Originally Posted by badger1

Fair enough; that is certainly a perspective, though one I don't share when it comes to goods etc. that are non-essential.

Building materials, on the other hand, are different. Up here, there is most definitely 'gouging' going on -- no other word for it -- in the home-build/repair industry and elsewhere. Lumber products are created from trees here -- all right here, from standing tree to finished lumber, including composites. A 6x8 sheet of outdoor-grade plywood that retailed for $20 Cdn last fall is now $90, but there are absolutely no supply issues even with increased demand. That is 'price gouging': if one needs to repair a roof or wall, one has no choice but to pay.

And with that I'm out!