Maddeaux and I've got facts to get you ready, and we go up against this bizarro version of @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
youtu.be/HAbc1I7OIkk
Sabrina Maddeaux and I've got facts to get you ready, and we go up against this bizarro version of @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
youtu.be/HAbc1I7OIkk
How to Argue About Housing at Your Holiday Dinner
YouTube video by Missing Middle Podcast
youtu.be
December 18, 2024 at 3:20 PM
With holiday dinners coming up, you know there's a good chance you're gonna be arguing politics with someone, and probably about the economy.
Sabrina Maddeaux and I've got facts to get you ready, and we go up against this bizarro version of @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
youtu.be/HAbc1I7OIkk
Sabrina Maddeaux and I've got facts to get you ready, and we go up against this bizarro version of @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social
youtu.be/HAbc1I7OIkk
I'm thrilled to announce that the incredible Sabrina Maddeaux is going to fill in for me on the Missing Middle podcast while I'm on mat leave.
She hosts today's episode about millennials as the jackpot generation. She'll take over fully in the new year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmfD...
She hosts today's episode about millennials as the jackpot generation. She'll take over fully in the new year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmfD...
Boomer Wealth Won't Save Millennials
YouTube video by Missing Middle Podcast
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2024 at 2:52 PM
I'm thrilled to announce that the incredible Sabrina Maddeaux is going to fill in for me on the Missing Middle podcast while I'm on mat leave.
She hosts today's episode about millennials as the jackpot generation. She'll take over fully in the new year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmfD...
She hosts today's episode about millennials as the jackpot generation. She'll take over fully in the new year.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmfD...
Grateful to Not Just Bikes for making what is essentially a mini doc about how Doug Ford is trying to distract from his incompetence on transit, among many other of his provincial responsibilities.
That's what the bike lane distraction is really about.
Worth the watch.
youtu.be/KgFCQ7jEZxI?...
That's what the bike lane distraction is really about.
Worth the watch.
youtu.be/KgFCQ7jEZxI?...
The World's Dumbest Bike Lane Law Just Passed in Canada
YouTube video by Not Just Bikes
youtu.be
December 10, 2024 at 7:56 PM
Grateful to Not Just Bikes for making what is essentially a mini doc about how Doug Ford is trying to distract from his incompetence on transit, among many other of his provincial responsibilities.
That's what the bike lane distraction is really about.
Worth the watch.
youtu.be/KgFCQ7jEZxI?...
That's what the bike lane distraction is really about.
Worth the watch.
youtu.be/KgFCQ7jEZxI?...
Reposted by Cara Stern
The people yearn for pedestrian streets
December 9, 2024 at 3:45 AM
The people yearn for pedestrian streets
This is a really great pick. He did impressive work in his previous role in Hamilton, and I'm so excited to see what he'll be able to accomplish in Toronto!
Congrats @jasonthorne.bsky.social!
Congrats @jasonthorne.bsky.social!
Toronto’s new chief planner is @jasonthorne.bsky.social !
December 6, 2024 at 2:56 PM
This is a really great pick. He did impressive work in his previous role in Hamilton, and I'm so excited to see what he'll be able to accomplish in Toronto!
Congrats @jasonthorne.bsky.social!
Congrats @jasonthorne.bsky.social!
I've been finding the narrative around the GST holiday fixing a "vibecession" incredibly offensive. It feels like our governments, economists and academics are gaslighting us when they say it's just perception.
We need to rethink how we talk about and measure the economy.
We need to rethink how we talk about and measure the economy.
December 5, 2024 at 7:52 PM
I've been finding the narrative around the GST holiday fixing a "vibecession" incredibly offensive. It feels like our governments, economists and academics are gaslighting us when they say it's just perception.
We need to rethink how we talk about and measure the economy.
We need to rethink how we talk about and measure the economy.
Reposted by Cara Stern
In this episode of the Missing Middle Podcast,
@carastern.bsky.social and @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social discuss the economic absurdity of the election bribe schemes from the Ford and Trudeau governments and the unequal impacts of inflation in affecting Canadians' life affordability.
t.co/1hBBwZMHK9
@carastern.bsky.social and @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social discuss the economic absurdity of the election bribe schemes from the Ford and Trudeau governments and the unequal impacts of inflation in affecting Canadians' life affordability.
t.co/1hBBwZMHK9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdK7y-0ledE&t=1482s
t.co
December 4, 2024 at 7:23 PM
In this episode of the Missing Middle Podcast,
@carastern.bsky.social and @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social discuss the economic absurdity of the election bribe schemes from the Ford and Trudeau governments and the unequal impacts of inflation in affecting Canadians' life affordability.
t.co/1hBBwZMHK9
@carastern.bsky.social and @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social discuss the economic absurdity of the election bribe schemes from the Ford and Trudeau governments and the unequal impacts of inflation in affecting Canadians' life affordability.
t.co/1hBBwZMHK9
Reposted by Cara Stern
I don’t want a $250 cheque I just want to afford a 500 sqft one bedroom
December 4, 2024 at 4:19 PM
I don’t want a $250 cheque I just want to afford a 500 sqft one bedroom
Reposted by Cara Stern
I guess a vibecession is where young ppl are struggling to live but seniors are still thriving
December 4, 2024 at 4:18 PM
I guess a vibecession is where young ppl are struggling to live but seniors are still thriving
Reposted by Cara Stern
Completely agree with Cara’s frustration in this episode. When I graduated undergrad in 2023 the job market was bad and now I’m graduating with my masters and the job market has just gotten worse. All I want as a young person is to get a job where I can afford the COL
Check out the full episode of today's Missing Middle podcast where @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social & @carastern.bsky.social ern.bsky.social discuss the so-called Vibecession, gov rebate cheques, GST holiday & how it's an intergenerational wealth transfer from the young to the old youtu.be/ZdK7y-0ledE?...
We Can't Afford a GST Holiday
YouTube video by Missing Middle Podcast
youtu.be
December 4, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Completely agree with Cara’s frustration in this episode. When I graduated undergrad in 2023 the job market was bad and now I’m graduating with my masters and the job market has just gotten worse. All I want as a young person is to get a job where I can afford the COL
Reposted by Cara Stern
Check out the full episode of today's Missing Middle podcast where @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social & @carastern.bsky.social ern.bsky.social discuss the so-called Vibecession, gov rebate cheques, GST holiday & how it's an intergenerational wealth transfer from the young to the old youtu.be/ZdK7y-0ledE?...
We Can't Afford a GST Holiday
YouTube video by Missing Middle Podcast
youtu.be
December 4, 2024 at 3:19 PM
Check out the full episode of today's Missing Middle podcast where @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social & @carastern.bsky.social ern.bsky.social discuss the so-called Vibecession, gov rebate cheques, GST holiday & how it's an intergenerational wealth transfer from the young to the old youtu.be/ZdK7y-0ledE?...
I'm genuinely trying to understand why he's on pace for another majority. If you care about respect for taxpayers, this party ain't it.
Life has become so much less affordable under this govt, and services are much worse. I'd truly like to know: What's the draw for so many?
Life has become so much less affordable under this govt, and services are much worse. I'd truly like to know: What's the draw for so many?
Ontario Place redevelopment now estimated at $2.2-billion as Auditor-General notes ‘irregular’ bid process: The audit concludes that the process used to select Therme for the Ontario Place site was not ‘fair, transparent or accountable to all participants’ as required by the province’s own rules…
Ontario Place redevelopment now estimated at $2.2-billion as Auditor-General notes ‘irregular’ bid process
The audit concludes that the process used to select Therme for the Ontario Place site was not ‘fair, transparent or accountable to all participants’ as required by the province’s own rules for real estate transactions
www.theglobeandmail.com
December 3, 2024 at 5:17 PM
I'm genuinely trying to understand why he's on pace for another majority. If you care about respect for taxpayers, this party ain't it.
Life has become so much less affordable under this govt, and services are much worse. I'd truly like to know: What's the draw for so many?
Life has become so much less affordable under this govt, and services are much worse. I'd truly like to know: What's the draw for so many?
This is why it's so disappointing that Doug Ford is abdicating responsibility on the housing file.
There's no "local context" that should justify low density near subway stations. If environmental concerns, we can work around them, but right now it sounds like code for "rich people don't want it".
There's no "local context" that should justify low density near subway stations. If environmental concerns, we can work around them, but right now it sounds like code for "rich people don't want it".
Toronto planning staff report: “The BC approach has less regard for the local context”
YES THATS THE POINT YOU DINGUS
YES THATS THE POINT YOU DINGUS
Also, staff have finally delivered a report on the merits of BC-style transit-oriented development policy, only half a year late.
In a report that has foundational errors and unfair comparisons, staff conclude that all is well with how they're currently doing it.
In a report that has foundational errors and unfair comparisons, staff conclude that all is well with how they're currently doing it.
November 28, 2024 at 6:00 PM
This is why it's so disappointing that Doug Ford is abdicating responsibility on the housing file.
There's no "local context" that should justify low density near subway stations. If environmental concerns, we can work around them, but right now it sounds like code for "rich people don't want it".
There's no "local context" that should justify low density near subway stations. If environmental concerns, we can work around them, but right now it sounds like code for "rich people don't want it".
And remember, these numbers are for commutes for all of Toronto (so not including non-commute travel), including places that have zero safe bike lanes. If we narrow in proximity to bike lanes, it goes way up.
NEW REPORT: Number of people who commute by bicycle in #Toronto is *triple* what Doug Ford's Conservatives claim.
They use outdated data to justify ripping out bike lanes.
Good way to distract from Greenbelt scandal, failure to build transit, highway expansions.
www.thestar.com/politics/pro...
They use outdated data to justify ripping out bike lanes.
Good way to distract from Greenbelt scandal, failure to build transit, highway expansions.
www.thestar.com/politics/pro...
The number of cyclists commuting in Toronto is triple what Doug Ford claims, latest transportation study reveals
An unreleased $6.2-million study obtained by the Star reveals more Torontonians cycle than Doug Ford has claimed in his crusade to restrict bike lanes.
www.thestar.com
November 28, 2024 at 2:19 PM
And remember, these numbers are for commutes for all of Toronto (so not including non-commute travel), including places that have zero safe bike lanes. If we narrow in proximity to bike lanes, it goes way up.
Reposted by Cara Stern
Ontario sucks at building homes. Quebec and B.C. are much better at it. @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social & @carastern.bsky.social discuss why on today's episode of Missing Middle
November 27, 2024 at 8:54 PM
Ontario sucks at building homes. Quebec and B.C. are much better at it. @mikepmoffatt.bsky.social & @carastern.bsky.social discuss why on today's episode of Missing Middle
There are lots of provinces in Canada that aren't great at getting homes built, but Ontario is uniquely terrible at it.
We talk about what makes Ontario so bad at it. And yes, it's a lot of policy choices. It doesn't have to be this way!
youtu.be/yP5R0gTRlnQ
We talk about what makes Ontario so bad at it. And yes, it's a lot of policy choices. It doesn't have to be this way!
youtu.be/yP5R0gTRlnQ
November 27, 2024 at 2:57 PM
There are lots of provinces in Canada that aren't great at getting homes built, but Ontario is uniquely terrible at it.
We talk about what makes Ontario so bad at it. And yes, it's a lot of policy choices. It doesn't have to be this way!
youtu.be/yP5R0gTRlnQ
We talk about what makes Ontario so bad at it. And yes, it's a lot of policy choices. It doesn't have to be this way!
youtu.be/yP5R0gTRlnQ
"It’s time to call out these policies for what they are: distractions that undermine our future. Canadians deserve better."
@ericlombardi.bsky.social nails it in this article. These populist bribes are horrible for our economy.
thehub.ca/2024/11/26/e...
@ericlombardi.bsky.social nails it in this article. These populist bribes are horrible for our economy.
thehub.ca/2024/11/26/e...
Eric Lombardi: Your bribe is in the mail—Trudeau and Ford’s populist gimmicks play Canadians for fools
Cynical gambits demonstrate the disdain Canadian elites have for the public's intelligence. They may be right.
thehub.ca
November 26, 2024 at 4:26 PM
"It’s time to call out these policies for what they are: distractions that undermine our future. Canadians deserve better."
@ericlombardi.bsky.social nails it in this article. These populist bribes are horrible for our economy.
thehub.ca/2024/11/26/e...
@ericlombardi.bsky.social nails it in this article. These populist bribes are horrible for our economy.
thehub.ca/2024/11/26/e...