Vancouver Sun letters to the editor for Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2019
Credit to Author: Gordon Clark| Date: Thu, 12 Sep 2019 01:00:09 +0000
People often argue that the regular price changes of gasoline retailers is proof of price gouging. This is a misconception and displays a lack of understanding of how the industry operates.
1) All industries routinely vary their prices. For example: Boxing Week, Black Friday, or times when the demand is high. However, with commodities like gas, the changes are more frequent — weekly rather than yearly. Regarding price gouging, only the average profit margins over the long run matters.
2) Gas retailers change their prices regularly because people are (unsurprisingly) different. Some people are very price sensitive and always look for the best deal. Others are price insensitive and will buy their gas regardless of the price. By varying prices regularly the gas retailers make high profit margins on those who are price insensitive, and on the rest through higher volumes. If everyone were the same there would be no benefit to the weekly price changes.
So for those who are price sensitive, this offers the opportunity to buy gas at a lower price at the expense of those who are price insensitive. If regulators were to prevent these various pricing patterns, those who are price sensitive will end up paying more on average. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
Sasha Coad, Vancouver
The recent release of a Canadian auto insurance cost comparison indicates that B.C. drivers are paying roughly an additional $650 per year over the Canadian average.
A Google search indicates 3.7 million vehicles registered in B.C., at $650 per year, equals $2.4 billion for what appears to be no added value. Adding the $1.1-billion ICBC loss last year, totals $3.5 billion lost in one year. To put this into perspective, two massive health care projects in the Metro Vancouver area, St. Paul’s and Royal Columbian, will likely take about five years to complete could be paid in full, based on current estimates with only one year of insurance overpayment.
That $3.5 billion over a four-year provincial government term is $14 billion. For a competent B.C. government, I believe there is an easy fix for this enormous waste.
John Ritchie, Penticton
I cannot believe how radically undemocratic some influential people think. Brexit was voted by a clear majority to take place with no conditions. That means with “no deal” if necessary — not “maybe”.
I feel for the British people having to correct an error of choosing to join the EU in a system that promotes global control. They obviously hadn’t thought out the consequences, the difference between globalism and nationalism, the wealthy elite being in control versus the working, taxpaying lower to middle class. Also, one’s destiny being decided by voters a continent away isn’t democratic.
Unfortunately now, to get back control of their own destiny/freedom, the discomfort of separation will need to be faced. But if the possibility of no-deal Brexit is eliminated, Britain’s bargaining position deteriorates significantly. The voters knew that when they authorized a no-deal Brexit.
The globalists are a strong influence and don’t have Britain’s best interests at heart. Fortunately, there are many friendly nations poised to cooperate with Britain should they choose the difficult, right path when deciding their future.
Len Birarda, West Vancouver
The one startling thing I’ve learned from the whole ride-sharing debate is that taxi drivers have extra training and education in safe driving. I never would have known.
Peter Van Rienen, Vancouver
Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart talks too much and does too little. Listening to him, you are given the impression that there is nothing the city can do about the housing crisis. Any fool could tell him that the answer is to build housing.
Every time I drive past the 2400 Auto Court on Kingsway I remark at the city’s incompetence. Vancouver has owned that old motel for years. It occupies a prime location and could be redeveloped into three high-rise apartment buildings. Why doesn’t something happen on this site? How about a straight answer for a change, Mr. Mayor?
Garth Evans, Vancouver
Letters to the editor should be sent to sunletters@vancouversun.com. The editorial pages editor is Gordon Clark, who can be reached at gclark@postmedia.com.
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