It’s interesting to hear the Alberta government invoke “democracy” over the separation referendum. Minister Demetrios Nicolaides defends invoking the notwithstanding clause in the education dispute as the only option. But when students walked out to support teachers, he scoffed.

So which is it? Are collective bargaining, the right to strike, and the right to protest not also democratic rights? Democracy isn’t a word to reach for only when it’s convenient. Minister Nicolaides has a PhD in political science; perhaps he should revisit that principle before using the term so freely.

David Considine, Spruce Grove

Some have suggested that cancelling the provincial gas tax is pointless as after an initial drop, the greedy gas stations would raise prices again. Prices will indeed fluctuate again. Where I judge the drop is when I drive into Saskatchewan. When Alberta, in the past, had no tax, gas was usually 10 cents cheaper here than in Saskatchewan.

After Alberta started a fuel tax, the price became about the same. So, even if prices increase again but stay about 10 cents lower than in Saskatchewan, I would know we are benefiting from the Alberta fuel-tax removal.

Norman Gee, Edmonton

“Why I won’t wear an Oilers shirt” is OK as a headline; it helps us navigate back to this piece. But if we want to let the story wake us up, as we should, I suggest Christie Esau’s line near the end where, unfortunately, many readers will miss it: “Just another safe haven for harmful men?” is the headline that can empower change, that compels us to expect better.

Lloyd Lovatt, Edmonton

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