REGINA – The government and the opposition are once more at loggerheads over the issue of AI data centres in the province.
This week the NDP has been on the offensive regarding the Moose Jaw AI data centre project. Last year Carpere Valley Development Corporation, rebranded as Aztec, had announced plans to build a 150 megawatt AI data centre on the land of the former Valley View Centre. But that proposal, which has gone to City Hall, has drawn concerns from the public, with one resident launching a petition outlining concerns about the project.
In a news release Friday, NDP Trade and Export Development critic Kim Breckner blasted a lack of consultation on the Moose Jaw project, as well as the Bell AI Data Centre in the RM of Sherwood.
“The Sask. Party has failed to demonstrate that the data centre under construction in the Rural Municipality of Sherwood and the proposed data centre in Moose Jaw, create a long-term net benefit for the people of this province,” Breckner said in a statement.
“Further, they have failed to explain why these projects have not been subject to an environmental assessment. They have also failed to release detailed power consumption agreements to address fears that Saskatchewan residents could be on the hook for increased power costs. They have failed to consult with the public and have ignored thousands of concerned residents in Moose Jaw.“
Breckner also said that their letters, questions in Estimates, questions in Question Period, and Freedom of Information requests on data centres “have all been blocked or gone unanswered by the Sask. Party Government.”
“But we will not stop bringing forward your concerns. We will continue to demand answers and ensure your voice is heard,” said Breckner, who pointed to a new petition up on the NDP website at www.saskndp.ca/mjdatacentre.
The statement from the NDP drew scorn from the Sask Party government.
“At a time when jurisdictions across North America are competing for major private-sector investment, the NDP is predictably campaigning against projects that have the potential to create jobs and grow Saskatchewan’s economy,” the government responded in a statement.
“Our government will continue to support investment, backed by Saskatchewan’s regulatory processes, because we believe that Saskatchewan should be open for business.”
