We Canadians are too inclined to take comfort from observing that wealth and income disparities here are significantly less than those in the US.  Oxfam's report is a timely reminder that such disparities exist and are growing in Canada.

Further, faced with the nature, depth and extent of social Darwinian changes that are likely to be instituted in the US under the new GOP hold on power, we need to be wary of the implied demand that Canada institute similar measures in order to remain economic competitive and how such measures will increase Canadian domestic disparities.

Canadians need to not only oppose the adoption here of such measures but also devise and institute reforms to our economy and society that will both narrow domestic disparities and strengthen our economy.   Doing this will be challenging but it must be done with urgency, intelligence and wisdom collectively.