Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
@benmacleod.bsky.social
Hong Kong / Halifax, urban & transportation things
Pinned
Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
@benmacleod.bsky.social
· Feb 26
![A screenshot of a letter that reads: Good morning. Thank you council and staff for the opportunity to speak. My name is Ben MacLeod and I live in Halifax.
As you all know, the Strategic Priorities Plan set out the municipality’s priorities and values. It was drafted in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and it outlines how some of council’s priorities translate to action against the pandemic. For instance, the plan states that Corporate Safety will “play a key role in responding to COVID-19” by helping business units develop “effective workplace safety plans [and] safe work practices”.
I spoke on the same topic during last year’s meeting.
I stated that COVID-19 remains a workplace safety issue that the municipality is failing to mitigate, contrary to the commitments to safety outlined in the Strategic Priorities Plan as well as the municipality’s obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. I also stated that the municipality, in failing to provide safe and healthy work environments, also fails fundamentally to deliver on its commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Since then, Human Resources has told me that the municipality still does not have any COVID-19 mitigation in place. In other words, nothing has improved, so I make my plea again today.
According to the Strategic Priorities Plan, evidence-based decision making is one of the municipality’s key values. What is the evidence driving the municipality’s policies on COVID?
The World Health Organization stresses that the pandemic has not ended. COVID-19 continues to widely circulate, kill, and disable.
COVID is not benign. It has been linked to a host of ailments affecting practically all human organ systems. Even mild cases can have long-term consequences. Repeated infections do cumulative damage. With each infection, you roll the dice. There is no cure for Long COVID.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:xwlgxzjlrxt3tnmmevc53fqe/bafkreicdqm3cjoh63u5fyaty6hio6igg3ga2n26z6qjdk5axo7cvpy3zoa@jpeg)
this morning, I spoke to Halifax regional council on workplace safety, diversity, and inclusion (again)
"Staff had to turn away one individual who suffered a stroke"
N.S. patients waited for more than 70 hours in the ER for hospital admission: MLA | CBC News
Paul Wozney says he received a blunt assessment of an overcrowded emergency room where he was told some patients had been waiting over 70 hours.
www.cbc.ca
November 6, 2025 at 10:49 PM
"Staff had to turn away one individual who suffered a stroke"
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
The long-running ideological war on libraries, education, and government workers is not separate from AI boosterism. It is the same ideological war on human knowledge and expertise. In some cases AI is being used to directly supercharge this effort:
www.404media.co/ai-is-superc...
www.404media.co/ai-is-superc...
AI Is Supercharging the War on Libraries, Education, and Human Knowledge
"Fascism and AI, whether or not they have the same goals, they sure are working to accelerate one another."
www.404media.co
November 6, 2025 at 4:21 PM
The long-running ideological war on libraries, education, and government workers is not separate from AI boosterism. It is the same ideological war on human knowledge and expertise. In some cases AI is being used to directly supercharge this effort:
www.404media.co/ai-is-superc...
www.404media.co/ai-is-superc...
In many places, these covenants banning multi-unit housing served to perpetuate exclusion and class segregation after racially discriminatory clauses became unenforcable. They continue to keep apartment dwellers out of some of Halifax's most walkable, centrally located neighbourhoods.
As Halifax deals with a housing crisis, some of the wealthiest Haligonians have a different concern. Residents of some south-end peninsula neighbourhoods are concerned about “losing single-family density”
(Aside: I would definitely not call these the “final” hurdles to development)
(Aside: I would definitely not call these the “final” hurdles to development)
Halifax has removed the final hurdle to development in some areas — and neighbours are fighting back | CBC News
A wealthy Halifax neighbourhood with tree-lined streets and grand homes on the Northwest Arm has become one of the latest battlegrounds in the city’s push to build more housing.
www.cbc.ca
November 4, 2025 at 5:38 PM
In many places, these covenants banning multi-unit housing served to perpetuate exclusion and class segregation after racially discriminatory clauses became unenforcable. They continue to keep apartment dwellers out of some of Halifax's most walkable, centrally located neighbourhoods.
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
“a global insurance firm that analyzes mortality risk pegged the # of excess deaths at 2% above the pre-pandemic annual mortality rate…that’s 120K unanticipated dead people per year in North America. That’s roughly 2 fully loaded standard commercial jets crashing & killing everyone aboard each day.”
This Physicist Says We Don’t Take COVID Seriously Enough | The Tyee
We downplay the virus at our peril, warns Yaneer Bar-Yam. And children are more at risk than we thought.
thetyee.ca
November 2, 2025 at 5:50 PM
“a global insurance firm that analyzes mortality risk pegged the # of excess deaths at 2% above the pre-pandemic annual mortality rate…that’s 120K unanticipated dead people per year in North America. That’s roughly 2 fully loaded standard commercial jets crashing & killing everyone aboard each day.”
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
It’s honestly wild how few townhomes exist that aren’t right near a highway. We force every bit of density right next to noise and pollution, and keep the quiet areas reserved for the rich who can afford detached houses.
I can’t emphasize enough how ridiculously inequitable & regressive this is
I can’t emphasize enough how ridiculously inequitable & regressive this is
October 31, 2025 at 8:27 PM
It’s honestly wild how few townhomes exist that aren’t right near a highway. We force every bit of density right next to noise and pollution, and keep the quiet areas reserved for the rich who can afford detached houses.
I can’t emphasize enough how ridiculously inequitable & regressive this is
I can’t emphasize enough how ridiculously inequitable & regressive this is
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
Yong people are broke bc they buy Starbucks daily ($42)
Became
bc they buy avocado toast in a sitdown restaurant weekly ($20)
Became
bc of a weekly to-go pastry ($6)
Will soon be
You're broke bc you buy one non-gruel item EVERY month
Even the inequality-absolving caricature is shrinkflating
Became
bc they buy avocado toast in a sitdown restaurant weekly ($20)
Became
bc of a weekly to-go pastry ($6)
Will soon be
You're broke bc you buy one non-gruel item EVERY month
Even the inequality-absolving caricature is shrinkflating
“At the same time, more than half of Gen Z members say they are struggling to make ends meet, yet a majority buy themselves a small treat, such as a pastry, coffee, or sweet, at least once a week. That can lead to overspending…”
archive.ph/2TI8J
archive.ph/2TI8J
October 31, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Yong people are broke bc they buy Starbucks daily ($42)
Became
bc they buy avocado toast in a sitdown restaurant weekly ($20)
Became
bc of a weekly to-go pastry ($6)
Will soon be
You're broke bc you buy one non-gruel item EVERY month
Even the inequality-absolving caricature is shrinkflating
Became
bc they buy avocado toast in a sitdown restaurant weekly ($20)
Became
bc of a weekly to-go pastry ($6)
Will soon be
You're broke bc you buy one non-gruel item EVERY month
Even the inequality-absolving caricature is shrinkflating
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
I'm starting to fill out the AI survey. I don't think this is going to go well.
October 31, 2025 at 4:11 PM
I'm starting to fill out the AI survey. I don't think this is going to go well.
Last day to complete the Canadian government's very bad survey on AI
October 31, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Last day to complete the Canadian government's very bad survey on AI
Anyone who has tried to walk to Africville knows this house. For a mere $3,900/month, enjoy life between Halifax's principal container truck route and a rail yard. Fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of marine industry. Keep abreast of the latest trends in highway-adjacent billboard advertising.
October 31, 2025 at 12:51 AM
Anyone who has tried to walk to Africville knows this house. For a mere $3,900/month, enjoy life between Halifax's principal container truck route and a rail yard. Fall asleep to the relaxing sounds of marine industry. Keep abreast of the latest trends in highway-adjacent billboard advertising.
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
We got to test ride the Brunswick st bike lanes this evening on our Halloween #CriticalMass ride. Very fresh pavement, quite wide! Smooth rolling!
Brunswick Street, downtown Halifax – the old painted bike lanes are gone, replaced with a wide, bidirectional protected bikeway that looks not far from completion. 🚲 #BikeHfx
October 31, 2025 at 12:20 AM
We got to test ride the Brunswick st bike lanes this evening on our Halloween #CriticalMass ride. Very fresh pavement, quite wide! Smooth rolling!
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
Ummm what in the world
Halifax police officer charged following probe into sale of stolen bicycles | CBC News
A Halifax Regional Police constable is facing four criminal charges following an investigation by Nova Scotia’s police watchdog into allegations that stolen bicycles and other property were being sold...
www.cbc.ca
October 29, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Ummm what in the world
Poilievre's best allies are Liberals who still don't genuinely accept or care that the status quo has been crushing for so many people, and – in merely attacking Poilievre in certain contexts – help make housing affordability and generational inequity seem like mainly Conservative issues of concern
That's something our political leaders need to grasp and address honestly. The liberals need to get that anxiety and even anger is what the Cons are tapping into. I know too many younger people between 20-35 who are conservative supporters because they feel the liberals are out of touch .
October 29, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Poilievre's best allies are Liberals who still don't genuinely accept or care that the status quo has been crushing for so many people, and – in merely attacking Poilievre in certain contexts – help make housing affordability and generational inequity seem like mainly Conservative issues of concern
Primaris REIT, which owns Halifax Shopping Centre, has submitted new development plans that encompass Halifax Transit's overcrowded Mumford terminal.
The plans call for an expanded, at-grade bus terminal rather than the underground design proposed by the mall's previous owner. (1/5)
The plans call for an expanded, at-grade bus terminal rather than the underground design proposed by the mall's previous owner. (1/5)
October 29, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Primaris REIT, which owns Halifax Shopping Centre, has submitted new development plans that encompass Halifax Transit's overcrowded Mumford terminal.
The plans call for an expanded, at-grade bus terminal rather than the underground design proposed by the mall's previous owner. (1/5)
The plans call for an expanded, at-grade bus terminal rather than the underground design proposed by the mall's previous owner. (1/5)
"Haifang Huang, a University of Alberta economics professor who co-authored the working paper, ranked countries by the change in life satisfaction among young adults.
... Canada shows up near the very bottom, ahead of just four others – Jordan, Venezuela, Lebanon and Afghanistan."
... Canada shows up near the very bottom, ahead of just four others – Jordan, Venezuela, Lebanon and Afghanistan."
The kids may not be ok...."Canada has fallen far in the global rankings of happy nations. Young people, suspecting our vision of the good life is unattainable, are exploring other options" www.theglobeandmail.com/life/social-... #cdnpoli
Young Canadians’ happiness has nosedived. They’re coping by redefining a meaningful life
Economic hardship and the climate crisis have forced young adults to reshape their ideas of a successful life
www.theglobeandmail.com
October 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
"Haifang Huang, a University of Alberta economics professor who co-authored the working paper, ranked countries by the change in life satisfaction among young adults.
... Canada shows up near the very bottom, ahead of just four others – Jordan, Venezuela, Lebanon and Afghanistan."
... Canada shows up near the very bottom, ahead of just four others – Jordan, Venezuela, Lebanon and Afghanistan."
Clean indoor air should be a basic right guaranteed by legislation. Poor ventilation is common, invisible, and public awareness of the health impact is low.
Here's a CO2 reading from a medical clinic (!) in Halifax yesterday:
Here's a CO2 reading from a medical clinic (!) in Halifax yesterday:
October 24, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Clean indoor air should be a basic right guaranteed by legislation. Poor ventilation is common, invisible, and public awareness of the health impact is low.
Here's a CO2 reading from a medical clinic (!) in Halifax yesterday:
Here's a CO2 reading from a medical clinic (!) in Halifax yesterday:
Brunswick Street, downtown Halifax – the old painted bike lanes are gone, replaced with a wide, bidirectional protected bikeway that looks not far from completion. 🚲 #BikeHfx
October 23, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Brunswick Street, downtown Halifax – the old painted bike lanes are gone, replaced with a wide, bidirectional protected bikeway that looks not far from completion. 🚲 #BikeHfx
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
Providing clean indoor air is proven to be an uncomplicated net benefit for all of us than using so-called "AI", yet guess which one you'll find being promoted in our schools right now 🫠
Still waiting for clean air in N.S. schools
Commentary by @sujo.bsky.social
Commentary by @sujo.bsky.social
Still waiting for clean air in N.S. schools - Halifax Examiner
Why are we letting our children breathe contaminated air, when there are proven solutions?
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
October 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Providing clean indoor air is proven to be an uncomplicated net benefit for all of us than using so-called "AI", yet guess which one you'll find being promoted in our schools right now 🫠
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
Long Covid Is Real — And It’s Changing an Entire Generation
Hundreds of thousands of kids in America are struggling with an illness that many doctors and schools refuse to recognize.e
Feature: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Hundreds of thousands of kids in America are struggling with an illness that many doctors and schools refuse to recognize.e
Feature: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
October 16, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Long Covid Is Real — And It’s Changing an Entire Generation
Hundreds of thousands of kids in America are struggling with an illness that many doctors and schools refuse to recognize.e
Feature: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Hundreds of thousands of kids in America are struggling with an illness that many doctors and schools refuse to recognize.e
Feature: www.rollingstone.com/culture/cult...
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
“Nova Scotia residents can no longer file complaints about their municipal elected officials, a move one advocate calls ‘dangerously undemocratic.’”
Nova Scotia removes public’s ability to complain about municipal politicians | CBC News
Nova Scotia residents can no longer file complaints about their municipal elected officials, a move one advocate calls “dangerously undemocratic.”
www.cbc.ca
October 16, 2025 at 9:13 AM
“Nova Scotia residents can no longer file complaints about their municipal elected officials, a move one advocate calls ‘dangerously undemocratic.’”
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
At the District 8 town hall last week, Mayor Andy Fillmore said there is a phase two to the AAA bike lane network that will cost $65 million. He said that money was on top of the $100 million for the network.
I did some fact checking. Here's the story:
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
I did some fact checking. Here's the story:
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
Fact Checking Fillmore: Mayor told town hall Halifax's bike lane network will cost $165 million - Halifax Examiner
At a recent town hall, Andy Fillmore said there's a phase two to the AAA bike lane network that will cost an extra $65 million. But that's not correct.
www.halifaxexaminer.ca
October 15, 2025 at 12:07 PM
At the District 8 town hall last week, Mayor Andy Fillmore said there is a phase two to the AAA bike lane network that will cost $65 million. He said that money was on top of the $100 million for the network.
I did some fact checking. Here's the story:
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
I did some fact checking. Here's the story:
www.halifaxexaminer.ca/government/c...
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
Street by street, the Cogswell District is coming to life. New parks, art, multi-use paths and roadways are taking shape — and we’re on track for substantial completion by the end of the year. Catch up on the latest milestones: www.halifax.ca/about-halifa...
October 15, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Street by street, the Cogswell District is coming to life. New parks, art, multi-use paths and roadways are taking shape — and we’re on track for substantial completion by the end of the year. Catch up on the latest milestones: www.halifax.ca/about-halifa...
Reposted by Ben MacLeod 馬志斌
A well written article on Canada's version of San Francisco's Angel Island. Early 1900s US & Canadian immigration policy had many racist similarities, causing Asian immigrants being detained for long periods of time.
While the building in Victoria no longer exists, Angel Island is a museum today.
While the building in Victoria no longer exists, Angel Island is a museum today.
New Wikipedia article, hot off the presses
(with thanks to @sschwinghamer.bsky.social and others at Pier 21 for already publishing a comprehensive piece about Victoria, BC's immigration facilities, which I have linked to in the footnotes)
(with thanks to @sschwinghamer.bsky.social and others at Pier 21 for already publishing a comprehensive piece about Victoria, BC's immigration facilities, which I have linked to in the footnotes)
Immigration Building - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
October 14, 2025 at 3:40 PM
A well written article on Canada's version of San Francisco's Angel Island. Early 1900s US & Canadian immigration policy had many racist similarities, causing Asian immigrants being detained for long periods of time.
While the building in Victoria no longer exists, Angel Island is a museum today.
While the building in Victoria no longer exists, Angel Island is a museum today.
New Wikipedia article, hot off the presses
(with thanks to @sschwinghamer.bsky.social and others at Pier 21 for already publishing a comprehensive piece about Victoria, BC's immigration facilities, which I have linked to in the footnotes)
(with thanks to @sschwinghamer.bsky.social and others at Pier 21 for already publishing a comprehensive piece about Victoria, BC's immigration facilities, which I have linked to in the footnotes)
Immigration Building - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
October 14, 2025 at 3:08 PM
New Wikipedia article, hot off the presses
(with thanks to @sschwinghamer.bsky.social and others at Pier 21 for already publishing a comprehensive piece about Victoria, BC's immigration facilities, which I have linked to in the footnotes)
(with thanks to @sschwinghamer.bsky.social and others at Pier 21 for already publishing a comprehensive piece about Victoria, BC's immigration facilities, which I have linked to in the footnotes)
Canadians – If you have some time this long weekend, fill out this godawful government survey on AI, which itself seems to have been written by AI trained exclusively on buzzword-laden LinkedIn posts.
Canadians: The federal government is seeking public input on how AI should be developed and used in business, research, and the military.
If this scares the shit out of you, please let them know:
If this scares the shit out of you, please let them know:
Help define the next chapter of Canada's AI leadership
Current status: Open from October 1 to October 31, 2025
Canada helped invent modern AI. To stay a leader—and protect our digital sovereignty—we're running a 30-day national sprint to shape a renewed...
ised-isde.canada.ca
October 12, 2025 at 3:49 PM
Canadians – If you have some time this long weekend, fill out this godawful government survey on AI, which itself seems to have been written by AI trained exclusively on buzzword-laden LinkedIn posts.
Any day spent at the archives is a good one
October 11, 2025 at 1:39 AM
Any day spent at the archives is a good one