Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
@benjaminwrites.bsky.social
Writer. My latest is The Art of Forgiveness, from @galleon-books.bsky.social, a collection of linked short stories about three boys growing up (roughly) in the suburbs outside Halifax. I also advocate for sustainable energy. https://chris-benjamin.ca
Pinned
today’s great big crowd at the Shoulder to Shoulder We Are All Treat People rally, appropriately in The Common. several powerful M i’kmaq water and land defenders spoke reminding Little Tommy who is boss!
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
New Year's Vol. 2
14/20 "New Year's Day"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=orHk...
Words by Bono, music by U2
#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
14/20 "New Year's Day"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=orHk...
Words by Bono, music by U2
#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
![And so we're told
This is the golden age
And gold is the reason
For the wars we wage
Though I want to be with you
Be with you night and day
Nothing changes
New Year's Day
U2
[shades of pale grey]](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:zwguxl6p6mezinzwm6ak3hee/bafkreic6qi5l24zz2qfk3s2hupotqjt7vwyzjwa55uwj4xbrfgysponjlu@jpeg)
January 1, 2026 at 8:22 PM
New Year's Vol. 2
14/20 "New Year's Day"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=orHk...
Words by Bono, music by U2
#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
14/20 "New Year's Day"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=orHk...
Words by Bono, music by U2
#MusicSky #folkmusic 🎶
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
In 2025 the USA's press freedom rating dropped to 65,
below Sierra Leone and Romania.
Canada dropped 4 points to 78.
Germany and Switzerland steady at 83.
Norway rose to the top spot at 92.
Billionaire media owners are bad for freedom in print and broadcasting.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_P...
below Sierra Leone and Romania.
Canada dropped 4 points to 78.
Germany and Switzerland steady at 83.
Norway rose to the top spot at 92.
Billionaire media owners are bad for freedom in print and broadcasting.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_P...
World Press Freedom Index - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
December 27, 2025 at 10:28 PM
In 2025 the USA's press freedom rating dropped to 65,
below Sierra Leone and Romania.
Canada dropped 4 points to 78.
Germany and Switzerland steady at 83.
Norway rose to the top spot at 92.
Billionaire media owners are bad for freedom in print and broadcasting.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_P...
below Sierra Leone and Romania.
Canada dropped 4 points to 78.
Germany and Switzerland steady at 83.
Norway rose to the top spot at 92.
Billionaire media owners are bad for freedom in print and broadcasting.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_P...
Yes it’s an extremely questionable claim to say the least
👀
HALIFAX — A former university president who oversaw the report that led to a decade-long ban on fracking in #NovaScotia is questioning the government’s claims that new natural gas development will lower emissions and energy prices.
www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/nov...
www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/nov...
December 23, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Yes it’s an extremely questionable claim to say the least
"These speculative short stories feel less far-fetched given the state of the world, but a small silver lining is the way that grim circumstances often imbue writing about the future with a sorely needed sense of buoyancy."
Hey, this is awesome! Many thanks to @thestar.com. DEVOURING TOMORROW is in awesome company!
More info here: www.dundurn.com/books_/t2211...
More info here: www.dundurn.com/books_/t2211...
December 21, 2025 at 4:36 PM
"These speculative short stories feel less far-fetched given the state of the world, but a small silver lining is the way that grim circumstances often imbue writing about the future with a sorely needed sense of buoyancy."
And also you @jeffdupuis.bsky.social!
Hey @agpasquella.bsky.social here's a nice Solstice Surprise, the book you edited, Devouring Tomorrow (in which my story "Food Fight" happens to appear) made @thestar.com's 20 fav fiction 2025 list! www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Our 20 favourite fiction books for 2025
Star contributors pick their top four in five different genres, from Emma Donoghue's disaster epic to S.A. Cosby's Southern noir.
www.thestar.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:17 PM
And also you @jeffdupuis.bsky.social!
Hey @agpasquella.bsky.social here's a nice Solstice Surprise, the book you edited, Devouring Tomorrow (in which my story "Food Fight" happens to appear) made @thestar.com's 20 fav fiction 2025 list! www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
Our 20 favourite fiction books for 2025
Star contributors pick their top four in five different genres, from Emma Donoghue's disaster epic to S.A. Cosby's Southern noir.
www.thestar.com
December 21, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Hey @agpasquella.bsky.social here's a nice Solstice Surprise, the book you edited, Devouring Tomorrow (in which my story "Food Fight" happens to appear) made @thestar.com's 20 fav fiction 2025 list! www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
This is great work @deadder.bsky.social
December 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
This is great work @deadder.bsky.social
sad and beautiful reflection On Rob Reiner from Wil Wheaton wilwheaton.net/2025/12/this...
this is such a painful loss. my heart is broken.
“The most important things are the hardest things to say. They are the things you get ashamed of, because words diminish them — words shrink things that seemed limitless when they were …
wilwheaton.net
December 15, 2025 at 10:35 PM
sad and beautiful reflection On Rob Reiner from Wil Wheaton wilwheaton.net/2025/12/this...
I get almost daily spam from people or bots promising to get my book the markets they deserve, make me a worldwide bestseller or sell countless copies to book clubs. Phishing i guess. it’s annoying as hell. But also I’m curious just how lucrative are authors’ egos proving themselves to be?
December 15, 2025 at 3:24 PM
I get almost daily spam from people or bots promising to get my book the markets they deserve, make me a worldwide bestseller or sell countless copies to book clubs. Phishing i guess. it’s annoying as hell. But also I’m curious just how lucrative are authors’ egos proving themselves to be?
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
Let the Nova Scotia government know what your budget priorities are--deadline is tmrw Dec 12th. No to austerity.Their $500 M tax cuts hardly helped those who need it the most and benefited too many who did not. More information on how to submit. #nspoli novascotia.ca/budget-engag...
Budget: engagement
The Government of Nova Scotia is preparing the 2026 to 2027 budget.
novascotia.ca
December 11, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Let the Nova Scotia government know what your budget priorities are--deadline is tmrw Dec 12th. No to austerity.Their $500 M tax cuts hardly helped those who need it the most and benefited too many who did not. More information on how to submit. #nspoli novascotia.ca/budget-engag...
been quiet on here. I know you’re all heartbroken about it. Lately i find if i got something to i say it at work. So…go raptors. The basketballers and the birds, both.
December 10, 2025 at 10:40 PM
been quiet on here. I know you’re all heartbroken about it. Lately i find if i got something to i say it at work. So…go raptors. The basketballers and the birds, both.
Somehow had missed this review of The Art of Forgiveness, along and collections by some of my favs Carol Bruneau, Amanda Peters, M.V. Feehan, and Sue Murtagh!
consumedbyink.ca/2025/05/12/n...
consumedbyink.ca/2025/05/12/n...
Nova Scotia Short Story Collections: Sue Murtagh, Carol Bruneau, Amanda Peters, Chris Benjamin, and M.V. Feehan
We’re Not Rich by Sue Murtagh (Nimbus Publishing) I loved this debut collection and wrote about it for The Seaboard Review earlier this year. Below is a short excerpt of my review. You can re…
consumedbyink.ca
December 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Somehow had missed this review of The Art of Forgiveness, along and collections by some of my favs Carol Bruneau, Amanda Peters, M.V. Feehan, and Sue Murtagh!
consumedbyink.ca/2025/05/12/n...
consumedbyink.ca/2025/05/12/n...
“…Inuit were receiving funding from the Hamlet Food Voucher Program (HFVP), which gave families $500 per month per child for food and an additional $250 per child under four for diapers.
In March of 2025, Indigenous Services Canada ended the program.”
In March of 2025, Indigenous Services Canada ended the program.”
“Some of them will say they never ate for how many days? I try not to get emotional. I get very sad, but I just try to keep my sadness in and try to help them in every way we can. I try to give leftovers to everyone.”
www.aptnnews.ca/featured/peo...
www.aptnnews.ca/featured/peo...
‘Having a hard time getting food’: Nunavut hunger crisis continues
‘People are having a hard time now getting food’: Nunavut hunger crisis continues as Indigenous Services Canada refuses to answer questions
www.aptnnews.ca
November 26, 2025 at 8:04 PM
“…Inuit were receiving funding from the Hamlet Food Voucher Program (HFVP), which gave families $500 per month per child for food and an additional $250 per child under four for diapers.
In March of 2025, Indigenous Services Canada ended the program.”
In March of 2025, Indigenous Services Canada ended the program.”
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
a (zoom) conversation between Renée Sarojini Saklikar and rob mclennan : December 7, 2025 / @ucalgarypress.bsky.social @nightwoodeditions.bsky.social @versefest-ottawa.bsky.social @canadianpoets.bsky.social ;
robmclennan.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-zo...
robmclennan.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-zo...
a (zoom) conversation between Renée Sarojini Saklikar and rob mclennan : December 7, 2025
a (zoom) conversation between Renée Sarojini Saklikar and rob mclennan on above/ground press in which they (also) each read from recent work...
robmclennan.blogspot.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:32 PM
a (zoom) conversation between Renée Sarojini Saklikar and rob mclennan : December 7, 2025 / @ucalgarypress.bsky.social @nightwoodeditions.bsky.social @versefest-ottawa.bsky.social @canadianpoets.bsky.social ;
robmclennan.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-zo...
robmclennan.blogspot.com/2025/11/a-zo...
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
The notwithstanding clause allows a province to make laws overriding parts of the charter of rights for five years.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
Notwithstanding clause in Alberta raises concerns from Assembly of First Nations | APTN News
YouTube video by APTN News
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 12:42 AM
The notwithstanding clause allows a province to make laws overriding parts of the charter of rights for five years.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
Energy efficiency is green ie good for the planet good for the bank account. Looking forward to this panel.
Join us for an engaging discussion on the financial benefits of energy-efficient building with industry experts.
🗓️ Wednesday, November 26
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 The Acadia Lunchbox, Wolfville
FREE In-person panel
✅ Registration: lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qraumc6
🗓️ Wednesday, November 26
⏰ 6:30–8:30 p.m.
📍 The Acadia Lunchbox, Wolfville
FREE In-person panel
✅ Registration: lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/qraumc6
November 24, 2025 at 12:44 PM
Energy efficiency is green ie good for the planet good for the bank account. Looking forward to this panel.
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
Across Atlantic Canada, journalism is shrinking. Newsrooms are closing, coverage is thinning, and vital local stories are disappearing. Donate today and support independent, local climate journalism in Atlantic Canada! www.climatestoriesatlantic.ca/donate
November 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Across Atlantic Canada, journalism is shrinking. Newsrooms are closing, coverage is thinning, and vital local stories are disappearing. Donate today and support independent, local climate journalism in Atlantic Canada! www.climatestoriesatlantic.ca/donate
This series of videos features four Mi’kmaq people sharing their journeys into working in the green sector.
“By prioritizing sustainable practices we can ensure that our land remains healthy and abundant for the next seven generations.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk0N...
“By prioritizing sustainable practices we can ensure that our land remains healthy and abundant for the next seven generations.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk0N...
Mi'kmaq Voices in Nova Scotia's Green Jobs Sector - Full Video
YouTube video by Ecology Action Centre
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 12:01 AM
This series of videos features four Mi’kmaq people sharing their journeys into working in the green sector.
“By prioritizing sustainable practices we can ensure that our land remains healthy and abundant for the next seven generations.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk0N...
“By prioritizing sustainable practices we can ensure that our land remains healthy and abundant for the next seven generations.” www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk0N...
Whether or not the gas plant was specifically planned for the data centre, data demand is skyrocketing (thanks in large part to AI) and gas is one is the most environmentally destructive ways to meet that demand.
psssst I have some snake oil to sell ya
N.B. Power says it’s not alarmed by the electricity needs of a proposed data centre in the Lorneville area of Saint John but will be looking for flexibility from such plants on their consumption. #NewBrunswick
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
N.B. Power says it’s not alarmed by the electricity needs of a proposed data centre in the Lorneville area of Saint John but will be looking for flexibility from such plants on their consumption. #NewBrunswick
www.cbc.ca/news/canada/...
N.B. Power wants flexibility from power-hungry data centres | CBC News
N.B. Power says it’s not alarmed by the electricity needs of a proposed data centre in the Lorneville area of Saint John but will be looking for flexibility from such centres on their consumption.
www.cbc.ca
November 20, 2025 at 3:37 PM
Whether or not the gas plant was specifically planned for the data centre, data demand is skyrocketing (thanks in large part to AI) and gas is one is the most environmentally destructive ways to meet that demand.
Public comments open for "renewable energy" project using 60 truckloads of biomass (trees) each day per day + 586 cubic metres of fresh water every hour www.newsbeep.com/ca/248499/
Public comment opens for renewable energy megaproject on Eastern Shore - Canada News Beep
A group that wants to build an industrial plant on the Eastern Shore to produce fuels out of hydrogen and biomass has filed for environmental assessment with
www.newsbeep.com
November 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM
Public comments open for "renewable energy" project using 60 truckloads of biomass (trees) each day per day + 586 cubic metres of fresh water every hour www.newsbeep.com/ca/248499/
Data centres are also a significant force of fucking up the climate. I have an alternative for you: renewable energy, east-west transition. Let's go! www.junonews.com/p/carney-cal...
Carney calls pipelines “boring,” touts data centres instead
Carney dismissed pipelines as “boring” in a Toronto speech, seemingly mocking concerns about new oil infrastructure while championing data centres and tech as the future of Canada’s economy.
www.junonews.com
November 17, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Data centres are also a significant force of fucking up the climate. I have an alternative for you: renewable energy, east-west transition. Let's go! www.junonews.com/p/carney-cal...
Seems that the cops and private hospitals killed folk singer Todd Snider. Brutal end for a great songwriter.
November 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Seems that the cops and private hospitals killed folk singer Todd Snider. Brutal end for a great songwriter.
Reposted by Chris Benjamin Nova Scotia Writer
“The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich. If this were just a climate crisis, we would fix it.” The climate crisis has collided with an epistemic crisis - a crisis in the production and delivery of knowledge.
-George Monbiot
-George Monbiot
Dark forces are preventing us fighting the climate crisis – by taking knowledge hostage | George Monbiot
The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich, says Guardian columnist George Monbiot
www.theguardian.com
November 16, 2025 at 12:57 PM
“The fundamental problem is this: that most of the means of communication are owned or influenced by the very rich. If this were just a climate crisis, we would fix it.” The climate crisis has collided with an epistemic crisis - a crisis in the production and delivery of knowledge.
-George Monbiot
-George Monbiot
today’s great big crowd at the Shoulder to Shoulder We Are All Treat People rally, appropriately in The Common. several powerful M i’kmaq water and land defenders spoke reminding Little Tommy who is boss!
November 15, 2025 at 9:08 PM
today’s great big crowd at the Shoulder to Shoulder We Are All Treat People rally, appropriately in The Common. several powerful M i’kmaq water and land defenders spoke reminding Little Tommy who is boss!
The first Christmas song i heard this year, just now, was “Last Christmas”. Isn’t that like seven Christmases of bad luck or something?
November 15, 2025 at 7:10 PM
The first Christmas song i heard this year, just now, was “Last Christmas”. Isn’t that like seven Christmases of bad luck or something?