Economic data indicate that Canadians who were well-off before the pandemic are benefiting, while those who had been marginalized are suffering, two UWindsor instructors argue in an opinion piece published Sunday in the Toronto Star newspaper.

“Research suggests that income inequality is reaching worrisome levels,” write economics professor emeritus Ron Meng and Imran Abdool, lecturer in economics and finance. “COVID-19 and its congruent economic crisis is an opportunity to implement key changes that will set Canada’s economic trajectory on the right path.”

They suggest three measures: a universal basic income with automatic stabilizers; high-quality, affordable child care; and a well-designed wealth tax.

“Any increase in government revenues could be used to shore-up our health-care system and its backlogged cases, or to keep our education system competitive — critical to our long-term prosperity.”

Read their entire piece, “Canada’s K-shaped recovery is deepening the lines between rich and poor. Here’s how we can shift our economy toward a fair outcome for all,” online.