Weekly Round-Up -- June 4th, 2026

Good morning! This week Dave sits down with economist Benjamin Tal for a wide-ranging discussion on the forces shaping Canada’s economic future. From housing affordability and construction challenges to productivity, immigration, inflation and the growing gap between Canada and the U.S., Benjamin offers thoughtful insights into some of the biggest issues facing the country today. If you've been trying to make sense of where Canada is headed, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Also this week, we're thrilled with the response to Project FLIP (Financial Literacy Improves Productivity). Executives, business owners and HR departments from across the country have been reaching out to learn how they can provide the audiobook version of "The Wealthy Barber” to employees at an incredibly low cost. The goal is simple: help reduce financial stress and improve productivity.

If you're interested in bringing Project FLIP to your company, send us a direct message or email [email protected]. The feedback so far has been fantastic, and we genuinely believe it can make a meaningful difference for both employees and employers.

PODCAST
Benjamin Tal: The State of Canada’s Housing and Economy Market in 2026

Our guest this episode is Benjamin Tal — Managing Director and Deputy Chief Economist at CIBC Capital Markets. Benjamin has spent over two decades publishing CIBC's influential "In Focus" research, has been recognized by the International Monetary Fund as a leading expert on Canada's real estate market and has testified before Parliamentary committees on the country's most pressing economic issues.

In this episode, Dave and Benjamin dive into the state of Canada's economy heading into 2026. They break down what's gone wrong with Canada's real estate market, evaluate recent central bank decisions and unpack the impact of GST/HST relief and development charges on housing supply. Benjamin also explains the structural shift toward a rental culture in Canada and why rent control has been so disastrous for affordability.

The conversation also explores the widening productivity gap between Canada and the U.S. in the AI era and the possibility of universal income guarantees on the horizon. Along the way, Benjamin shares his perspective on monopolies and limited competition in Canadian industry, the overwhelming red tape facing small businesses, the real effects of immigration on the market and why CPI calculations may be understating the true cost of living.

Whether you're a homeowner, an investor or simply trying to make sense of where Canada's economy is heading, this episode is packed with sharp, data-driven insights from one of the country's most trusted economists. Tune in now on our website, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all other podcasting platforms!

ESTATE PLANNING
5 Tips to Handle Awkward Estate Planning Conversations

⏪Throwback Thursday: Estate planning advice people rarely talk about: how to tell someone they’re not your executor.

“Tips on dealing with a very awkward conversation.”

Project FLIP: Helping Employees Across Canada

Executives and HR departments across Canada are reaching out about Project FLIP to help reduce employee financial stress at an incredibly low cost.

Interested for your company? Reach out through direct messages or email [email protected].

RETIREMENT PLANNING
The Four Categories of Lump-Sum Expenses in Retirement

Robb Engen talks about the four categories of retirement expenses many people forget to budget for.

REAL ESTATE
Canada’s Broken Housing Market & How to Fix It

Benjamin Tal explains why Canada’s housing market remains broken — even after prices have fallen.

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