Local resident says price differences on masks unfair to those who need them most
By GILLIAN SLADE on December 1, 2020.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade A local resident says some stores are taking advantage of people needing face masks and that price gouging is taking place. Gordon Robertson says he went to a convenience store because he was in a hurry and needed a face mask. The store was selling a pack of five blue/white disposable face masks for $16.95. He was shocked and dismayed. He then was able to find the same face masks in a pack of 50 for $21 at a local supermarket. Robertson says the convenience store was selling them at a mark-up of more than 140 per cent compared to the grocery store and that is “price gouging.” While he had a vehicle to drive to a supermarket there are many people who do not have that option and are obliged to pay the convenience store price. They can least afford it, said Robertson. “It is true that convenience stores sometimes charge a premium for products,” said Steve Buick, spokesperson for Alberta Health. “Albertans are able to shop around for best price.” Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress Medicine Hat, says that a government’s job is to create a competitive, free market. “Many Alberta manufacturers found an opportunity to stay in business and pay their employees by manufacturing masks and personal protective equipment,” he said. Perhaps now more than ever before there are ways to determine who has the best price on something you need to buy and where the bargains are to be found, said Barnes. This can dictate where people shop and ultimately influence the prices that stores charge. Buick notes that earlier in the pandemic there were shortages of face masks but there is an ample supply today. There is also a wider range of both disposable and re-useable masks. Alberta Health also has guidance on how to make your own mask. (see link below) In the summer the provincial government provided free face masks through a number of drive-thru restaurant locations, though that promotion has since ended. Buick says Albertans can report any prices that seem unreasonable to the Report-a-Ripoff line at 1-877-427-4088. https://www.alberta.ca/masks.aspx 15-14
