This is a well-written and informative story that includes some good facts and examples that illustrate the writer's points. Pluses include the data and other information on how Canada has handled its deficit, immigration, and employment. Especially interesting is the reminder of the problems Canada had in the 1990's and what the government did to alleviate them. The story is also written in a balanced way even though the thrust is favorable to how Canada has handled things. However, it could be strengthened by including a few more specifics, such as just how the provinces handled the cuts to social spending and how much of a pinch was felt by its people. Finally, although I read this story with great interest--and admiration at how Canada has averted the worst of the current economic problems, I'm a liberal and like the kind of system Canada has. In the U.S., many conservatives will dismiss this story without even thinking about the information because they disagree so completely with Canada's underlying philosophy of society. It should persuade people to take a second look, but I'm afraid it won't, and maybe there's not much the writer could do to change that.