Canada’s National Housing Strategy is the federal government’s main plan for tackling housing affordability. The strategy expires in 2027. If it isn’t renewed, federal housing spending will drop by more than half. Gen Squeeze founder, Dr. Paul Kershaw unpacks what’s at stake and why a housing system that works for the next generation can’t be built on ever-rising home prices for the last.

Canada’s Armed Forces have reportedly begun modelling responses to a U.S. invasion. Among the ideas said to be under consideration is a civil defence corps – potentially a million residents trained and organized to strengthen national resilience. Before we ask Millennials and Gen Z to shoulder yet another obligation of national service, we must acknowledge the many ways we already oblige them to sacrifice. We must also ask older Canadians to reciprocate by rebuilding fiscal policy to be fair across generations, and future-oriented.

Most gains from economic growth today flow to prioritiestied to older Canadians — retirement income support (Old Age Security) and medical care — leaving less for housing, child care, post-secondary education, and climate action. This is happening even as younger Canadians pay more income tax to support seniors than boomers did when they were younger.

In this episode of Hard Truths Pod, Generation Squeeze founderDr. Paul Kershaw explains why essential services — like health care, education, and child care — should remain universal at the point of entry and why cash subsidies (like Old Age Security) work best when they’re targeted based on need, not just age.