As birth rates fall and family formation grows increasingly fragile across the developed world, understanding the forces driving these trends has never been more urgent. In this episode of Inside Policy Talks, we explore the complex interplay of policy, culture, and economics shaping family life in Canada and the United States.
Patrick T. Brown, Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington and a leading voice on family policy, joins host Peter Copeland, Deputy Director of Domestic Policy at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute to discuss why marriage and fertility rates are declining, how tax and welfare systems affect families, and what lessons can be drawn from experiences on both sides of the border.
Brown shares insights and offers recommendations for policymakers seeking to support families and reverse demographic decline. He also addresses cultural shifts, economic pressures, and housing challenges influencing family decisions today.