I am old enough to remember when “service” stations actually provided service. I could shop for gasoline, a uniform product, where it was being sold at the lowest price. At some point, society acquiesced in allowing these retails to fix a uniform price and then brag about their collusion by advertising it on large roadside signs.
When I owned my first car, I could not only find the most competitive price but service stations actually provided service. They competed by providing free service, such as pumping the gas, checking my oil and tires, providing maps and information, and cleaning my windshield. Now we have bored attendants sitting in booths watching customers pump their own fuel and paying by card on the never-never.
Why do we allow ourselves to have our pockets picked while still pretending that Canada is a land where we enjoy free competition?
James Loughery
Prince George
