Gas prices move same way at the same time
Jack Knox might be correct in suggesting that drivers in Greater Victoria are now oblivious to the rise and fall of gas prices. Who would not be when they are inexplicable?
No one can explain why every gas station in Victoria charges exactly the same price per litre and they all change their prices in tandem. If this is not a cartel, what is? And where is the Competition Bureau to put a stop to it?
David Collins
Victoria
We are so numb, we are not speaking up
Jack Knox suggests that a reason we aren’t more upset about higher gas prices is because we are overwhelmed with thoughts of COVID-19 vaccines.
Perhaps that’s true: However, I also think that as a society, we are becoming more and more numbed.
Perhaps we have lost our will to confront injustices like skyrocketing prices because we are too busy watching for arrows on the floor, putting our masks on and sanitizing our hands.
Have our lives been reduced to focusing on those simple and necessary tasks that we are losing sight of the bigger picture and speaking up for what is right and just?
Are we losing our ability to think independently?
Lia Fraser
Victoria
Wilson’s coach company deserves our support
When I heard the Wilson’s bus company was in jeopardy, I was sure our B.C. government would simply step in to help, but after hearing they are not getting a response from our government I was surprised.
As a resident who has taken advantage of the Wilson service to travel back and forth to Vancouver, I am saddened that we will lose this service, plus the loss of this service to remote areas of B.C.
If this is not a serious issue, I really don’t know why the federal government would help the airlines.
Wilson’s offers people of remote areas an essential service for basic life needs.
They offer a resident like myself the ability to take a car off the road that would only sit in a hotel parking lot during a stay, as a car in downtown Vancouver is not necessary.
They get you back to the Tsawwassen ferry faster than a car can, and are a stress-free green alternative.
They also offer an amazing service to the Vancouver airport from the ferry for Islanders who need to save money on an expensive flight from Victoria to Vancouver.
Not to mention jobs.
My experience with this company was exceptional. I want to know what to do to save it. They deserve our help.
Dorothy Pearson
Cordova Bay
No blanket statements about drug addiction
The letter blaming families for drug addiction is a sad throwback to the Nancy Reagan era.
Addiction is not that simple (as families of alcoholics have known for centuries). People fall into addiction in a variety of ways and many come from lovely families.
I agree in that poverty in childhood can lead to undesirable outcomes (which is often not the fault of the family), but to make a blanket statement that this is the ultimate cause of addiction is naive and foolish.
Deborah Crawford
Victoria
Yes, you miss family. No, you shouldn’t travel
My response to the article on the U.K. man hoping to travel to Vancouver Island on compassionate grounds?
NO! NO NO NO!
Many of us are suffering from the same situation. I have not seen my mother in two years and she is turning 92 this week. Fortunately, she is in assisted living and is well cared for. However she has no family nearby and her friends have all died and she is alone. I miss her terribly.
I live in an area of low numbers for COVID-19 and she lives in an area of low numbers for COVID-19, and yet I would not take that risk — nor should I.
It is a sad situation for all of us for many reasons, but the risk is too great — you cannot grant an exception to one at the expense of so many.
Leonard Krog, mayor of Nanaimo, put it succinctly: “We should all bear the restrictions.”
Terri Stark
Courtenay
After abdicating, Isitt should resign
Re: “Councillor’s multi-tasking during meeting causes friction,” Feb. 2.
Victoria Coun. Ben Isitt stated “there was a contractor on site and I considered that I would follow the meeting.”
I’m sure Isitt’s constituents are happy knowing he merely “follows” important city council meetings as opposed to being an active participant, which he is paid to do.
Isitt’s reasoning for abdicating his duties is nothing short of poppycock and demonstrates his absolute lack of concern for his elected position or his constituents.
In this regard, Isitt must resign.
Marty vanLeuken
Victoria
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